Blackjack has been a very popular casino game, even though it was not always called that. In fact, it is the Americanised name of the popular French game vingt-et-un, which translates as “21.”
As you may well know, the game usually comes down to combining your hand’s card value to a total of 21, which is the very best possible combination! To find out more about the game and the specific terms, we invite you to take a look at Mr.Bet, a website that features numerous versions of blackjack.
But before you do – you should ask yourself: why should you try this game? Well, there are many reasons – it’s fast, it’s cheaper than visiting a real casino, and it is just as fun!
Besides, you have plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the game’s specific terminology. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the most common terms of the game and why they matter!
The Basics of Blackjck Terminology
Right, when it comes to blackjack terminology there are perhaps only a handful of terms that you need to understand well to actually get started. The rest can be added to your knowledge bank at a later time. This said, here are the main terms first:
- Hit: Hit is one of the most common types of actions you can do during a game of blackjack. Essentially, you will press the hit button – or say hit in a real casino – when you want an extra card added to your hand. This will possibly increase the strength of your hand and give you a better chance of winning against the dealer (the casino).
- Stand: Stand is the action you take in the game when you do not want to take any new cards and add them to your hand. You are completely comfortable with what you have and think that adding more cards may hurt you.
- Double Down: If you are doubling down, this means that you are going to double the size of your wager after receiving your cards. This is a clear sign that you are feeling very comfortable as to what is coming next.
- Split: Split is another great term that players who venture into blackjack online will hear about – and often do! A split means to split your current hand, which is a pair, such as two aces or 8’s, and then run the same size bet on the second hand that has resulted. Many casinos let you hit after a split.
There are very basic terms that you should know when you venture into the game. Once you do, you may as well try the real money mode. However, to really master the game’s terminology, we wish to explain a few other terms as well!
Honing Your Blackjack Terminology With In-Depth Knowledge
There are other terms that you will hear thrown around a table of blackjack, and it is usually a good idea to catch yourself up so that you are in the know:
- Bust: This is the one word that you do not want to hear. It happens when your hand exceeds the maximum allowed value of 21. If you have 22 in hand value, you will automatically “bust” and forfeit your hand.
- Blackjack: Blackjack is the game’s term for when you hit 21 with your first two cards. Essentially, this is a card valued at “10” and an ace. It’s the best possible opening hand you can ever hope to achieve!
- Dealer’s Upcard: In blackjack, you will be able to see only one of the dealer’s cards – the upcard! This card will then help you inform you of your subsequent decisions and what to do next.
Trust the Process: Blackjack Is a Game of Knowledge
Blackjack is ultimately a title where developing a better understanding of the game’s core principles will pay off. Now, one term that you may hear is card counting. Does it work – it surely does, but only in land-based casinos, and it is incredibly hard to master or even pull off decently!
More terms to keep your eyes peeled for are soft and hard hands. A soft hand is basically a hand that has an Ace in it. Once you have an Ace, you can then use it as either a “1” or “11,” which gives you a lot of flexibility as to what your final hand will be, when you hit, and when you stand.
A hard hand is usually one that cannot change its value, i.e., 8 and 7. It’s 15, no matter what you do. All in all, familiarising yourself with the core principles of blackjack is a huge way to move the needle of the game in your favour! Sure, the house edge is not something you can impact, but knowledge of the game will certainly help you pull ahead!
