Why is the game called blackjack?

The name blackjack originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Originally, to attract players to the new version of twenty-one, casinos offered special payouts. One such payout was for a combination of the ace of spades and any black jack (jack of spades or jack of clubs), called a “blackjack”. Although this particular payout was soon canceled, the name “blackjack” remained and stuck with the game.

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack uses many specialized terms that understanding them will help you better navigate the game. It is important to know the meanings of these terms in order to make more informed decisions and improve your chances of winning.

Poor or Rich Ace

An ace in blackjack can be either poor or rich. A poor ace is valued at one point, while a rich ace gives as much as eleven points. This flexibility makes the Ace one of the most valuable cards in the deck. Depending on the other cards in the hand, the value of the Ace can change, allowing the player to better adapt to the current situation. For example, if you have an ace and a six, it could be either 7 or 17 points, depending on what is more favorable in the situation.

Anchor

The term “anchor” in Blackjack refers to the position of the player who sits last in front of the dealer. This position is considered strategically important because the anchor player is able to see all the cards played by the other players before making his decision. Players often choose this position to better control the game and use card information to make better decisions.

Bankroll

Bankroll is the amount of money a player allocates specifically for playing blackjack. Bankroll management is a key element of a successful strategy. Players must carefully monitor their bets and avoid the risk of losing too much. Setting limits and controlling spending helps to preserve the bankroll and prolong the enjoyment of the game. It is important to consider the likelihood of winning and losing streaks to stay in the game for the long term.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a combination consisting of an Ace and any card of ten (ten, jack, queen or king). This combination gives the player a maximum of 21 points. Getting a blackjack immediately after a hand brings an automatic win, unless the dealer has the same combination. Blackjack is the goal of every player as it guarantees the highest winnings. At Hugewin Casino, players can enjoy a variety of blackjack tables, each offering unique conditions and bonuses to maximize their enjoyment.

Box

Box is a place on the blackjack table where a player places his bets and cards. Each box is marked with special markings and is designed for one player. Hugewin casino offers a variety of gaming seats, which allows each player to find a suitable place and participate in the game with comfort. The convenient organization of the box on the table provides transparency of the game and helps the dealer and players to easily follow the process and results.

Burn Card

A Burn Card is a card that the dealer removes from the deck at the beginning of each hand. This process helps prevent cheating and increases the randomness of the game. At Hugewin Casino, players can rest assured that all games are played fairly and transparently thanks to security measures such as the use of Burn Card.

Bust or Break

Bust or Break occurs when the sum of points in a player’s hand exceeds 21. In this case, the player automatically loses his bet. Avoiding Bust or Break can be avoided by carefully thinking through your moves and knowing when to stop. At Hugewin Casino, players can take advantage of tips and strategies to minimize risk and increase their chances of winning.

Buy-in

The buy-in is the amount of money a player pays to participate in a game. In blackjack, the buy-in can vary depending on the table and betting level. Hugewin Casino offers a variety of buy-in options to meet the needs of players with different budgets. With a flexible buy-in system, every player can find the right table and enjoy blackjack on their own terms.

Buy-in blackjack

Chipping down or up

Chipping down or chipping up is a betting management strategy in which players change the size of their bets depending on their current winnings or losses. Chipping up means increasing your bet after a win and chipping down means decreasing your bet after a loss. This strategy helps players control their bankrolls and minimize risk. At Hugewin Casino, where many betting options are provided, chipping up or down can be a key element to a successful game.

Color Up

Color Up is the process of exchanging small chips for larger denomination chips. Players often use Color Up to simplify their chip management and reduce the number of chips on the table. At Hugewin Casino, the Color Up process is quick and convenient, allowing players to focus on the game rather than the logistics of their chips.

Cut

Cut is the process of separating a deck of cards after it has been shuffled and before the cards are dealt. At Hugewin Casino, players can split the deck themselves or trust the dealer to do so, which provides additional randomness and fairness to the game. Cut helps prevent card prediction and maintains a high level of trust between players and the casino.

DAS or NDAS

DAS (Double After Split) and NDAS (No Double After Split) are rules regarding the ability to double your bet after splitting cards. DAS allows players to double their bet after splitting a pair, giving them more opportunities to increase their winnings. NDAS, on the other hand, prohibits doubling up after a split, limiting opportunities for aggressive play. Hugewin Casino often utilizes DAS rules, giving players more flexibility and strategic options.

Double or Double Down

Double or Double Down is an option that allows the player to double their initial bet after receiving the first two cards. In doing so, the player receives only one additional card. This strategy is often used when a player is confident that a third card will give him an advantage over the dealer. At Hugewin Casino, the Double Down option is available on all tables, making the game even more exciting and strategically rich.

