Blackjack Terms, Jargon and Slang
As a new player, you will often hear blackjack players using lots of blackjack terms and slang, so we’ve created this list of terms to be used as a blackjack glossary or blackjack dictionary. You can simply use this as a reference when you hear a term you are unfamiliar with or just read through the list and familiarize yourself with the blackjack terms.
Anchorman - the player in the last seat of the table, on the dealer’s far right, who is last to act.
Barring a Player - a casino refusing to allow a player to play in a blackjack game.
Blackjack - an automatic winning hand containing both an Ace and a 10 value card.
Bust - having a hand totalling more than 21 points, an automatic loser.
Card Counter - a skilled player who keeps track of the cards as they are dealt.
Card Counting - the act of keeping track of the value of the cards dealt at a table.
Dealer - the casino employee, facing the players, who deals the cards at the table.
Deck - a standard deck of 52 cards used in blackjack.
Double Down - the option for a player to double his bet with only one card to come.
Draw a Card - drawing an extra card, on top of the original hand.
Early Surrender - player’s option to surrender half his bet while the dealer checks for blackjack.
Favorable Deck - the cards left in the deck are in the player’s favor.
First Baseman - the player in the first seat of the table, on the dealer’s far left, who is first to act.
Flat Bet - to bet the same amount each hand, without variation.
Floorman - the casino supervisor who oversees the dealers.
Hand - the original cards dealt to each player.
Hard Total - any hand where there is no ace, or the ace counts as one.
Head-to-Head - playing the dealer one-on-one with no other players at the table.
High Roller - a player who bets large amounts of money.
Hit - drawing an extra card, on top of the original hand.
Hole Card - the dealer’s unseen card.
House - another term for the casino.
Insurance - optional bet that can be made when the dealer is showing an ace.
Marker - an IOU, signed by a player who has casino credit.
Mucker - a cheater who adds favorable cards to a multiple deck game.
Multiple-Deck - a game consisting of more than one deck of cards in a shoe.
Natural - slang for a blackjack.
Nickels - slang for $5 casino chips.
Paint - any Jack, Queen, or King (all painted pictures).
Pat Hand - an original holding of hard 17 or higher.
Penetration - number of cards the dealer deals out before shuffling.
Pit Boss - casino supervisor who is in charge of the entire blackjack pit.
Push - a tie between the dealer and the player, no one wins or loses.
Quarters - slang for $25 chips.
Round - complete series of play in which everyone has acted on their hands.
Shoe - box containing decks of cards, made to deal one at a time.
Shuffle - mixing up the cards before dealing them.
Single-Deck - a game of blackjack in which only one deck of cards is used.
Snapper - slang for a blackjack.
Soft Total - any hand containing an ace which has a value of 11.
Splitting Pairs - option to split identically ranked cards to play as seperate hands.
Stand, Stand Pat - the player’s decision to not take any more cards.
Stiff Card - a card ranked from 2 to 6, which may force the dealer to hit.
Stiff Hand - any hand totalling 12-16, which will bust on a 10-value card hit.
Surrender - option of a player to forfeit half his bet after the dealer checks for blackjack.
Ten-Poor Deck - a deck in which more 10-value cards have been dealt.
Ten-Rich Deck - a deck in which less 10-value cards have been dealt.
Ten-Value Card - any card worth 10 points, a 10, Jack, Queen, or King.
Third Baseman - the player in the last seat of the table, on the dealer’s far right, who is last to act.
Tip or Toke - a gratuity given to a dealer by a player.
Twenty-One - another name for the game of blackjack.
Unfavorable Deck - a deck with remaining cards favoring the casino, not the player.
Unit - a standard bet size.
Upcard - the dealer’s exposed card, seen by all players.
Blackjack basic strategy
Blackjack basic strategy is the most basic system that all blackjack players must master in order to become a successful player. Basic strategy is a mathematical system of charts that show you the correct mathematical play in any blackjack scenario. You need to learn these basic strategy charts inside and out to know every proper play. This is the fundamental system that blackjack strategy is based upon. By correctly using blackjack basic strategy, you can almost turn the casino’s house advantage of 7%-8% into 1%. The system of blackjack basic strategy has been developed over several years of research and computer simulation to perfect the basic strategy charts. There are a wide variety of charts that change with slight varations, depending on the exact type of blackjack you will be playing. The two most common basic strategy charts are the single deck and multiple deck charts.
Using Basic Strategy
Using blackjack basic strategy isn’t complicated if you know how to read and understand basic strategy charts. The left vertical column of the charts is your hand and the top horizontal column is the dealer’s hand. Simply line up the columns where your hand meets the dealer’s hand to find the correct play. The abbreviations below are commonly found on basic strategy charts:
- H - Hit
- S - Stand
- D - Double if allowed, otherwise hit
- Ds - Double if allowed, otherwise stand
- P - Split
- H/P - Split if you can double after split, otherwise hit
- H/R - Surrender if allowed, otherwise hit
- P/R - Surrender if allowed, otherwise split
- S/R - Surrender if allowed, otherwise stand
Memorizing Basic Strategy
You’ll need to memorize the basic strategy charts inside and out so you can make your decision (the proper play) in a split second while sitting at a blackjack table. Newer blackjack players often find it difficult to memorize the charts. The easiest way to commit the charts to memory is to look for logical patterns in the charts that help you understand why each play is made.
