Blackjack is one of the most recognisable casino games in the world, but for someone playing for the first time, the terminology can sometimes seem almost as complicated as the game itself.
Dealers and experienced players regularly use phrases such as “hit”, “stand”, “double down” and “soft 17”, and understanding what these terms mean can make it much easier for a new player to follow what is happening at the table.
Whether you are playing blackjack at a traditional casino or live blackjack online, here are 10 important blackjack terms and phrases every new player should know. Obviously, alongside these terms and phrases, it is recommended that you learn some blackjack rules.
1. Hit
“Hit” is probably the most frequently used term in blackjack.
When you ask to hit, you are requesting another card from the dealer. You might choose to hit when you believe your current hand is not strong enough to compete with the dealer’s hand.
For example, if you have a total of 12, you could ask the dealer for another card in the hope of improving your hand.
However, there is always a risk involved. If the additional card takes your total above 21, you bust and lose the hand.
2. Stand
Standing is essentially the opposite of hitting.
When you stand, you decide that you are happy with your current hand and do not want any more cards. The dealer then moves on to the next player or plays their own hand, depending on the table’s rules.
For example, if you have 19, you might decide to stand rather than risk taking another card and going over 21.
Knowing when to hit and when to stand is one of the fundamental decisions in blackjack.
3. Bust
A bust occurs when your hand’s total goes above 21.
If you have 18 and receive a four, your total becomes 22 and you bust. Your hand loses regardless of what the dealer subsequently gets.
This is why deciding whether to take another card is such an important part of blackjack.
The dealer can also bust. If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21 while your hand has not, you win the hand.
4. Blackjack
A blackjack is the strongest possible starting hand in the game.
It occurs when your first two cards are an ace and a 10-value card. The 10-value card can be a 10, jack, queen or king.
An ace can count as either one or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand. In a blackjack, it counts as 11, giving you a total of 21 with just two cards.
A natural blackjack can have a different payout from an ordinary winning hand depending on the table’s rules, so it is worth checking the payout before playing.
5. Double Down
Double down gives you the opportunity to double your original stake in exchange for receiving just one additional card.
For example, if you place a £10 bet and choose to double down, your total stake becomes £20. You then receive one more card and must stand afterwards.
Double down can be an attractive option when your initial two-card hand gives you a strong opportunity to improve, although the exact situations in which it is available depend on the casino’s rules.
6. Split
If your first two cards have the same value, you may have the option to split them into two separate hands.
For instance, if you are dealt two eights, you could split them and play each eight as the starting card of a new hand. You will normally need to place an additional wager equal to your original bet.
Instead of having one hand, you now have two chances to beat the dealer.
There are specific rules surrounding splitting, including what happens if you receive another card of the same value, so new players should check the table rules before using this option.
7. Soft Hand
A soft hand is a hand containing an ace that can be counted as 11 without causing the total to exceed 21.
For example, an ace and a six gives you a soft 17. The ace is worth 11, giving you 17, but it could also count as one if necessary.
Soft hands are important because the ace provides some flexibility. If you take another card and would otherwise bust, the ace can change from 11 to one.
You will often hear dealers or blackjack guides refer to hands such as “soft 17” or “soft 18”.
8. Hard Hand
A hard hand is a hand without an ace, or a hand where an ace must be counted as one to prevent the total from exceeding 21.
For example, an eight and a seven gives you a hard 15.
An ace and a six can be a soft 17, but if you then receive a king, the ace must count as one, leaving you with a hard 17.
Understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is particularly useful when learning blackjack strategy.
9. Push
A push occurs when you and the dealer finish with the same total without either hand busting.
For example, if both you and the dealer finish with 19, the result is generally a push.
Rather than winning or losing, your original stake is normally returned to you.
The rules surrounding ties can vary for certain situations, so it is always sensible to check the specific rules of the table you are playing.
10. Dealer Upcard
The dealer upcard is the dealer’s visible card.
At many blackjack tables, the dealer receives two cards, with one placed face up and the other face down. The face-up card is known as the upcard.
The upcard is particularly important because it gives players some information about the dealer’s potential hand.
For example, a dealer showing a low-value card may be in a different position from one showing a 10 or an ace. Basic blackjack strategy takes the dealer’s upcard into account when determining whether players should hit, stand, double down or split.
Understanding The Language Of Blackjack
Learning blackjack does not mean memorising dozens of complicated phrases. Once you understand the basic terminology, the game becomes much easier to follow.
Terms such as hit, stand, bust, blackjack, double down and split describe the decisions and outcomes that occur during almost every game. Meanwhile, phrases such as soft hand, hard hand, push and dealer upcard help explain the different situations players can encounter.
Knowing these terms will not guarantee a winning hand, but it can give new players a much clearer understanding of the game and make it easier to follow the action at the table.
As with any casino game, it is important to understand the rules before playing and to treat blackjack as entertainment rather than a way of making money.
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