Add these 13 Blackjack Terms to your casino glossary list to master the gameplay. Learn the basics like Hit, Stand, Surrender, etc. for smart betting decisions.
Blackjack is one of the most played online casino games on the M88 Betting website. So, if you wish to join in on the fun as a beginner it is best to look into some of the blackjack terms you must know before betting. In this article, we have put together 13 Blackjack Terminology that you must understand to navigate your way through the game rooms online easily as a beginner.
1. Hit
The first and most common term on the Blackjack terms list is Hit. To know what Hit is you must understand how the blackjack game takes place in the game rooms. In the game room, you get dealt two cards first and then you must make a betting decision to get your card hands to sum up to the number 21 or closer to it without exceeding. So, if you wish to add another card to your existing hand, you must Hit for another card and the dealer will deal you a card.
2. Stand
The next word on the Blackjack terms list is the word ‘Stand’ which is similar to the word hit as it is used to make a betting decision in the game room for your next card. When you use the Stand button in the game room you do not get another card dealt to you as you have chosen to stand the existing hand you already have. This term us used when your cards are closer to the number 21 to place safe bets.
3. Burst
As stated above, in Blackjack your goal is to get your cards to total 21 or as close to 21 as possible. This means that you must be careful not to go over that number, because if your total exceeds 21, your hand bursts (or busts), and you automatically lose the round. Bursting is one of the main risks in Blackjack, which is why players must decide carefully when to hit or stand depending on their hand value and the dealer’s visible card. This is why we recommend using some of the M88 Casino Tips for beginners.
4. Split
A Split is one of the key Blackjack terms that gives players a strategic edge. If your first two cards are of the same value, for example, two 8s or two Kings, you can choose to split them into two separate hands. You must place an additional bet equal to your original one, and each new hand then receives a second card from the dealer. This move doubles your chances to win but also doubles your risk, so knowing when to split is part of mastering Blackjack strategy.
5. Double Down
Double Down is another powerful term in the Blackjack terms list. It means you’re confident enough in your hand to double your initial bet in exchange for just one more card. After doubling down, you receive one card and must stand, regardless of the total. Players typically use this option when they believe a single card can get them close to 21, for example, when holding a total of 10 or 11. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that can turn a solid hand into a big win.
6. Surrender
Surrender is a defensive move that allows you to give up your hand early and lose only half of your original bet. This option is offered before the dealer checks for Blackjack and is used when your hand is weak compared to the dealer’s upcard. While it might seem like quitting, surrendering can be a smart long-term strategy that minimizes losses in unfavorable situations.
7. Hand
Your Hand in Blackjack refers to the set of cards you hold during a round. The goal is for your hand’s total value to beat the dealer’s without exceeding 21. Each round begins with two cards, and from there, you decide whether to hit, stand, double, or split based on your total and the dealer’s visible card. Reading your hand correctly is the foundation of good Blackjack play.
8. Blackjack/Natural
A Blackjack or Natural is the best hand you can get — an Ace combined with a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This adds up to exactly 21 with just two cards, which usually results in an instant win. In most casinos, a Blackjack pays out at 3:2 odds, though some tables may offer different rates. It’s the most exciting moment in the game and the one every player hopes for.
9. Soft/Hard hand
In Blackjack, a Soft Hand includes an Ace counted as 11. For example, Ace and 6 make a soft 17, because the Ace can also be treated as 1 if needed. A Hard Hand, on the other hand, either doesn’t include an Ace or includes one that must count as 1 to avoid bursting. Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands helps you make smarter decisions about when to hit, stand, or double down.
10. Insurance
Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It’s a way to protect your main bet in case the dealer has a Blackjack. The insurance bet usually costs half of your original wager and pays 2:1 if the dealer’s hidden card is a 10, giving them a natural 21. However, since the odds often favor the house, most experienced players consider insurance a risky choice.
11. Push
A Push happens when both your hand and the dealer’s hand end up with the same total. In this case, it’s a tie, neither wins nor loses. When there’s a push, your bet is returned to you, and the round ends without any gain or loss. Pushes are common in Blackjack and simply mean the game continues to the next hand.
12. House Edge
The House Edge in Blackjack is the small built-in advantage that the casino has over players. Even though Blackjack is one of the fairest games in the casino, the house still maintains an edge based on the rules and payout structure. This edge can vary depending on factors like the number of decks used and whether players use basic strategy. The better your decisions, the more you can reduce the house edge in your favor.
13. Insurance
While Commission is rare in standard Blackjack, it can appear in certain rule variations or special side bets. It refers to a small percentage taken by the casino from specific winning bets to maintain balance and ensure profitability. Understanding whether your table includes any commission based rules helps you plan your wagers more effectively.
Conclusion
These 13 Blackjack Terms Explained for beginners are essential to go ahead and enjoy some of the best gaming experience online. These terms are important to learn as they are part of the gameplay that you will come across often. However, if you want to learn more about the terms in depth and get to know the Blackjack live casino game rooms then keep visiting our website as we have beginner-friendly guides, tips and tricks, and more by experts.