Double Exposure

Double Exposure is a variation of blackjack in which the dealer deals his first two cards face up. This gives players a significant advantage, as they can see the dealer’s cards from the start and make more informed decisions. At Hugewin Casino, players can try Double Exposure to experience new emotions and test their skills in an environment of increased openness and transparency in the game.

Even Money

Even Money is an option in blackjack when the player has a blackjack and the dealer has an open ace. The player is encouraged to take a 1:1 win before the dealer checks his closed card for a blackjack. This option avoids the risk of a draw if the dealer also happens to have blackjack. At Hugewin Casino, players can use Even Money to lock in their winnings and minimize risk.

Five Card Charlie

Five Card Charlie is a special blackjack rule that automatically wins if a player draws five cards up to 21 points. It is a rare but enjoyable rule that adds an element of strategy and a chance to win even in difficult situations. At Hugewin Casino, players can enjoy playing with the Five Card Charlie rule, which makes every hand even more exciting and unpredictable.

Five Card Charlie

Hard Hand

A Hard Hand is a Blackjack hand that does not contain an Ace or in which an Ace can only be counted as one point to avoid going over 21. Such hands require a special approach and strategic thinking as they lack the flexibility of a Soft Hand. At Hugewin Casino, players often encounter Hard Hand and learn how to apply different strategies to maximize their chances of winning.

Heads Up

Heads Up is a Blackjack situation where a player plays one-on-one with the dealer, with no other players involved. In such a game, all of the dealer’s attention is focused on one player, which can affect the speed of play and strategy. At Hugewin Casino, players can often find themselves Heads Up, especially at times when the tables are least busy, providing a unique opportunity to focus and use personalized strategies for success.

Hit

A hit is an action in which a player asks for an extra card in an attempt to bring their point total closer to 21. It’s important to understand when to take a hit so that you don’t exceed 21 and lose to the machine. At Hugewin Casino, players can use strategy tables and guidelines to better understand when to take a hit to maximize their chances of winning.

Hit 17

Hit 17 is a rule that requires the dealer to draw an extra card if he has a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace counting as 11). This rule increases the likelihood that the dealer will go over 21 and lose, which in turn increases the players’ chances of winning. At Hugewin Casino, the Hit 17 rule is used to create a more interesting and profitable game for players.

Hole Card

A hole card is the term used to describe a hidden dealer card that remains face down until the end of a betting round. This card can significantly affect the outcome of the game. At Hugewin Casino, players can use various strategies and clues to try and predict the value of the hole card, which adds more tension and interest to the game.

House edge

The house edge is the casino’s mathematical advantage over players in any game of chance, including blackjack. In blackjack, the house edge is usually between 0.5% and 1%, depending on table rules and player strategies. At Hugewin Casino, players can find tables with a minimum house edge, giving them a better chance of winning and making the game fairer and more exciting

Insurance

Insurance is a side bet offered to players if the dealer’s first card is an Ace. The insurance protects against a possible blackjack from the dealer. The amount of the insurance is usually half of the main bet and is paid out at a 2:1 ratio if the dealer does turn out to have a blackjack. At Hugewin Casino, players can choose whether or not to use insurance depending on their strategies and current game situation, which adds an extra layer of tactics to the game.

Multi-Deck

Multi-Deck is a blackjack game that uses multiple decks of cards, usually between two and eight. Using multiple decks makes card counting more difficult and increases the casino’s advantage. At Hugewin Casino, players can choose between games with different numbers of decks, allowing them to customize strategies and enjoy a variety of playing conditions.

Multi-Deck

Natural or Natural Blackjack

Natural or natural blackjack is a combination of cards consisting of an ace and any ten card (ten, jack, queen or king) for a total of 21 points. Natural blackjack is considered the strongest combination and usually pays out in a 3:2 ratio. At Hugewin Casino, players can expect generous payouts for natural blackjack, which adds to the game’s appeal and excitement.

NRSA and RSA

NRSA (No Resplit Aces) and RSA (Resplit Aces) are rules regarding the splitting of pairs of Aces. NRSA prohibits the re-splitting of aces after the first split, which limits the player’s options. RSA, on the other hand, allows the re-splitting of aces, increasing the chances of making strong combinations. At Hugewin Casino, players can find tables with RSA rules, giving them more strategic options and increasing their chances of winning.

