Blackjack is an online casino game that can be played in most land-based and online casinos. This popular casino game is a card game that uses one or more 52-card decks.
The aim of blackjack is to get a score closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust.
If you are new to playing blackjack or unfamiliar with all the key slang terms, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we provide you with a glossary of the most common blackjack terms.
What Are The Terms Used In Blackjack?
Here is a list of the most common terms used in blackjack, along with a short explanation. You can return to this post whenever you need a reminder of these key blackjack terms.
Anchorman
Anchorman in blackjack refers to a seat at the blackjack table. The anchorman is the player sitting in the last seat and is the last player to play before the dealer.
Bankroll
A bankroll in blackjack is the amount of money a player has set aside to play the game. It is the amount a player is willing to pay when playing casino games, including blackjack.
Blackjack
Blackjack is not only the name of the game, but it’s also the name for getting the perfect hand. A blackjack is when a player’s starting hand totals 21 with an ace (11) and a 10-value card (10, J, Q or K).
Burn Card
Often, the dealer will discard the first card after shuffling. This is known as the “burn card”. The burn card is the top card, and it is removed in case players are able to identify the card based on any imperfections or marks that may be visible.
Bust
Bust is when the player or dealer’s hand totals more than 21. If a player goes bust in blackjack, the dealer automatically wins.
Box
The box in blackjack is the layout on the table in front of the players where the cards are dealt to by the dealer, and the player places their bets.
Cold Deck
A cold deck is a deck of cards that has apparently been switched, pre-shuffled or stacked in a specific order.
Colour Up
A player can ask the dealer to “colour up” when they are carrying too many small denomination chips or want to cash out. The dealer will swap multiple smaller-value chips with fewer larger-value ones to make it easier for players to carry or cash out.
Cut Card
A cut card is typically used in live blackjack. It is a blank card that is used to indicate at what point through the deck a shuffle should occur.
Ace Poor Or Rich
Ace poor is when fewer aces have been dealt to players than is statistically expected. Ace rich is the opposite, where more than expected has been dealt.
Discards
Discard refers to cards that have been dealt and played; they are discarded by the dealer. Discarded cards are placed in a discard tray to keep the table tidy and to prevent accidental card mixing or potential cheating.
Monkey
Sometimes, a player may shout, “monkey!”. When a player shouts monkey, they are simply hoping for a 10 or a face card. Face cards are Jacks, Queens and Kings.
Double Down
Double down is a decision in blackjack where the player chooses to double their original bet. If a player chooses to double down, the dealer will deal one more card to the player and their turn ends.
Five-Card Charlie
Five-card Charlie is where a player receives a hand of 5 cards without going bust. It automatically wins even if the total value isn’t very good.
House Edge
Every casino game, including blackjack, has a house edge. The house edge is the statistical advantage a casino has over players.
Even Money
Even money is a 1:1 payout. It means the player receives the same amount as they have bet in winnings, so if they bet £5, an even-money payout would award them £5.
Flat Betting
Flat betting is placing the same size bet several times in a row.
Soft Hand
A soft hand is where the Ace can count as 1 or 11 without the hand going bust - i.e. the hand is flexible. A soft hand offers better choices for the player.
Hard Hand
A hard hand is a hand without an Ace or where the Ace has to count as 1 - i.e. the hand has a fixed value. Receiving a hard hand gives players fewer choices in certain situations.
Hit
Hit is a decision a player can make in blackjack. It is a request for another card to be dealt.
Surrender / Late Surrender
Surrender is an optional blackjack rule where the player has the option to surrender half of their bet after they have been dealt their first two cards to withdraw from the round. It’s not available in all blackjack games.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet available when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the player bets on the dealer having a blackjack/natural (i.e. that the dealer’s hole card has a value of 10). This bet pays 2:1.
Multi Deck
Multi deck is a blackjack game using multiple 52-card decks. Multi-deck blackjack uses 2, 4, 6, or 8 decks. Using multiple decks helps reduce the chance of card counting.
Split
Split is a decision a player can make in blackjack. The option to split is available if a player receives 2 cards of the same value. They can separate the two and have them as two separate hands. However, they have to place a bet of the same amount on the new hand.
Stand
Stand is a decision a player can make in blackjack. When a player chooses to stand, this means they are refusing another card and ending their turn with their hand as it is.
Toke
Toke is a blackjack slang term for a tip.
Up Card
An up card is the dealer’s face-up card.
Play Blackjack Online
Now that you know all of the terms and phrases, you may have a better idea of what is happening in your next game of blackjack. You can enjoy a wide range of blackjack games online here at slot site Wizard Slots, from live blackjack to classic blackjack, progressive blackjack, and more. Create an account, place a deposit and browse our selection to get started!
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.
