What Are Blackjack Terms?

Blackjack terms are the words and phrases used in the game of blackjack. They are used to describe the actions of the players and the dealer, as well as the outcomes of hands.

Blackjack terms can be divided into three categories: general terms, betting terms, and hand terms.

General Terms

The first category of blackjack terms are general terms. These are words and phrases that are used in blackjack, but don’t necessarily have anything to do with the actual game play. Some examples of general blackjack terms include:

Hit: This is when a player asks for another card from the dealer.
Stand: This is when a player decides not to take any more cards from the dealer.

Double down: This is when a player doubles their bet after receiving their first two cards.
Split: This is when a player splits their hand into two separate hands, usually because they have two cards of the same value.

Betting Terms

The second category of blackjack terms are betting terms. These are words and phrases that describe the different bets that can be made in blackjack. Some examples of betting blackjack terms include:

Ante: This is a small bet that is made before the start of a hand, in order to receive cards.
Insurance: This is a side bet that can be made when the dealer’s upcard is an ace.

It pays 2-1 if the dealer has blackjack.
Surrender: This is when a player gives up their hand and forfeits half of their bet.

Hand Terms

The third category of blackjack terms are hand terms. These are words and phrases that describe the different types of hands that can be made in blackjack. Some examples of hand blackjack terms include:
Blackjack: This is when a player’s first two cards total 21 points. It pays 3-2 odds.

Hard hand: This is a hand that does not contain an ace, or if it does, it can only be counted as 1 point.
Soft hand: This is a hand that contains an ace which can be counted as either 1 point or 11 points, depending on what is advantageous for the player.