Blackjack Terms
Action:
This is a general gambling term which refers to the total amount of money bet in a specific period of time. Ten bets of 15 dollars each is $150 of action.
Hit: To request another card.
Stand: To decline another card.
Bust: When a hand's value exceeds 21 which is a losing hand.
Push: A tie between the player and the dealer.
Surrender:
A casino rule which allows a player to discontinue play after receiving the 1st two cards by losing half of the amount wagered. Rarely seen online.
Basic Strategy:
A playing system that provides a long-run and is an optimal way to play.
Cut Card:
A solid colored card, typically a piece of plastic which is given to a player by the dealer for the purpose of cutting the deck(s) after a shuffle.
Hole Card:
Any face down card. The definition most often refers to the dealer's single face down card however.
Shoe:
A device that can hold up to eight decks of cards which allows the dealer to slide out the cards one at a time.
Hard Hand:
A hand in which any Ace is counted as a 1 and not as an 11, or a hand without an Ace. If your hand consists of an Ace, 7, or 9, you have a hard 17.
Soft Hand:
A hand in which any Ace is counted as an 11 and not as a 1.
If your hand consists of an Ace and a 6, you have a soft 17.
Pat Hand: A hand with a total of 17 to 21.
Pair: When a player's first two cards are numerically identical.
Flat Bet:
A bet which you do not vary ie, if you are flat betting five dollars, you are betting $5 each and every hand without changing the betting amount.
House Percentage: The casino's advantage in a particular game of chance.