Blackjack Terminologies

The following are terminologies used by Blackjack players. Some words or terms are exclusively used in Blackjack only while others are more generic.

Action - this term is use in gambling in general. This refers to the amount that the player bets at a specific time.

Anchor - this is the seat taken by player from the dealer's right side.

Bankroll - this is the available money that players have and plan to bet in their game sessions.

Basic Strategy - this is a tactic used by player to increase their winning odds.

Black Chip - color of the chips that are worth $100.

Blackjack - your first two cards have a total of 21.

Break or Bust - player's cards exceeds 21.

Burn Card - one or more card taken from the deck, this card is placed in the discard tray.

Cage - this term is short for cashier's cage. This is the place where players exchange their cash for chips.

Card Counting - player's strategy of tracking cards that came from the shoe or that have been dealt by the dealer.

Cold Streak - this happens when players are losing consistently.

Comps - these are complimentary items (room, food, shows, drinks) that are given to high rollers by the casino.

Counter - is someone counting the cards.

Cut Card - this is used by players to cut the cards after the dealer shuffles them. This is normally a colored plastic card.

Double Down - this means that players are doubling their initial bet after they received their initial cards.

Draw - this means that player is calling for an additional card.

Drop Percentage - this means the proportion that the casino will have because of the house percentage.

Early Surrender - this is an option given to players if they want to surrender before the dealer check cards for blackjack.

Even Money - this means that players earned 1:1 payout.

Face Card - these are cards with faces like Jacks, Queens and Kings.

Face Down Game - this means that the first card dealt is facing upward while the second card is dealt facing downward.

Face Up Game - this means that cards are dealt facing upward.

First Base - seat located at the dealer's left. First player that cards will be dealt.

Flat Bet - betting an amount without changing. If you bet at $10, it will be for every hand you'll play.

Green Chip - color of chips that are worth $25.

Hard Hand - a hand with an Ace.

Hard Total - a hand with or without an Ace.

Heads On - this means one on one with the dealer.

Heat - this is the pressure that the casino is putting on the winning player.

High Roller - this is what they call a player who is a big bettor.

Hit - same as draw.

Hole Card - these are cards owned by the dealer that are facing down.

Hot Streak - this is happening when the player is winning consistently.

House - this is another term for Casino.

Insurance - this is another kind of side bet.

Junket - this is what they call a group of gamblers.

Late Surrender - this is an option given to players, they are allowed make surrender as long as the dealer does not have blackjack.

Marker - this is an IOU. A credit line given to worthy players only.

Mechanic - this is a person that manipulates the cards.

Natural - the first two cards have a total of 21.

Odds - this is the chances that players have in winning.