Blackjack Terminology

Our online blackjack games are amazingly simple to play, but it still helps to know the lingo before you start placing your chips. Know the difference between a burn and a bust? Or when to Face Down of Face Up (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)? If not, have a nosey through the blackjack terminology below, for an even more seamless blackjack experience. Once you’ve boosted your online blackjack knowledge why not put it to the test? Play our free online blackjack tables or real money blackjack now. And if you forget any of the blackjack terms, you can always keep checking back to this page for more info.

32Red online blackjack terminology

Action: Forget the lights and the camera, this generic gaming term refers to the total amount bet in a set time, e.g. 4 x £5 bets in hour means £20 action per hour.

Anchor: The last taken seat to the dealer’s right. But don’t let the term weigh you down.

Bankroll: The player's available funds. If you’re one high rolling big daddy, your bankroll probably has a long line of zeroes.

Basic Strategy: The set of plays the player should make to maximize the advantage. Swot up on our blackjack strategy to become a whizz!

Blackjack: The name of the game, silly. It also refers to the strongest hand, made up of an ace and another card worth 10 (King, Queen, Jack or 10).

Burn Card: A card discarded from the deck before dealing. In online blackjack the burn card isn't needed. But don’t worry, your chances of winning won’t go up in smoke.

Bust: No, it’s not a chesty piece of art. It’s when a player or the dealer gets a card resulting in their hand to exceed 21 points. A dealer may say "too many" to refer to going "bust". If a player busts, they lose their bet. However, if the dealer busts, all players who didn’t bust are paid out.

Deal: The first two cards given out during a hand. If you don’t get 21 with your first two cards, it’s no big deal.

Double Down: This is when a player doubles the original bet after getting their first two cards. The player can only "hit" one card after this. So it better pack a punch.

Face Down: When the player has their first cards dealt face down.

Face Up Card: When the player has their cards dealt face up.

Flat Bet: When you continue to re-play the same bet amount. Also, known as a repeat bet or re-bet.

Even Money: Cashing a bet immediately at a 1:1 payout ratio when dealt a natural Blackjack and the dealer’s showing card is an Ace. Sounds a bit odd but makes sense.

Hard Hand: (Also Hard Total): A hand where the ace is worth 1 and not 11 points. It can be a bit confusing that's why we're here to hold your hand through it.

Heads On: A game where the player’s only opponent is the dealer so best to tackle him head on.

High Roller/VIP: Someone who places big bets. Such a player may receive an invite to 32Red's Club Rouge and enjoy VIP privileges. Ooo fancy.

Hit: Before you get out your boxing gloves, this is when a player asks to be dealt another card. It’s also known as Draw.

Hole Card: A card faced down. In blackjack, this refers to the dealer's hidden card. If the dealers’ unlucky, you could be set for a hole lot of money.

Insurance: A bet made against the dealer having a natural 21 hand. Normally, this bet can be a maximum of half the initial bet and the dealer must be showing an ace. Get it right and you could claim one big win.

Late Surrender: Surrendering the hand - to lose only half your bet - if the dealer does not have blackjack. Better late than never.

Natural: When the two first cards dealt equal 21 (a blackjack).

Pair: When the two first cards deal are equal in value. Couple it with some of our interesting side bets available and you could win even more - see our Perfect Pairs Blackjack.

Pat Hand: A hand where the total is between 17 and 21.

Push: A hand that makes a draw - the player's bet is returned. This is also known as a "Tie" or "Stand-Off".

Shoe: A box which can hold up to 8 decks of cards and allows the dealer to deal the cards smoothly, one at a time. If you’re feeling lucky, grab the shoe by the horn!

Soft hand: A hand where an Ace is considered to be 11 and not 1. Tread softly when taking your next “hit”.

Split Hand: When a hand is made up of the same cards, i.e. two 3s, a player can split their cards to form two separate hands. It requires another bet to be placed – the same as the first.

Stand or Stay: When the player doesn’t want any more cards.

Surrender: When allowed, the player may give up their hand to retain half of their original bet but it’s not a life or death situation.

Now you’ve swotted up on your blackjack terminology you’re pretty much good to go. Put all your knowledge to work and play at the 32Red Online Casino today. Plus, we’re giving new players an awesome welcome bonus. Just make sure you’ve hit 21 (or 18’s just as good).

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