Blackjack Terminology Every Beginner Has to Know

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world. For that reason, it is a staple of online casinos. It is also for that reason that many gamblers who start with slots, end up moving on to blackjack before any other casino game.

However, many times, these newbie players don’t know much about the game, and dive in blind. While that is not necessarily a bad way to start, it also isn’t the best way to go. So, if you are interested in blackjack, let’s go over some terms you should know.

Online and Live

First of all, if you are starting out your blackjack journey online, you should know the difference between online and live blackjack. If you want to play some blackjack online, these are your two options. When most people say online blackjack, what they mean is the digital version of the game.

Usually run by a random number generator software, the AI dealer gives random cards to each player, and the standard rules of blackjack apply. The players have to get as close to 21, without exceeding the number. The player that gets closer than the dealer, wins their pot.

Live blackjack is closer to the land-based version. A living dealer actually broadcasts themselves in real time, dealing cards to players from a live chat. The players can interact, make jokes, and have a blast, perfectly emulating the land-based casino atmosphere.

Hit, Stand, Double Down

Now that we’ve explained the difference between online and live, it is time to look at the three basic terms of the game that every player must know. When you sit down at the table, you will need to either say what you need, or press the button on the board (in online blackjack). But, you can’t do that unless you know what the buttons mean.

• Hit: you can probably guess that “hit” means that you want another card.
• Stand: the opposite of hit, a stand means that you’ve had enough, and you are comfortable with the cards you’ve been dealt.
• Double Down: after the two initial cards have been dealt, you can double your wager. The dealer will then give you one additional card, after which you are done.

Surrender and Bust

Sometimes, a game doesn’t go your way. When you realize that this is the case, it is best to count your losses. Luckily, blackjack rules allow players to surrender. Surrender means that a player forfeits half of their wager, and pulls out of the round. While it may suck to lose half of the money you’ve wagered, it is better than losing it all.

On the other hand, a Bust is what happens when a player’s luck runs out. The number of cards in their hand has exceeded 21, and they’ve lost their wager. In blackjack terms this is called a bust. In other words, it is just a cute word to describe losing the game. We would definitely recommend surrendering if you don’t think you stand a chance, as a bust means you’ve lost your entire wager.