Being Familiar With The Blackjack Language

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 26th, 2010

For most blackjack players, seeing an Ace is perhaps the most relieving sight that they can get when they are playing blackjack. Why? Well for one, the chances just of getting a blackjack just got higher and they have lesser worries of going towards a bust. For some people who are unable to get the sought after blackjack, they have the luxury of making the Ace card a 1 or 11. That is how flexible and advantageous an Ace brings and for most people, it is the best card to get in given situations.

Once a player gets a blackjack it is all over but the shouting. The game will not be continued in any way and the winning player will get 1.5 of his bet. But in other cases where he would not get a 10 or a face card, he will have to work his way up towards nearing the desired total of 21. In these cases, reaching the borderline total of 16 or 17 will really bring on the pressure. That is perhaps the worst case scenario other than hitting and getting a card that is 10 or more resulting to a bust.

Most gambling games have their own set of words used and for people who are planning to take blackjack a whole lot seriously, it would be best to take note of these terminologies and be ready whenever they are used in the game. They are not more on the deeper meaning words that we don?t usually hear everyday. On the contrary, they are simple words which we may even hear; the only difference of that which is standing for something else at the blackjack table that people find themselves playing in.

Hit. A hit is when a player wants another card for his hand. This usually ensues in times where the current dealt cards are insufficient or not even close to the total amount of 21 that is needed to get a good standing in the game. In most cases, any total that is less than 16 or 17, depending on the player, is recommended to get more from the banker.

Stand. A term used to state that the player does not want any more cards on his part. In such cases, it would be presumed that he has good cards in tow, either close to 21 if not 21. Adding more cards may get him into more trouble hence if for instance he has a total of 16 or 17, it would be best to stand and let the others do their thing.

Bust. Simply put, your out of it! This is usually the term given for hands which go over 21 and are no longer qualified to play for the remainder of the dealt session.

Wager. This is the term used when blackjack players want to place a bet for the session at hand.

Double Down. The scenario where a player wants to double his initial bet on the first two cards. This can only be entertained prior to a draw of a new hand by the player. The amount that he can double should only be equal to what he has wagered initially.

Splitting. This usually occurs when a player has the same pair dealt to him. Once this happens, a player can split the two cards and play them separately. In the event that the split is between two cases, if a player gets a face card or a 10, it will be counted only as a 21 and not a blackjack.

Insurance. This is usually offered when a banker shows an Ace in his hand. The amount to be placed under insurance should not be more than half of the original bet. If the card not shown should turn out to be a 10 or a face card, the player wins automatically. Otherwise, the dealer would win.

Surrender. Technically there is nothing much to expound on a surrender other than a simple give up or fold as it is more commonly known. This usually happens when a player does not like the cards he gets.