Blackjack is one of the most played casino games of all time and as such, it is no wonder that it can be found in most brick and mortar casinos as well as online. Its interesting nature and gameplay are among the things that attract a number of players globally. It is a game of skills and luck, meaning that in order to win it, gamblers need to apply a reliable strategy and follow it throughout the game.
Blackjack, just like most casino games, has its own unique terms that are used during the course of the game. In order to be able to play it properly, players need to get familiar with them. Knowing the most commonly used terms is just as important as having a reliable strategy or money management skills. It is essential to be acquainted with the game’s glossary in order to be able to fully understand it and follow the gaming process properly. Therefore, let’s have a look at some of the most important terms which every player should learn before playing.
Blackjack Glossary
When it comes to blackjack, one of the first things that players should get familiar with is the possible moves they can make for each hand. It is also essential to know all of the additional terms that are used during the gaming process as this way, players will be able to fully understand the rest of the participants and all of the things they are referring to. By knowing the proper name for a particular situation or hand, players also show that they are truly dedicated to playing blackjack.
Hit
To draw an extra card.
Draw
Another way to indicate the move hit.
Twist
Another name for the move hit in one of the famous variations of blackjack Pontoon.
Double Down
To make the original bet twice as much.
Stand
To continue the game without drawing any extra cards.
Split
To split a pair that consists of two equally ranked cards in order to make two separate hands.
Insurance
To place a side bet that will pay out in case the dealer has blackjack.
Surrender
To give up a losing hand in order to retain half of the original bet.
Early Surrender
To give up a hand before the dealer checks for blackjack
Late Surrender
To give up a hand after the dealer checked for blackjack
Dealer
The person who represents the casino and who is responsible for dealing the cards and conducting the game
House Edge
It is measured in percentage and it is used to indicate the built-in advantage the casinos have
House
Another word for a casino
Pit Boss
A representative of the casino who strictly monitors the tables for any forbidden activity
Hole Card
This is the face down card of the dealer which players cannot see
Up Card
This is the up card of the dealer which can be seen from all of the players
Face Cards
The cards that have pictures on them -Jacks, Kings and Queens.
Soft Total
A hand that consists of an Ace that is valued as eleven.
Hard Total
The opposite of a soft total – a hard total is a hand that contains no Ace or a hand in which the Ace is counted as one.
Stiff Hand
A hand whose total value is between 12 to 16 and that will exceed 21 if players decide to hit.
Push
Also commonly known among blackjack players as tie – it is a situation in which the dealer and the players have the same total and in such cases there is no winner
Blackjack
The highest winning hand in the game which is comprised of an Ace and a 10-valued card.
Twenty-One
Another name for blackjack
Deck
Fifty-two playing cards form one deck
Deck Penetration
This term refers to the number of packs used in the game before the cards are shuffled together
Multiple Deck Game
A game that features several packs of cards, in most cases six or eight
Shuffle
The random manner in which the cards are mixed by the dealer
Shoe
A box on the table in which are placed the decks
Shoe Game
A game in which the cards are dealt from a shoe
Discard Tray
This is the place where the discarded cards are placed
Bust
Also known as break, is when the total value of players’ hand goes over 21 and the result is a bust or in other words, an instant loss
Basic Strategy
An efficient way for players to improve their game as this strategy suggests the best possible move that can be made in a certain situation
Card Counter
A player who keeps track of the cards in the game in order to gain advantage over the casino
Card Counting
This term refers to the process or the strategy that involves keeping track of the cards in the game in order to be able to determine the ratio of the high value cards to low value ones and this way gain advantage over the casino
Hi-Lo
One of the most popular balanced card counting systems
Cut Card
A plastic card that is used to indicate the point at which the dealer have to reshuffle the cards
First Base
The first place that is located on the left side of the dealer and the player who is sitting on that spot is the first one to receive the first two cards and to act
Third Base
The place that is located on the right side of the dealer and the player who is sitting on that spot is the last one to act
Flat Betting
When players wager the same amount on every hand, without changing this pattern
Unit
The size of bet that is established as a standard
Bankroll
The funds that players have decided to play with
Betting Limit
The minimum and maximum amounts that a particular blackjack table allows to be placed for each hand
Wager
Another word for bet which is used in real-money blackjack games when players would like to place a bet
Checks
Another word for chips
High Roller
A player who tends to place large bets
Hand-Held Games
Blackjack games in which the dealer holds the cards in his hand
Conclusion
It is extremely essential to be familiar with the blackjack glossary in order to be able to fully enjoy and understand the game. This way players will be able to play properly and participate in the gaming process freely. Even though the above-mentioned terms may seem quite a lot, they are very easy to remember and once read, it is hard to forget them. One of the reasons why the casinos came up with them was to make the game even more unique and help players feel a part of it even more.