Thursday, 25 September 2008 01:15

Below is a brief guide to the terminology commonly used in the game of blackjack:

Blackjack: Originally a hand consisting of a Jack plus the Ace of Spades. These days it refers to any two cards totalling 21 points.

Court Card: Any picture card, i.e. Jack, Queen or King. These are each assigned 10 points.
 
Bust: If a player or the dealer hits causing the hand to exceed 21 points. Should a player bust, they lose their bet. However should the dealer bust, all players who did not bust are paid out.

Double Down: The bet is doubled but only one more card may be drawn.

Hit: Request to be dealt a further card.

Hole Card: The dealer’s second card. This is dealt face down.

Insurance: Side bet placed if the dealer’s up card is an Ace. This covers the player if the dealer has blackjack.

Natural: Two card hand with 21 points.

Push: A draw between player and dealer. The bet is returned to the player.

Stand: A player stands when he requires no more cards to be dealt.

Tie: Another name for a Push, or draw.

Up Card: Dealer’s first card dealt, which is always face up.