Blackjack Glossary

Our glossary of key blackjack terms and phrases.

The language of online blackjack can be complex and confusing. So, here are a few terms you can refer to before or during game play to help guide you through your blackjack experience.

Basic strategy: Following a guide that’s been created by mathematicians using statistical analysis. Not to be confused with card counting.
Blackjack: The name of the game, referring to making 21 out of two cards. Also called a “natural”.
Bust: An automatic loss, when either the player or the dealer’s hand exceeds 21.
Card counting: A system devised to help predict the probability of the next card that will be dealt.
Double / double down: A very powerful bet that allows the player to double a wager when in a good position to win.
Edge: A competitive advantage. Casinos have an edge over players in regards to the probability of winning.
Even money: Basically the same as insurance, but only offered when holding a natural 21.
Face cards: Picture cards that are worth 10 points (all kings, queens, and jacks).
Hard hand: Any hand that doesn’t include an ace, or where an ace can only be valued at 1 to avoid a bust.
Hole card: One of the two cards in the dealer’s hand that is not exposed.
Hit: To take another card.
Insurance: A side bet that allows you to wager a 2 to 1 that the dealer has a natural.
Natural: When 21 is made out of the first two cards dealt. Also known as blackjack.
Push: Another word for a tie (when both player and dealer have the same card value).
Shoe: The container from which the dealer deals the cards.
Side bet: A special bet placed on a specific outcome of the cards dealt, i.e., being dealt a pair.
Soft hand: A hand that has a variable value because it includes an ace, i.e., an ace and a six equal either an eight or a soft 17.
Stand: When a player chooses not to take any more cards.
Stiff: A “hard hand” between 12 and 16.
Surrender: This option allows you to forfeit half of your ante and start a new hand.
Upcard: The exposed card in the dealer’s hand.