Glossary of Blackjack terms

2:1 (2-to-1) Odd

A payout of an additional unit the same size as your original bet. Pays double the original bet

3:2 (3-to-2) Odds

A payout of 1 and 1 half of the original bet

Anchorman – Anchor

Term used to describe the person sitting at the last seat at the blackjack table. This player is the last player to receive cards before the dealer plays his/her cards.

Balanced Count

A card counting system is balanced when the sum of the card point values for the whole deck is equal to 0. An unbalanced count is when the sum of the point values is anything other than 0. Balanced counts include Hi-Low, Halves, Zen etc. Unbalanced counts include Red 7, K-O and Uston’s Unbalanced Zen count.

Bankroll

The total amount of money a player has dedicated to playing with. A bankroll could apply to the total amount for a particular playing session or the total amount over a defined period.

Basic Strategy

A playing system defining the optimum play for any given situation. The basic strategy does not have an associated card counting system however, basic strategy is the basis of all card counting systems. Playing perfect basic strategy gives the casino between 0.5% and 1.5% advantage depending on the casino rules. The average player gives the casino a 2% or greater advantage.

Betting Efficiency

Is a meause of how accurate a card counting system is for choosing the optimal time to raise your bets in relation to the true count. Betting efficiency is typically measured on a scale between 0.0 and 1.0, where 1.0 is better rating.

Bet Spread

Is the unit limits indicating the smallest and largest amounts to be placed when playing Blackjack. For example a 1 to 4 bet spread indicates the smallest unit size to be played would be 1 unit and the largest unit size would be 4 units.

Blackjack (21; Twenty-One)

1. The name of the most well known casino card game.
2. When an Ace and a ten value card are dealt as the first two cards totalling 21 in value. This hand typically pays 3:2 odds and can also be referred to as a “natural”.

Blackjack Table

The Blackjack table typically has between 5 and 7 playing places. The position to the leftmost side of the table ( closest to the Dealer ) typically is referred to as the First Baseman.

Burn Card

The first card that is drawn from the shoe. This card is discarded – “burned”.

Bust/Busted (“Too many”)

This happens when the total of the player’s or dealer’s cards exceeds 21. When a player busts the dealer automatically wins the hand. When the dealer busts, all players who have a valid playing hand ( hand total not exceeding 21 ) automatically win.

Card Counter

A person who card counts by assigning numerical values to the cards ( see Card Counting )

Card Counting

The art of allocating number values to cards to give the player a greater chance of winning.

Comps

“Comps” refers to complimentry services and goods that are offered by the casino. These are generally offered to the player for playing at the casino.

Cut Card

A plastic card that is used to “cut” the deck after the dealer, or shuffling machine, has shuffled the cards.

Double after Split (DAS)

Casino rules that allow doubling down after the players has split any pair.

Dealer

Casino personnel responsibile for shuffling and distributing cards to the players. He/She is also responsible for collecting casino chips and paying out on winning hands.

Decision (Play Decision)

The option you are given on your particular turn. Play decisions include hitting, doubling down, standing, splitting, insuring and surrendering.

Discard Pile

The place where used cards are placed at the end of each round

DOA (Double only any two cards)

Casino rules that allow for doubling on any two playing cards.

Double Down (Doubling Down)

Doubling down is the process of increasing the size of your bet up to as much as your first bet for the addition of one extra card. No more cards can be received on your doubled down hand.

First Baseman

Term used to describe the player sitting closest to the shoe; on the Dealer’s left hand side.

Flat Betting

Betting the same amount on each hand.

Heads Up

Playing against the dealer. No other players at the table.

Heat

The term used when casino personnel are pressurizing you. This can be in the form of unnecessary comments, accusations that are counting cards, intent scrutiny of your game by the pit bosses or other casino personnel etc.

Hit; Hitting (Drawing)

A decision by the player to take another card. When “hitting” the player is requesting another card.

Hole Card

The hole card is the Dealer’s card which is face down. This card is not turned over until each player has played their hand.

House Edge (House Advantage)

The term “house edge” refers to the percentage advantage the Casino has over the player.

Insurance

Insurance is offered as a side bet when the Dealer’s up-card is an Ace. The amount the player is allowed to bet is up to half his original bet.

Las Vegas Strip rules

Rules referring to a game of Blackjack with a single deck, dealer standing on all 17′s, double allowed on the two first cards dealt and no doubling after splitting permitted.

Natural

When an Ace and a 10 value card are dealt as the first two cards totalling 21 in value. This hand typically pays 3:2 odds and can also be referred to as a Blackjack.

No Double After Split (NDAS)

Casino rules that do not allow doubling when the player has split two cards.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over/Under is a side bet that allows the player to

Pit

The area behind the casino tables. This section is general roped off and casino personell occupy the area. Several pit bosses roam this area and check each casino game in turn.

Pit Boss

Casino staff member who checks and monitors all of the casino play within his/her designated pit area.

Playing Efficiency

Is the measure used in determining how accurate a counting system is in directing the player to make the best play decision. Playing Efficiency is typically measured on a scale between 0.0 and 0.7, where 0 .7 is a better rating.

Playing Conditions

The options that a casino has imposed on the game of blackjack at that casino e.g.. No double after split, double down on only 10, 11 etc. Table limits for betting, minimum bet and maximum bet.

Push (“Stand off”)

A push is when the card value of the player’s hand equals the dealer’s hand total. When this happens the players original bet is returned to him.

Resplit Aces (RSA)

The ability to resplit aces. Many casinos set a limit to the number of times that aces can be split.

Running Count

The current count for a particular game.

Shoe

A small wooden device which holds the packs of shuffled cards. The Dealer draws cards from the shoe to deal to the players.

Side Count

An additional count to track certain cards. Common side counts include an ace or five count.

Soft Hand

A hand that contains an Ace which is counted as 11. E.g.. Ace-9 is soft 20. The opposite to a soft hand is a hard hand.

Stand (Stay)

A player’s decision not to take any more cards. The dealer will proceed to the next player.

Stiff Hand

A hand that has a low chance of winning even if basic strategy is followed e.g. 12 – 16.

Surrender

A play option to fold your hand and receive half of your original bet back. This is done before the dealer plays out his hand.

Third baseman (Last baseman)

See Anchorman.

True Count

The true count is derived from the running count divided by the number of decks left in the shoe. The total number of decks can be estimated to the nearest deck or half deck.

Wonging

Strategy employed to enter a game when the count is high so the player has a definite advantage. The reverse is also true; leaving a game when the conditions are not favorable for the player.