A comprehensive list of blackjack slang and terms

Learning how to play blackjack can be difficult, so let’s make it more accessible by breaking down some of the lingo you’ll need to learn.

Learning how to play blackjack can seem intimidating at first. Not only are there different betting strategies in blackjack, but also working out the likelihood of different cards appearing on the board and also handling other people at the table...

So let's take it one step at a time. Let's start with the basics and learn the different terms in blackjack.

A comprehensive list of blackjack slang and terms

21: There are a few definitions for 21 in Blackjack. First of all, it’s an alternative name for the game and achieving the Blackjack hand. It’s the best hand in the game and the total amount you should aim towards without going over.

21+3: A bet on your two cards and the dealer’s upcard.

Ace: The best card in the deck, as it can count as 1 or 11.

Ace Poor and Ace Rich: To be Ace Poor means that fewer aces than usual are coming out, while Ace Rich means that many aces are coming out.

Anchor: Otherwise known as an Anchorman, this is the last person to act before the dealer does.

Action: The total amount wagered during a play session.

Bankroll: The amount of money you’ve set aside to play with. When playing blackjack, bankroll management is very important to monitor, otherwise you might have to stop playing sooner than expected!

Blackjack: Similar to 21, it can mean all sorts of things. It’s the name of the game itself, as well as hitting 21 with an Ace and Face Card.

Box: This is where the cards and chips are placed. It’s an outline on the felt that keeps everything neat and ordered.

Bust: The act of going over a total of 21 and losing the round.

Chip Up or Chip Down: When you raise your wager from the previous amount, it’s Chipping Up. If you lower your wager, it’s known as Chipping Down.

Color Up: This is when you exchange your chips for larger denominations.

D9: A rule available in some casinos where you can only double hands that contain a 9, 10 or 11, but you can’t double a hand with an ace in it.

DA2: When you’re allowed to Double Any 2 cards.

Double After Split: Otherwise known as DAS, this lets you double down on a card after splitting them. Alternatively, NDAS or No Double After Splitting won’t let you do this.

Double Exposure: A version of Blackjack where both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up.

Double Down: You can double your bet for an additional card, but you cannot hit it afterwards.

Face Cards: Cards which have a Jack, Queen or King on them. These have a value of 10 in Blackjack.

First Base: The first person at the table to receive their cards. The opposite of an Anchor.

Five-Card Charlie: A hand with five cards that hasn’t bust yet. Sometimes, there is a prize for reaching this point.

Hard Hand: A hand that doesn’t have an ace in it. As such, it only has one total, which is known as a Hard Total.

Heads Up: A game played between one player and one dealer.

Hit: Asking the dealer to give you another card as you try and get closer to 21, but without going over it.

Hole Card: The dealer’s card which is face down at the start of the game.

Insurance Bet: If the dealer’s exposed card in an ace, you can buy insurance and pays 2:1 if the dealer hits Blackjack.

Natural Blackjack: A Blackjack hand comprised of an ace and face card, will often pay higher than standard winning hands.

No Resplitting Aces: Otherwise known as NRSA, this means you’re not allowed to split your aces because of the higher likelihood of hitting Blackjacks. Alternatively, Resplitting Aces or RSA means that you can.

Pair: A hand with matching cards, such as two kings or two aces.

Paint: If someone says they want more paint, this means they want more face cards. This is understandable, because they’re some of the most valuable cards in the game.

Push: A draw between the dealer and player which happens has a 8.48% likelihood of happening. The player will get their bet back with no extras.

Shoe: This is the shuffling machine the dealer will use at the table. Depending on what casino you’re playing at, these can hold up to six decks at one time.

Side Bet: These are bets that go past the two cards first dealt to you. These can include insurance on the dealer getting a Blackjack, or the 21+3 bet.

Soft Double: The act of doubling on a hand that has an ace in it.

Soft Hand: A hand that has an ace in it. It’s considered soft, because the ace can be used as an 11 or 1, so it’s malleable in how it can be used.

Split: If you get a pair in your starting hand, then you can split them and add another bet to the new hand. This means you get double the chances to win - or lose!

Stand: When you want the dealer to stop giving you cards that round.

Stand 17: In most casinos, the dealers will have to stand once they hit 17. This can change between venues though, but it will be printed on the felt.

Standing Hand: A hand that you should stand on immediately, because hitting will only get you in trouble! For example, if the total is 18 or above.

Stand-off: The same as a Push, where the dealer and player draw and the bet is returned.

Stiff: A very challenging hand, often valued between 12 and 16. These are difficult to play, because they’re easy to bust with, but if you don’t hit with them then you’re likely to lose anyway.

Surrender: If the casino allows surrenders, then you can forfeit your cards to get half of your bet back.

Upcard: The dealers face up card which has its value exposed.