Blackjack definitions

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. But do you often get confused by the many technical terms used at the gaming table? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide explains all the key blackjack terms so you can feel like a pro the next time you visit the casino.

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The basics of blackjack

Before we delve into the technical terms, let’s briefly review the basics of the game. Blackjack is played between players and the dealer. The aim is to reach a hand total of 21 or at least get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over 21.

Each player receives two cards at the start. The dealer also deals himself two cards, one of which remains face down. Based on these starting cards, the players must decide whether they want to take more cards (“hit”) or are satisfied with their current cards (“stand”).

Important blackjack terms

Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can move on to the specific terms used in blackjack. Knowing these technical terms will help you better understand the game and make informed decisions at the table.

1. hit

“Hit” is one of the most basic terms in blackjack. When a player says “hit” or signals with a hand gesture, they are requesting an additional card. This is often done when the hand total is low and the player is trying to get closer to 21. However, there is a risk here of “overbuying”, i.e. going over 21 and thus automatically losing.

2. stand

In contrast to “hit”, “stand” means that the player is satisfied with his current cards and does not want any more cards. This is often signaled by the player wiping his hand over his cards. “Stand” is often chosen when the hand card total is already close to 21 or when the risk of overbuying is considered too high.

3. double down

With a “double down”, the player doubles his original bet and receives exactly one more card in return. This option is often chosen if the player has a strong starting hand (for example an 11) and assumes that one more card will be enough to beat the dealer. It is a risky but potentially very rewarding strategy.

4. split

If a player receives two cards of the same value (e.g. two eights), he can decide to split them. In this case, the two cards are separated and played as two separate hands. An additional bet equal to the original bet must be placed for the second hand. Each hand then receives an additional card and continues to be played independently.

5. surrender

Not all casinos offer this option, but “Surrender” allows the player to take back half of his bet and give up the hand. This can be a wise decision if the starting hand is very weak and the probability of winning is considered low.

6. insurance

If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, players are often offered “insurance”. This is a side bet that amounts to half the original stake. If the dealer actually has a blackjack, the insurance pays out 2:1. However, experienced players often advise against this, as the probabilities are not in the player’s favor in the long term.

7th Bust

A “bust” occurs when the total of cards in hand exceeds 21. In this case, the player automatically loses, regardless of what the dealer has. This applies to both the player and the dealer.

8. push

A “push” is when the player and the dealer have the same hand total. In this case, the player gets his stake back but wins nothing. It is a draw, so to speak.

9. blackjack

A “blackjack” is the best possible starting hand. It consists of an ace and a 10-point card (10, jack, queen or king). A blackjack beats any other hand with a total of 21 and is usually paid out at 3:2.

10. soft hand vs. hard hand

A “soft hand” contains an ace that can be counted as 1 or 11 without the hand card total exceeding 21. For example, Ace-6 is a soft 17 because the Ace can be counted as 11 without busting.

In contrast, a “hard hand” is a hand without an ace or a hand in which the ace can only be counted as 1 in order not to bust. For example, 10-7 is a hard 17.

This distinction is important because it influences the strategy. With a soft hand, you can often play more aggressively because you don’t bust as easily.

Advanced blackjack terms

Now that we have clarified the basic terms, we can move on to some more advanced concepts that will further deepen your understanding of the game.

11. card counting

“Card counting is an advanced strategy where players try to keep track of the relative proportion of high and low cards in the remaining deck. This can give them an advantage as they can better assess when the probabilities are in their favor. It is important to note that while card counting is not illegal, it is not welcomed by casinos and can lead to expulsion.

12. basic strategy

The “Basic Strategy” is a set of rules that specifies the mathematically optimal decision for every possible combination of player hand and dealer card. This strategy is based on complex probability calculations and minimizes the house advantage in the long term. It is recommended that every player learn at least the basics of basic strategy.

13th House Edge

The “house edge” refers to the statistical advantage that the casino has over the players in the long term. In blackjack, this advantage is relatively small, especially when players use the basic strategy. Depending on the specific rules of the casino, the house edge can be between 0.5% and 2%.

14. penetration

“Penetration” refers to how deep into the shoe (the box containing the cards) the dealer goes before reshuffling. Deeper penetration is beneficial for card counters as they can gather more information about the remaining cards.

15. running count and true count

These terms are used in card counting. The “running count” is the running total of the cards counted. The “true count” is calculated by dividing the running count by the number of decks still in play. The true count gives a more accurate picture of the current card situation.

16. wonging

“Wonging” is a technique named after the famous blackjack author Stanford Wong. A player watches the table without playing and only enters when the count is favorable. This technique is not permitted in most casinos.

17th Burn Card

The “burn card” is the first card to be removed from the shoe after shuffling and set aside face down. This is to prevent players from seeing the bottom card of the shoe.

18th hole card

The “hole card” is the dealer’s face-down card. In some variants of the game, this card is only revealed after all players have made their decisions.

19. third base

“Third base” refers to the player who acts last before the dealer. This player has the advantage of having the most information about the cards played before making his decision.

20. flat betting

“Flat betting” means that a player always bets the same amount, regardless of previous winnings or losses. This is a conservative strategy that minimizes the risk but also limits the potential winnings.

Special blackjack rules and variants

Now that we’ve covered the basic and advanced terms, let’s look at some specific rules and variations of blackjack that you might encounter in different casinos.

21st European No Hole Card

In this variant, the dealer only receives his second card after all players have made their decisions. This can slightly increase the house edge, as players do not know whether the dealer has a blackjack when they make their decisions.

22. Spanish 21

“Spanish 21” is a popular blackjack variant in which all 10 cards (but not the face cards) are removed from the deck. To compensate for this, there are often more favorable payout odds and additional bonuses for certain card combinations.

23rd Dealer Hits Soft 17

In some casinos, the dealer must take a hit on a soft 17 (Ace-6) instead of standing. This rule slightly increases the house advantage.

24th Blackjack Pays 6:5

Traditionally, a blackjack pays 3:2. However, some casinos have started to pay only 6:5 for a blackjack. This significantly increases the house edge and should be avoided if possible.

25th Perfect Pairs

“Perfect Pairs” is a side bet in which players can bet that their first two cards will form a pair. The payout varies depending on whether it is a mixed pair, a pair of the same suit or a “perfect” pair (same suit and same value).

26th Lucky Ladies

This is another popular side bet. Players bet that their first two cards will add up to 20. The highest payout occurs when both cards are queens of hearts.

27th Suited Blackjack

In some casinos, there is an increased payout for a “Suited Blackjack” where both cards have the same suit.

28 Match the Dealer

In this side bet, players win if one or both of their starting cards have the value of the dealer’s face-up card.

29th Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM)

Some casinos use “continuous shuffling machines” that immediately shuffle the played cards back into the shoe. This makes card counting virtually impossible and slightly increases the house edge.

30th Multi-Hand Blackjack

In this variant, players can play several hands at the same time. Although this increases the risk, it also offers the chance of higher winnings.

Blackjack etiquette and casino rules

Finally, I would like to mention a few important points about etiquette at the blackjack table and general casino rules. Knowing and following these will help you to be a respected and welcome guest at the table.

31. table minimum and maximum

Each blackjack table has a set minimum and maximum for bets. It is important to observe and respect these. The “table minimum” is the smallest amount you must bet per hand, while the “table maximum” is the highest bet allowed.

32nd hand signals

In most casinos, hand signals are used to indicate decisions. For “hit” you tap lightly on the table, for “stand” you wave your hand horizontally over your cards. These signals are important because they are recorded by the surveillance cameras and, in the case of this strategy, players increase their bets after losses. The idea behind this is that a win will eventually offset all previous losses. However, it is important to note that this strategy is risky and can lead to quick, high losses. Disputes can serve as proof. It is important that you execute these signals clearly.

