Blackjack Terminology
When you play Blackjack, or any other table game at the casino, it is very important to understand and use the right terminology. Using wrong phrases in the process of the game, or misunderstanding the dealer's jargon may be really embarrassing and decrease your chances to win.
That's why we have gathered all the major terms of Blackjack. Read this section carefully and memorize it before you start playing the game.
- 21: another name for the game of Blackjack.
- Blackjack/natural: occurs when the two initial cards add up to 21.
- Up cards: placed facing up.
- Hole cards: placed facing down. Only the dealer receives a hole card.
- Face cards: Jack, Queen, King. Value of all face cards is 10.
- PUSH: dealer-player draw
- Bust/Break: when the hand exceeds 21.
- HIT/DRAW: ask for an additional card.
- STAND: decline any additional cards.
- SPLIT: play separately with two cards of the same value.
- DOUBLE DOWN: double your bet and get only one additional card.
- Insurance: is offered to the players when the dealer's up card is an ACE. If the dealer gets a Blackjack player wins 2:1.
- SURRENDER: pay half the original bet to waive the hand.
- Basic Strategy: a map of a player's optimal moves based on dealer's/player's hands scenarios.
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