How to play blackjack - Blackjack Terms - Learn the Lingo!
You'll hear lots of strange blackjack terms and lingo around the Blackjack table, it's a good idea to learn some of these so you at least known what other players and the dealer are talking about - plus you will not seem like such a novice if you can throw a few terms around yourself!
Rules of Blackjack
Breaking Hand
Any hard hand (hand that doesn't contain an ace) valued between 12 and 16 is known as a breaking or stiff hand, as it is possible to go over 21 with the addition of just one more card.Bust
When you've been dealt cards that total more than 21. You can also bust out when you've stood on less than 21 but the dealer's total is higher than yours and less than 21 e.g. you stand on 18 and the dealer reaches.Chips
Cash in your money for chips equal to that value. Chips are used instead of cash at the table and can come in many denominations.Double Down
When you think that with just one more card you will be able to beat the dealer, you are allowed to double your original bet and draw one, and only one card.Face Cards
All face cards are worth 10 – Jack, Queen and King are face cards.Hard hands
Hands that do not contain an ace are known as hard hands.Hit
When you request another card from the dealer after you've received your two opening cards and feel that another card will increase your total (hopefully without pushing you over 21).Hole Card
Once all players have made their bets and all of the actions are over, the only card face down is the dealers and this is called the ‘hole' card.Insurance
When the dealer gets an ace to start the hand, you can buy insurance for half of your total original wager. If the dealer gets blackjack, you are protected from the normal loss you would have incurred. If the dealer does not get blackjack but still beats you, you lose your original bet, plus the half of the bet used for the insurance.Push
When the player neither wins nor loses – i.e. the player ties with the dealer.Soft hands
Any hand that includes an ace that can still be valued at 1 or 11 is called a soft hand.Split
If the player gets two great opening cards he/she has the option of "splitting" the cards and basically having two active hands e.g. if the player is dealt two 10's, they can split the hand, and have two 8's as the first card of their hands.Standing
When the player refuses any additional cards e.g. you've totaled 19 with your two cards and do not want to risk going over 21 if you ask for another.Stiff Hand
Any hard hand (hand that doesn't contain an ace) valued between 12 and 16 is known as a breaking or stiff hand, as it is possible to go over 21 with the addition of just one more card.Note: If you receive two aces and split them for two active hands and subsequently get dealt a 10, then this is considered 21, not Blackjack.