A list of terms that are popular in blackjack. Our blackjack glossary will be very useful for new blackjack players.

Our guide walk you through the key terms you’ll encounter while playing Blackjack, ensuring you can navigate the game with confidence.

Basic Terms

• Blackjack: A hand consisting of an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King), totaling 21. This is the best possible hand in the game.
• Hit: Requesting an additional card to improve your hand’s total.
• Stand: Choosing to keep your current hand and not take any additional cards.
• Bust: When your hand total exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss.
• Push: A tie between the player and the dealer, where neither wins nor loses the bet.
• Hand: The cards held by the player or dealer.
• Deck: A standard set of 52 playing cards. Blackjack can be played with one or multiple decks.
• Shoe: A device used to hold multiple decks of cards, from which the dealer draws cards.

Advanced Terms

• Double Down: Doubling your initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card.
• Split: If your first two cards are of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
• Insurance: A side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, protecting against the dealer having a Blackjack.
• Even Money: When you have a Blackjack and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you can opt for “even money” instead of insurance, guaranteeing a 1:1 payout regardless of the dealer’s hand.
• Surrender: Some games allow you to forfeit half your bet and give up your hand if you think you have little chance of winning.
• Soft Hand: A hand containing an Ace counted as 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 is a soft 17.
• Hard Hand: A hand where the Ace is counted as 1, or a hand without an Ace. For example, a 10 and a 7 is a hard 17.
• Upcard: The dealer’s face-up card, which is visible to all players.
• Hole Card: The dealer’s face-down card, which is revealed only after all players have completed their hands.

Strategies and Techniques

• Basic Strategy: A set of guidelines dictating the optimal play for every possible hand combination to minimize the house edge.
• Card Counting: A technique used to track the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck, aiming to make more informed betting and playing decisions.
• House Edge: The statistical advantage that the casino has over players.
• Shuffle Tracking: A more advanced card counting technique that involves tracking groups of cards through the shuffling process.
• Bankroll: The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for gambling.
• Pit Boss: A casino employee who oversees the gaming area and ensures games are run fairly and smoothly.

Betting Terms

• Betting Limit: The minimum and maximum amounts that can be wagered on a single hand.
• Chips: Casino tokens used in place of cash for placing bets.
• High Roller: A player who consistently bets large amounts of money.
• Side Bet: An additional wager placed on the outcome of the hand, separate from the main bet.

Miscellaneous

• Natural: Another term for Blackjack, a hand totaling 21 with the first two cards.
• Dealer: The casino employee who deals the cards and manages the game.
• Face Card: Any Jack, Queen, or King, all valued at 10.
• Burn Card: The top card discarded from the deck at the beginning of the dealing process, used to prevent card counting.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be well-equipped to understand and enjoy the game of Blackjack, whether you’re playing in a casino or online. Remember, while knowing the vocabulary is important, practicing and playing the game is the best way to improve your skills and strategies. Happy playing!