Blackjack is among the most popular card games in casinos across many casino platforms and physical establishments.
That’s why understanding the key terminology is essential when thinking of taking a seat at a Blackjack table. With this in mind, we have created a guide that will walk you through some of the most important you’ll encounter when playing live Blackjack, or a digital version of the classic game.
Split
The option to split comes into play when you are dealt two cards of the same value. You create two separate hands by choosing to split, doubling your bet and giving you two chances to win. For example, if you’re dealt two eights, you can split them into two hands, each with its own bet. You then continue playing each hand separately.
Stand
To stand means to keep your current hand and not take any more cards. This decision is typically made when you believe your hand is strong enough to win or are close to 21 and don’t want to risk busting. Knowing when to stand is crucial in Blackjack, as it often depends on the dealer’s visible card and your total hand value.
Fold
While fold is a term more commonly associated with Poker, it’s sometimes used in the context of Blackjack to describe a player’s decision to forfeit the game. However, the correct term for Blackjack is surrender. Surrendering allows you to forfeit half your bet and end your participation in the round, which can be a wise move when facing a particularly strong dealer hand.
Hit
Hit is the action of requesting an additional card to be added to your hand. You might choose to hit if your current hand is low, such as a total of 12 or 13, and you believe that an additional card will improve your chances of getting closer to 21. However, hitting carries the risk of going over 21, which results in an automatic loss, or bust.
Double down
To double down is a move requiring you to double your initial bet after receiving your first two cards. When you double down, you only receive one more card, after which your turn ends. This option is often used when your initial hand totals nine, 10, or 11, and you have a good chance of landing a strong hand with just one more card.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It’s a way to protect yourself against the dealer potentially having a Blackjack. The insurance bet is typically half of your original bet, and if the dealer does have Blackjack, the insurance pays out 2:1. However, if the dealer doesn’t have Blackjack, you lose the insurance bet.
Bust
Bust is a term you’ll hear often in Blackjack, and you’ll want to avoid it. Busting occurs when your hand value exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss. For example, if you have a total of 18 and decide to hit, but the next card you draw is a four, your total becomes 22, and you bust.
Push
A push occurs when both you and the dealer have hands of the same value, resulting in a tie. In this case, your original bet is returned to you, and no one wins or loses. Pushes are common in the game of Blackjack, especially when both you and the dealer have hands close to 21.