When you first begin playing or if you are having trouble memorizing the strategy charts, you might consider getting a blackjack strategy card. These are convenient laminated cards, about the size of a credit card, which have the basic strategy charts on them. Most casinos will even allow you to use the cards at the table while playing. For more information, visit our blackjack strategy card page.
Winning with Basic Strategy
There is one last thing to keep in mind when it comes to blackjack basic strategy - it’s not a guaranteed winning system. There are some players who will try to discredit basic strategy because they tried using it once or twice and ended up with a losing night. Basic strategy just shows the proper mathematical decision, for every blackjack scenario. This does not guarantee that you will always win when using it. It’s simply the foundation for all other blackjack strategies and is a must learn for any serious player.
Blackjack Rules
Blackjack has a basic set of blackjack game rules that all players must follow. There are also specific rules that the dealer must follow. Before playing blackjack in a brick and mortar casino, you should learn and master the rules of blackjack. Understanding and mastering the rules of blackjack will help you be more comfortable during your first brick and mortar casino blackjack experience and will allow the game to flow much quicker.
Object of Blackjack
The object of blackjack is to achieve a total greater than the dealer, without going over 21. If there are other players at the table, you are still trying to beat the dealer (the casino) only.
Restrictions on the Dealer
While all players generally have the option to play their hand as they want, there are certain restrictions put on the dealer. He or she has a forced set of rules that must followed every single hand. There can be slight variations on these rules from casino to casino, so make sure you ask the dealer when you sit down at a blackjack table. However, generally most of the blackjack rules are the same.
If the dealer is showing a total of 16 or less, he must take additional cards until achieving a hand from 17-21 or busting. In contrast, if the dealer is showing a total of 17 or higher, he is usually required to stand and not take any additional cards.
It is extremely important to find out what the dealer rules are in the casino you are playing. This will help you better understand what the dealer is doing during the game to avoid confusion. It will also help you slightly change your strategy to better match the specific blackjack game that you are playing in.
The 5 Worst Rules of Blackjack
There are a handful of blackjack games around the country that have added new blackjack rules which are designed to hurt the player more than the traditional blackjack rules and give the casino a larger advantage. If you ever notice a game that has any of the rules listed below, it is advised to stay away from that particular table and find a blackjack game elsewhere.
- Blackjack pays even money
- Blackjack pays 6 to 5
- Doubling down only on 10 or 11
- Dealer hits on soft 17
- Using 8 decks of cards
If you find yourself in a game that uses any of the rules above, you should probably seek a new blackjack table elsewhere. Playing in games with these rules just continues to boost the casino edge and you have much better odds playing in a different casino.
Blackjack Odds Betting
To fully understand the game of blackjack, you must understand and master blackjack odds. It’s crucial to know how the casino gains its edge and how it helps them win. It’s also important to understand blackjack odds such as the odds of hitting a 10 or the odds of being dealt a blackjack. You can read over these blackjack odds charts to help understand the logistics behind blackjack.
Casino and Dealer Advantage in Blackjack
In most casino games of blackjack, the house advantage (the dealer advantage) is ~ 8%. The house gets this advantage by the dealer being the last player to act. By acting last, all other players have already made their decisions and could quite possibly bust before the dealer has his turn.
By using correct blackjack basic strategy, you can turn the casino edge in blackjack from 7%-8% down to 0.5%. If you correctly use advanced card counting techniques, you can often change blackjack odds and give yourself the advantage over the casino. Manipulating the house odds to your favor is the reason most casinos don’t allow card counters to play blackjack.
Probability of Busting on a Hit
It’s very important to know the probability of your hand busting when you are holding any total in the game of blackjack. The following odds chart shows the blackjack odds of busting, depending on your current hand value:
| Hand Value | % Bust If You Hit |
| 21 | 100% |
| 20 | 92% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 11 or Less | 0% |
Two-Card Count Frequencies
This interesting blackjack odds chart is the two card count frequency chart. This chart shows the percentage chance that you will be dealt a hand in each given value range. The most important frequencey to note is the chance of being dealt a natural blackjack (natural 21 value. The odds of being dealt a natural blackjack are merely 4.8%. Following this chart you will see that the most common two card hand, at 38.7%, is a hand totaling 1-16, which is considered a decision hand.