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Coloring

A color is a term used to describe cards of the same suit. In blackjack, having cards of the same suit is not crucial, but some players use the term to describe combinations, especially if all the cards are pictures. At Hugewin Casino, players can enjoy a game where the concept of “coloring” adds an element of excitement and variety, making each hand more exciting.

Pair

Pair

A pair in Blackjack is two cards of the same value, such as two eights or two kings. Players can split a pair into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to the original bet. This move provides an opportunity to maximize your winnings if the odds are right. At Hugewin Casino, splitting pairs (split) is a popular strategy that allows players to maximize their chances of winning.

Pat Hand

A pat hand is a blackjack hand that has a point total between 17 and 21. Players with a pat hand usually do not draw extra cards because the risk of overcalling (going over 21 points) is too great. At Hugewin Casino, players often find themselves in a pat hand situation where the ability to properly assess risk and make strategically sound decisions to succeed in the game is important.

Push

Push is a blackjack situation where the player and the dealer have the same number of points, resulting in a draw. In such a case, the bet is returned to the player and no one wins or loses. These situations happen quite often at Hugewin Casino, and players can rest assured that their bets will be returned without loss if the result is a push.

Side Bet

A Side Bet is a side bet that a player can place in addition to the main blackjack bet. These bets are usually offered on different outcomes, such as “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3”, and can produce big wins under certain conditions. At Hugewin Casino, players can utilize different side bets to increase excitement and potential winnings, making the game even more exciting.

Soft Deuce

A soft deuce is a hand in which the ace counts for one instead of eleven. For example, an ace and a deuce make up a soft deuce because their total can be either 3 or 13. At Hugewin Casino, players often encounter a soft deuce and must be able to properly evaluate their odds in order to make the best decisions in the game.

Soft Deuce

Soft Hand

A soft hand in blackjack is a combination of cards that includes an ace, which can count for either one or eleven points. For example, an ace and a six make up a soft 17 (7 or 17). A soft hand gives players more flexibility and reduces the risk of overcalling. At Hugewin Casino, these hands give you the opportunity to use strategic decisions to increase your chances of winning.

Stack

A stack is an action in which a player decides not to draw additional cards while remaining with the current point total in his hand. This decision is usually made when a player is confident that his hand is stronger than the dealer’s, or when further risk could lead to an overcall. At Hugewin Casino, players are often faced with a situation where stand is the optimal choice to maintain an advantage in the game.

Stand 17

Stand 17 is a rule that requires the dealer to stand on soft 17 (a hand with an Ace counting for 11 and a total of 17). This rule limits the dealer’s actions and gives players a better chance of winning. At Hugewin Casino, the Stand 17 rule is used to create a more balanced and interesting game, allowing players to apply their skills and strategies with more confidence.

Standing Hand

Standing Hand

A Standing Hand is a Blackjack hand with which a player decides not to draw additional cards, believing that the current point total is sufficient to defeat the dealer. For example, a hand with 18, 19 or 20 points is often considered a Standing Hand. At Hugewin Casino, players can use strategies based on the strength of their Standing Hand to increase their chances of winning.

Stand-Off

Stand-Off is a situation in blackjack where the player and dealer have the same number of points, resulting in a tie. In such a case, neither the player nor the casino wins or loses, and the bet is returned to the player. At Hugewin Casino, these situations happen on a regular basis, giving players the opportunity to get their bets back and continue playing without loss.

Stiff

A Stiff is a blackjack hand that has a point total between 12 and 16. These hands are considered “stiff” (Stiff) because they are at high risk of being overcalled when an extra card is taken. At Hugewin Casino, players often encounter these hands and must make informed decisions to minimize risk and increase their chances of winning.

Surrender

Surrender is an option in blackjack that allows a player to surrender and return half of his bet after receiving the first two cards if the player believes his chances of winning are slim. This strategic decision can minimize losses in the long run. At Hugewin Casino, players can take advantage of this option to better manage their bets and risks, preserving their bankroll for more favorable hands.

Switch

Switch is a variation of Blackjack that allows players to play two hands at once and change (switch) second cards between those hands. This unique rule opens up new strategic opportunities and increases the chances of winning. At Hugewin Casino, players can enjoy this dynamic blackjack variant that adds an element of tactical skill and extra excitement to the game.

Switch

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About the Author

Originally born in New York City on July 22, 1991, Elara Whitley is a recognised casino review specialist living in Las Vegas. She started working in the gaming business as a data analyst following her 2013 Master’s degree in Data Science from Columbia University, then quickly moved to pen thorough analyses of casinos. Renowned for her exacting analytical style and thorough reporting, Elara has evolved into a reliable voice assessing both land-based and internet casinos.