Common Blackjack Terms Everyone Should Know

Blackjack is an exciting and thrilling casino game loved by players around the globe. The simplicity of the game and appealing odds make it a top choice. The best part is that you can try your hands on several variants like Blackjack Switch, American Blackjack, and more at the online casinos UK. Irrespective of the variant you play, having an idea of the Blackjack rules is vital. Moreover, you must also have knowledge of the commonly used Blackjack terms. Read on to gain more ideas about the different terms.

• 21

Another name for blackjack is 21. It is named so because in order to beat the dealer, the players have to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. 

• Ace

Ace is the best possible card that a player can receive in the game of blackjack. Ace basically has two values, which include 1 and 11. Based on the total count of your hand, the value of the Ace is calculated.

• Ace Rich

In card counting, ace rich means that more number of aces have been dealt than expected statistically.

• Ace Poor

Ace poor means less number of aces are dealt than expected.

• Anchorman

Anchorman refers to the player who occupies the last seat on the table or is at the far right of the dealer. This player is the last person to act.

• Bankroll

It is the amount of money that a player has to gamble with. The bankroll of the players may increase or decrease as the round progresses. 

• Bet Sizing

Bet sizing refers to the act of making adjustments to the wagering amount based on the strategy you choose. 

• Blackjack

Blackjack implies a winning hand consisting of a 10 value card and an ace.

• Box

It refers to the area in front of the players where the bets are placed in the game of blackjack. The box consists of outlines for the chips and cards of the players.

• Burn Card

Before the cards are dealt to the players, the top card is discarded by the dealer. The core aim is to ensure that the players are not aware of the first card that is dealt from the deck. 

• Bust

Bust is one of the blackjack terms that no player would want to hear. It refers to a hand that has gone beyond 21. In such a situation, you will lose your bet. 

• Card Counting

Card counting is the act of tracking the value of the cards dealt at the blackjack table.

• Chipping Up or Down

Chipping up simply means to increase the amount of your wager in comparison to the bet in the previous round. On the other hand, chipping down implies the act of lowering your wager in the game of blackjack.

• Colour Up

If you have lower blackjack card values, you can opt for colour up. It is all about exchanging your lower denomination chips for the higher ones. It is considered to be good etiquette before leaving the blackjack table.

• Cut

It is the act of dividing the deck of cards into two equal halves once they are shuffled.

• Deck Penetration

It refers to the number of hands dealt before the deck is reshuffled by the dealer. The longer the time, the easier it will be to count cards. 

• Double Down

In online blackjack, double down means to double your bet for an extra card. Once you double, you are not allowed to hit. However, in case you win, you will win double the original bet.

• Double Exposure

It is a version of the game of blackjack in which both the cards of the dealer are dealt face up. Surrendering or buying insurance is not allowed in this variant. 

• Even Money

The even money rule allows the players to take a 1-to-1 payout and leave the cards. However, in case they reject the offer, the hand continues as usual.

• Hard Hand

It is a hand that does not consist of any ace. 

• Hit

Hit means to take another card when you do not think that the current hand is sufficient to beat the dealer. 

• Hit 17

Hit 17 refers to a special rule in the game of blackjack in which the dealer needs to hit if they have a hand that totals 17.

• Hole Card

It is the face-down card that is dealt to the dealer.

• House Edge

It is the advantage that the house or the casino has over the players. The house edge varies based on the rules of the game.

• Insurance

Insurance refers to a side bet that the players make when the upcard of the dealer is an ace. It ensures that the players only lose half their bet.

• Pair

It is a hand of two cards having equal values.

• Soft Hand

It is a hand that consists of an ace card.

• Stand

Stand refers to the decision of a player to not take any additional cards.

• Surrender

If you do not have a favourable hand, you can choose to surrender. It means you forfeit half of the wager and receive half of it.

Conclusion

By now, you must be well-versed with the popular blackjack terms. It is time to gain an idea of the blackjack history, understand the blackjack dealer rules, and get started. Knowing the common terms makes it easier to enjoy the game to the core.