| Two Card Count | % Frequency |
| Natural 21 | 4.8% |
| Hard Standing (17-20) | 30.0 % |
| Decision Hands (1-16) | 38.7% |
| No Bust | 26.5% |
| TOTAL | 100.0% |
Dealer Final Hand Probabilities
This blackjack odds chart shows the dealer final hand probability. These are the percentages that the dealer will end up with a hand totaling each corresponding value (up to 16). Read over this chart to understand the odds that the dealer has to make his final hand.
| Dealer Final Hand Value | % | Cumulative % Total |
| Natural 21 | 4.82% | 4.83% |
| 21 (3 or More Cards) | 7.36% | 12.19% |
| 20 | 17.58% | 29.77% |
| 19 | 13.48% | 43.25% |
| 18 | 13.81% | 57.06% |
| 17 | 14.58% | 71.64% |
| 16 | 28.36% | 100.00% |
Player Advantage vs. Dealer Up Card
The first two columns in this odds chart explain the dealer’s chance of busting, depending on the up card that he is showing. You should note that the dealer has the highest chance of busting when he is showing a 5. The third column in this chart shows the player advantage of using basic strategy, compared to each up card the dealer is showing. You can see that the player has the highest advantage of 23.9%, when the dealer is showing a 5. When the dealer is showing any card that is 9 value or higher, the player is in the negative advantage range.
| Dealer Up Card | Dealer Bust % | Player Advantage % with Basic Strategy |
| 2 | 35.30% | 9.8% |
| 3 | 37.56% | 13.4% |
| 4 | 40.28% | 18.0% |
| 5 | 42.89% | 23.2% |
| 6 | 42.08% | 23.9% |
| 7 | 25.99% | 14.3% |
| 8 | 23.86% | 5.4% |
| 9 | 23.34% | -4.3% |
| J,Q,K | 21.43% | -16.9% |
| A | 11.65% | -16.0% |
Effects of Removing Cards from a Deck
When looking at the odds of removing certain cards from a 52-card deck, some cards have a much greater effect on blackjack odds. To create the strongest card counting system ever invented, you would have to incorporate all of these slight and subtle differences into the numbers to be a completely accurate system.
Removing every 5 from a deck cards would make the largest impact of improving your blackjack odds, as a player. On the other hand, removing every Ace from a deck of cards would make the largest impact on improving the odds for the casino.
| Card | % Effect of Removal |
| 2 | 0.40% |
| 3 | 0.43% |
| 4 | 0.52% |
| 5 | 0.67% |
| 6 | 0.45% |
| 7 | 0.30% |
| 8 | 0.01% |
| 9 | -0.15% |
| 10 | -0.51% |
| A | -0.59% |
Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack Tip #1. Always Use Basic Strategy
Practice Blackjack Strategy at Bodog Casino
Learn basic blackjack strategy by heart and follow it no matter what your hunches tell you. Blackjack is a game of math. Guesses and hunches have no place in winning blackjack play, and the best tip we can offer a blackjack player is to leave your superstitions at the door and follow the mathematically best strategy for the game. Master basic strategy and don’t second guess the math.
Blackjack Tip #2. Scout the Tables and Players
Your goal is to find an enjoyable, relaxing, fast-paced table where you can do your thing with minimal interference and interruption. Drunk players are distracting. Slow players limit the amount of money you can win per hour. Mean-spirited dealers just bring your whole mood and vibe down, which can interfere with your ability to relax and concentrate.
Blackjack Tip #3. Never Take Insurance, Unless Card Counting
Insurance is almost always a sucker bet. And it’s not really insurance, it’s just a side bet that the dealer has a blackjack. But it’s a big time negative expectation bet, in almost every case. Now if you’re an experienced card counter, insurance might make sense in certain situations. But that’s beyond the scope of a blackjack tips article.
Blackjack Tip #4. Manage Your Money Wisely
Winning Blackjack Tips
Managing your bankroll is a key to being profitable in the long run, if you’re a card counter, or for getting the most fun for your money, if you’re not. If you make it a rule to never sit down at a table with a bet size that’s more than 1/20 of your bankroll for that session, your money will last longer. And if you’re an advantage player, your risk of ruin will be reduced too. The same principles that apply to managing a bankroll in poker, video poker, or craps apply to managing your money in blackjack.
And those principles all boil down to one simple tip: Don’t play over your bankroll.
Blackjack Tip #5. Tip the Dealer
Some advantage players wince at the thought of tipping the dealer, but there are reasons to tip the dealer beyond just being a nice guy. A player who tips the dealer generously might get a dealer who shuffles up a little later in the game than he might do otherwise, which is a boon to any card counter. And friendly dealers just make the game more enjoyable. By tipping the dealer, you help to make sure that your dealer stays friendly. And if one of your advantage play techniques is trying to take advantage of dealer tells, you might find that a generously tipped dealer suddenly has more obvious tells.
We hope that these general blackjack tips help you become a better blackjack player. They’re not anything profound or deep, and these blackjack tips aren’t as important as learning basic strategy. But they should help you get into the right mindset.