What Is a Hole Card in Blackjack?

A hole card is a card that is dealt face down in blackjack. It is also known as a holepicker.

The dealer usually deals each player two cards, one face up and one face down. The face down card is called the hole card.

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If the player has a blackjack (a two-card total of 21), the dealer will pay him 3-2 odds on his bet instead of 1-1. But if the dealer also has a blackjack, it’s a standoff or push, and the player keeps his original bet.

PRO TIP:In Blackjack, the Hole Card is the hidden card dealt to the dealer. It is not revealed until after all players have completed their hands. Knowing when to take a hit or stand based on this information can greatly improve your chances of winning.

If the player does not have a blackjack, he may elect to take insurance against the dealer having a blackjack. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack.

It is mathematically unwise to take insurance unless the player knows that more than one-third of the time, the dealer will have a blackjack when showing an ace up.

After all players have had their turn, the dealer will turn over his hole card. If he has a blackjack, all players lose their original bets except those who took insurance, which pays 2-1. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, he will hit or stand according to basic strategy.

Players who beat the dealer win their original bets plus any bets made on doubles or splits. Those who lose against the dealer forfeit their original bets plus any side bets such as insurance.