Blackjack Terms

Blackjack has its own language. It is important to learn this terminology before playing the game.

Blackjack. The most important word used in this game. If the first two cards dealt to you are an Ace and a ten valued card you have a Blackjack. If the dealer will also get a Blackjack the game will be pushed and you will get your money back. Winning with a Blackjack means that you will be paid at a ratio of 3-to-2.

Hit or Stand. Hit means that you want another card. You can signal the dealer you want another card by scraping the table with you fingers or your cards. Stand means that you no longer want any cards. You can signal that you want to stand by making a simple wave motion on top of your cards or just place your cards under your bet. When playing a face down game the player must reveal his cards if he goes bust.

Double Down. Another option after being dealt your first two cards is to double down. If you do so your betting amount will be doubled, but the dealer will give you only one more card and then you have to stand and see if your hand beats the dealer’s. You should double down if your first two cards have a total of 10 or 11. This will give you a high statistical chance of hitting a 20 or 21. Doubling down is a good idea when you do not have a 10 or 11, as long as the dealer has busting cards. Always remember that after doubling you will only get one more card. Then you will have to stand, even if your card total after getting that last card is low.

Splitting Pairs. You have the option of splitting your hand if you are dealt a pair, such as 2 Jacks or 2 Aces. You will then have two separate hands to play, but must place a second bet, equal to the one of the first hand. If you are playing a face up hand, do not touch the cards. The dealer will split your hand. Also, place the second wager next, not on top, of the initial one. The rules when playing a split hand are the same as playing a regular one. The only difference is when splitting Aces, because you will only get one extra card per hand. Also, if you are dealt an Ace and a ten card it will be considered 21, not Blackjack.

Insurance. Whenever the dealer’s face up card is an Ace you may buy insurance. The dealer will ask all players at the table if they want to do so. Insurance costs half your initial wager, but if the dealer gets a Blackjack insurance pays 2-to-1. You just lose your initial wager. If the dealer doesn'’t get a Blackjack you lose your insurance and the game continues. Either way, you come out even. Statistically it is never a good idea to buy insurance.

Surrender. Not many casinos allow surrender. Surrender means that the player is allowed to give up the first two cards that he is dealt. Surrender costs half your initial wager. You should surrender only as a last resort. Never surrender when you are on a date and you are trying to impress her. Surrendering never comes off as the manly thing to do.