Blackjack has been one of the hottest casino games since its inception more than one hundred years ago, and its popularity continues to grow in the online era. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about and you want to start playing, you’ll need to know all the key blackjack terms.
In this guide, we’ll talk you through some of the most common terminology you’ll encounter when playing the much-loved card game. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be an expert in blackjack terms.
Blackjack
What better place to start a guide on blackjack terms than with the game’s title itself? A blackjack is the most coveted hand in the game, comprising an Ace and a 10-value card. It results in an instant win, paying more than a standard win. Back in the early days of the game, players had to have a black ace and a black jack, hence the emergence of the name. Some casinos even offered better odds on the hand, but when they realised they were making a loss, they changed the rules to what we know today.
Hit
After you’ve received your initial two cards, you’ll have the option to hit or stand. If you choose to hit, the dealer will draw another card to your hand. The idea is to try to improve the initial value of your hand to give yourself a better chance of winning. Be careful, though, as you may run the risk of busting depending on your starting hand.
Stand
If you decline the option to hit, you stand on the cards that you have been dealt. For example, if your starting hand is 18 or higher, it’s always advisable to stand. That’s because most cards that you’re drawing into would cause you to go bust.
Double Down
There are certain instances when the blackjack pros would advise you to double down. This is when you double your bet, but it only allows you to draw one more card to improve your hand. The best time to double down is when you have a starting hand of 11.
Split
If your first two cards are of the same rank, you can split them into two separate hands. Each hand would then have its own bet, and its own chance of winning. Make sure you study some blackjack strategy before splitting, as some pairs are better for this tactic than others.
Insurance
When you play a hand of blackjack, you have the option to take insurance. This is a side bet made when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It pays out if the dealer has blackjack.
Bust
A player busts when their hand’s total exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss of the bet. This is the one thing that all blackjack players want to avoid, and the best way to do this is to study betting charts to know when to hit and when to stand.
Push
Ever wondered what happens when you and the dealer end up with the same hand value? In that situation, you don’t win your bet. However, you do get your stake back. This is referred to as a push.
Surrender
Sometimes, but not always, you’ll have the chance to surrender. This means that you forfeit half your bet if you think you have a low chance of winning. Most experts would say not to bother with this bet, however, as it’s generally considered a suboptimal play.
Hard or Soft Hand
When you start playing blackjack, you’ll quickly need to get familiar with the concept of hard and soft hands. A hard hand doesn’t contain an ace or has an ace counted as one to avoid busting. A soft hand includes an ace, which can be counted as a one or 11, providing flexibility in play. A soft hand gives you more drawing opportunities.
Hole Card
You’ve probably heard the term hole card before. No, it’s not a card with a hole in it – that would just be too weird, wouldn’t it? The hole card is actually the dealer’s face-down card, which remains hidden until the player has completed their hand. It should be noted that in some variants, the dealer doesn’t have a hole card and they draw their second card after the players have acted.
Natural
A natural is another name for the best possible starting hand in blackjack, when your two starting cards equal 21. If you land one of these, you’re living the dream.
Shoe
The dealer uses a shoe to deal the cards, but we’re not talking about the leather things with laces on his feet here. The shoe is a special device used to hold and dispense multiple decks of cards in blackjack, making it more challenging to predict card values.
Bust Card
A bust card is a high-value card that could lead to a bust when drawn. For example, once you have worked out the total of your starting hand, you need to know what your bust cards are. If you start with 15, your bust cards are seven and higher.
Upcard
The dealer’s face-up card is known as the upcard. You need to look at this card to make a choice on your own strategy. There are detailed charts that explain what you need to do based on the dealer’s up card and your own hand. It’s well worth having one of these strategy guides handy whenever you’re playing blackjack online.
Please Gamble Responsibly
Whenever you play blackjack online, it’s always important to remember to gamble responsibly. If you ever need guidance on this matter, you can visit the Safer Gambling Portal and chat with an expert.
FAQs
What is the 17 rule in blackjack?
Different blackjack variants have their own rules about how the dealer has to act on a soft 17. Sometimes, they have to stand on soft 17 or higher. In other strains, they will be allowed to hit on soft 17. Make sure you check the rules before you start playing.
When does the dealer act in a blackjack hand?
After all the players have chosen to hit or stand, the dealer will turn their hole card and then act on it. They will choose to hit or stand depending on the hand value and the rules of the variant being played.
