If you’re new to online blackjack or need to understand a particular term, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Whether you enjoy live or online blackjack, we have created the ultimate list of blackjack terms and other relevant terminology to help you grasp the important concepts of the game.

The following terms should provide you with a solid foundation to dive into the world of online blackjack, including the various types of actions and their meanings. However, if you’re looking for in-depth strategy and tutorials on how to play blackjack, be sure to keep an eye on Best Casino Bonus 365 for a comprehensive collection of blackjack guides.

Glossary of blackjack terms

21+3: This game is a combination of online blackjack and 3-card poker played simultaneously. The game of blackjack in this variation adopts a three-card side bet, which is commonly found in the game of Three Card Poker.

Ace: An Ace can act as either 1 or 11. Typically, an Ace acts as 11, but if there is a risk of busting, it acts as 1.

Action: The total amount of bets placed over a specific period.

Advantage player: A player who has a mathematical advantage over the house.

Banker: The dealer.

Bankroll: The amount of money set aside for gambling.

Basic Strategy: A strategy designed to increase the player’s advantage towards a win.

Bet sizing: The size of the bet relative to the mathematical advantage over the house.

Blackjack: Also known as 21, the objective of this game is to create a hand with a total value as close as possible to 21, but not exceeding it. The hand value must be greater than the dealer’s hand to win.

Break: A loss resulting from a hand value of over 21.

Bust: Like a break, a bust occurs when a hand exceeds 21.

Cut: To divide the deck of cards before they are dealt.

Deal: Distributing cards before the start of a game.

Double Down: An option available in specific blackjack variations. Doubling down means doubling the initial bet once the first two cards have been dealt. After selecting this option, an additional card is drawn.

Draw: Also known as a hit, it is the request for an additional card.

Early Surrender: An option to surrender before the dealer checks for a blackjack.

Even Money: Cashing in on a bet when you have a blackjack, and the dealer has an Ace.

Face Cards: Jacks, Queens, and Kings of any suit.

Face Down: One of the dealer’s initial cards is placed face down, away from the player’s view.

Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace or with an Ace valued as 1.

Heads Up: Playing against the dealer only.

High Roller: A term used to describe players who make large bets.

Hit: Also known as a Draw, a hit is when a player asks for an extra card.

Hole Card: The other card that the dealer receives, which is placed facedown.

House: Another term for a casino.

House Edge: The percentage ratio of a casino’s advantage over players.

House Rules: The terms and conditions of the game, including buy-ins.

Insurance: A side bet that is equal to half the initial bet against the dealer achieving a natural 21. Insurance is also offered only when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. The insurance bet pays double the bet if the dealer has a natural blackjack.

Natural: A two-card hand that totals 21.

Pat: A hand that totals 17 points.

Point Count: The value of a player’s hand.

Push: Also known as a tie or a standoff, a push occurs when both the dealer and the player have the same hand value.

Shoe: Also known as a sabot, the shoe is the box that holds the cards.

Shuffle: The act of the dealer mixing the order of the cards.

Soft Hand: A hand that has an Ace counted as 11.

Split Hand: When the player divides the initial two-card hand into two and plays them separately. This option is usually available for hands with cards of similar value.

Standing Hand: A hand that totals 17 or more, but which is likely to bust if a hit is requested.

Standoff: Also known as push or tie.

Stand or Stay: When no additional cards are required.

Stiff Hand: A hand that has a very low percentage of winning

Surrendering: The act of giving up and forfeiting half of the initial bet.

Tie: A situation where the dealer and the player have the same hand value, resulting in a draw.

Up card: One of the dealer’s cards that is placed facing up, visible to the player.