Glossary of essential Blackjack terms

In this article, we will explore a glossary of essential Blackjack terms that every player should be familiar with. Understanding the key terminology used in Blackjack is a good start for improving your game and making informed decisions at the table. This glossary will help you navigate the various terms and concepts commonly encountered in Blackjack gameplay.

• Ace
  An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the player more. For example, a player with an Ace and a 9 will have a total of 20 if the Ace is worth 11, or 10 if the Ace is worth 1.
• Ace Poor or Rich
  This term refers to whether an Ace is beneficial or not for a given hand. If an Ace completes a strong hand, it is rich, otherwise, it is poor.
• Anchorman
  Refers to the player seated at the first position at the table (to the left of the dealer). This player always takes the first action in a round.
• Ante
  The mandatory initial bet that each player must place before the game begins. It starts the round and establishes the wager.
• Backjack
  Refers to the combination of cards that immediately gives a total of 21 points, often with an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King).
• Bankroll
  The total amount of money a player has available to bet in a casino. For example, a player with a 500€ bankroll will make their bets based on this amount.
• Box
  The space or area where the player places their cards. Each player has a box for receiving their cards at the Blackjack table.
• Burn Card
  A card that is discarded from the deck before the cards are dealt, often used to prevent cheating or manipulation of the cards.
• Bust
  If a player exceeds 21 points, their hand is considered a "bust," and they lose the round.
• Buy-In
  The amount of money a player needs to enter a game. For example, a player might need a buy-in of 100€ for a Blackjack table.
• Card counting
  A technique used by some players to track the cards that have been dealt and predict the upcoming cards. It helps in making informed betting decisions.
• Card values
  Cards have specific values: numbered cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10 points, and the Ace can be worth either 1 or 11.
• Cut
  The moment when a player separates the deck before the game begins to prevent card manipulation.
• Double After Split
  Allows a player to double their bet after splitting a pair into two separate hands.
• Dealer
  The individual who deals the cards and manages the game. The dealer applies the rules impartially.
• Double Down
  A player can double their initial bet after receiving their first two cards. In exchange for the doubled bet, the player receives one additional card.
• Double Exposure
  A variation where the dealer's cards are all face-up. This gives an advantage to the player since they can see the dealer's cards before making decisions.
• Early Surrender
  Allows a player to forfeit their hand before the dealer checks for a Blackjack, recovering half of their bet.
• Even Money
  Offered when the player has a Blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace. The player can opt to take an even-money payout instead of risking that the dealer also has a Blackjack.
• Face card
  Refers to the King, Queen, and Jack, all worth 10 points.
• Five Card Charlie
  A rule in some Blackjack variations where a hand consisting of five cards that total 21 or less automatically wins, even if the dealer has a higher hand.
• Hard 17
  A hand where the Ace is counted as 1 and not as 11. For example, 10 + 7 = 17, a "hard hand."
• Hard hand
  A hand where the Ace is counted as 1. For example, 9 + 7 = 16 is a "hard hand," in contrast to a "soft hand."
• Hit
  The action of asking for an additional card to increase the value of the hand. This can be repeated until the player exceeds 21 or decides to stop.
• Hit and Run
  A strategy where a player leaves the table after a quick win without returning to play more.
• Insurance
  An additional bet that a player can place when the dealer shows an Ace. It covers the possibility that the dealer has a Blackjack.
• Late Surrender
  Allows a player to forfeit their hand after the dealer has checked for a Blackjack, losing only half of the original bet.
• Main hand
  The player's primary hand, consisting of their first two cards.
• NDAS (No Double After Split)
  Prevents the player from doubling their bet after splitting a pair. This limits some betting strategies.
• Natural
  An immediate Blackjack, i.e., an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, King).
• Payout
  The amount of money the player receives based on their bet and the outcome of the game. For example, a player wins a payout of 1:1 for a regular win or 3:2 for a Blackjack.
• Pit boss
  A supervisor in a casino responsible for managing multiple gaming tables. The pit boss ensures security and proper game operations.
• Player
  A participant who plays against the dealer. The player's goal is to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it.
• Push
  When the player and the dealer have equal hands in value, resulting in a tie. In this case, the player's original bet is returned.
• Shuffle
  The action of mixing the cards before each round to ensure fairness and randomness.
• Soft 17
  A hand containing an Ace counted as 11, giving a total of 17. For example, Ace + 6 = Soft 17.
• Soft hand
  A hand containing an Ace counted as 11, providing more flexibility to the player. For example, Ace + 7 = Soft 18.
• Split
  If a player is dealt a pair, they can choose to split it into two separate hands, each receiving an additional card. This doubles the player's bet.
• Stand
  The action of choosing not to take an additional card and to keep the current hand.
• Surrender
  The action of forfeiting a hand and recovering half of the initial bet.
• Table limits
  The minimum and maximum betting limits set for each gaming table in a casino.