Online Blackjack Terms & Glossary
If you've ever sat at a blackjack table, it feels like everyone has been playing for decades. They know the terms, they know the optimal moves, and they want you to know those things, too.
Online blackjack comes with less pressure than playing at a table, but you should still know these terms when you're getting started.
Common Blackjack Terms
Blackjack: A starting hand that is a natural winner at 21. You're paid out immediately, regardless of what happens in the rest of the hand.
Burn Card: The first card that the dealer places facedown and separates from the game at the start of a shoe.
Bust: The result of the player’s hand or dealer’s hand going over a total of 21, which is an automatic losing hand.
Bust Card: A dealer’s ‘up’ card that makes their hand highly likely to bust, mostly considered to be a 4, 5 or 6.
Double Down: An opportunity for players to double their wager by taking one additional card, typically done in favorable spots such as a player 11 against a dealer bust card.
Even Money: Also known as blackjack insurance, players can request this on their blackjack if they tie with the dealer instead of the standard 3:2 payout
Flat Betting: A conservative method of continuously placing the same bet amount on each hand.
First Base: The player to the left side of the dealer who is dealt the first card of a hand.
Hard Hand: A hand that contains no Ace.
Hit: The act of a player getting another card.
Hole Card: The dealer’s facedown card.
House Edge: The implicit edge that the house carries on any given hand, is typically observed as 97.5% RTP.
Natural: When a player is dealt a perfect 21 for blackjack.
Push: When the dealer and player(s) tie by having the same card total in their hands. All bets are refunded.
Soft 17: A hand composed of an Ace and a 6 that requires a specific action by the dealer depending on the blackjack variation being played.
Split: A play that can be made if players are dealt a pair, allowing them to split these two cards into separate hands.
Surrender: The equivalent of giving up on a hand as a player and receiving half your wager back.
Looking to learn about poker terms instead? Then check out our poker glossary!
Check out new online casinos where you can play blackjack.
Online Blackjack Resources
Confidence is key to be a successful blackjack player. Take advantage of the following blackjack guides to help boost your play:
- How to Play Online Blackjack
- 10 Online Blackjack Tips
- Common Blackjack Mistakes
- Live Dealer Blackjack
- Best Online Blackjack Sites
- How to Win at Blackjack
Where Is Online Blackjack Legal?
Online blackjack is currently legal in CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, WV & RI. Learn more about:
