Blackjack Glossary From A to Z

Important Blackjack Terms To Remember

In a game of blackjack, various terms and phrases are commonly used by the dealer and players to describe actions, rules, and outcomes. Understanding these terms can help players navigate the game with ease and confidence. Here is some key terminology that you may encounter during a blackjack session:

• “Place your bets, please.” – Inviting players to wager before the cards are dealt.
• “Cards are dealt.” – Signaling the beginning of the round and the distribution of cards.
• “Hit or stand?” – Prompting players to decide whether to take another card or keep their current hand.
• “Double down.” – Offering players the option to double their initial bet in exchange for receiving one additional card only.
• “Split.” – Allowing players to divide a starting hand of two cards of the same rank into two separate hands.
• “Insurance?” – Offering players the chance to protect their bet against the dealer possibly having a natural blackjack.
• “Dealer has blackjack.” – Announcing that the dealer's initial hand is a natural blackjack, resulting in an automatic win unless players also have a blackjack.
• “Bust.” – Referring to a player or dealer's hand value exceeding 21, resulting in a loss for that hand.
• “Push.” – Declaring a tie between a player and the dealer, resulting in the player's bet being returned.
• “Blackjack!” – Celebrating when a player is dealt an Ace and a 10-value card as their initial two cards, resulting in an immediate win.
• “Surrender.” – Allowing players to forfeit their hand and recover half of their bet.
• “Dealer stands/hits on soft [X].” – Describing the dealer's rules for drawing additional cards based on the value of an Ace in their hand.
• “Natural blackjack.” – Referring to a two-card hand totaling 21, comprising an Ace and a 10-value card.
• “Shuffle and cut.” – Requesting players to mix the cards before the start of a new round.
• “Even money.” – Offering players with a natural blackjack the option to receive a 1:1 payout instead of risking a potential tie with the dealer.