33 Touching the Cards

In games where the cards are face up on the table, it is generally not permitted to touch the cards. This serves to prevent manipulation and speed up the game. On the other hand, there are games in which the cards are dealt face down. Here you may touch the cards with one hand, but you should not remove them from the table.

34. buying in

If you want to join a table that is running, wait until a round has ended. Place your money on the table and tell the dealer that you want to “get in”. The dealer will then give you chips of the corresponding value. It is important to note that you should never put money directly into the dealer’s hand.

35th Color Up

If you want to leave the table and still have chips with a lower value, you can ask the dealer for a “color up”. This involves exchanging your lower value chips for higher value chips. This makes it easier to carry and count your winnings.

36. tipping

Although it is not obligatory, it is customary in many casinos to “tip” the dealer, i.e. to give him a tip. This can be done either by giving chips directly or by placing an additional bet for the dealer. The latter is often referred to as “betting for the dealer”.

37. no electronic devices

The use of electronic devices at the gaming table is strictly prohibited in most casinos. This includes cell phones, smartwatches and other devices that could be used for communication or computation. It is recommended to put such devices away to avoid problems.

38. seat saving

Reserving seats for friends or partners is not permitted in most casinos. If you want to play with friends, it is best to come to the table together or wait until enough seats become available.

39 Drinking and Eating

Many casinos offer free drinks for players. However, it is important to drink in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to bad decisions. As for food, most casinos do not allow eating at the gaming table in order to keep the cards and chips clean.

40 Respect for Other Players

Always respect the other players at the table. Avoid being loud or complaining about the decisions of other players. Everyone has the right to play according to their own strategy, even if you don’t agree with it.

Advanced blackjack strategies

Now that we’ve covered the basics, terms and etiquette, we can move on to some advanced strategies that experienced players use to maximize their advantage.

41. deck composition

The “deck composition” refers to the composition of the remaining cards in the shoe. Experienced players pay attention to how many high and low cards have already been played to adjust their decisions.

42nd Dealer Tells

Some players try to derive information from the dealer’s behavior. This can be, for example, the way the dealer checks the hole card. However, it is important to note that most professional dealers are trained not to show “tells”.

43rd Team Play

“Team play” refers to a group of players working together to gain an advantage. This can include sharing card count information or exploiting vulnerabilities in casino security. It is important to note that such practices are prohibited in most casinos and can lead to expulsion.

44. shuffle tracking

“Shuffle tracking is an advanced technique in which players attempt to track the position of certain cards or groups of cards during the shuffling process. This requires an exceptional memory and is extremely difficult to implement in practice.

45. camouflage

Experienced players, especially card counters, often use “camouflage” techniques to hide their true abilities. This may involve occasionally deviating from the optimal strategy or varying betting levels in a way that is not directly related to the count.

46. bankroll management

“Bankroll management is a critical skill for any serious blackjack player. It’s about managing your bankroll so that you can survive losing streaks and play profitably over the long term. A common rule is to never risk more than 1-2% of your bankroll per hand.

47 Loss Rebate Programs

Some casinos offer “loss rebate” programs where players are reimbursed a portion of their losses. Experienced players often take advantage of these programs by adjusting their bets accordingly.

48 Composition-Dependent Strategy

In contrast to the Basic Strategy, which only takes into account the sum of the cards in the hand, the “Composition-Dependent Strategy” takes into account the exact composition of the hand. For example, a 16 consisting of 10-6 is played differently to a 16 consisting of 9-7.

49. positive progression betting

In contrast to negative progression, this strategy involves players increasing their stakes after wins. The idea is to profit from winning streaks while limiting the risk during losing phases.

So there you have it, our blackjack definitions

Blackjack is a fascinating game that offers a perfect blend of luck and skill. With an understanding of the terms and concepts covered in this article, you are now well equipped to step up to the blackjack table with confidence.
However, always remember that gambling involves risk. Play responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose. With the right attitude and strategy, blackjack can be a fun and potentially profitable experience.

And don’t forget: mastering blackjack terminology is only the first step. The real skill lies in applying this knowledge in practice and continuously improving your skills through experience. Good luck at the table!