Understanding Blackjack Terminology
Blackjack terminology may sometimes seem confusing to new players or those who are unfamiliar with the game's jargon. Going over the terms used in the game will reveal that most of the words are based on regular words we use in ordinary conversation. However, like every other jargon, blackjack terminology will give further meaning to the words as they are used in the context of the game.
For example, when we say basic strategy, the meaning is easily discernable as a fundamental plan of action to achieve positive results. The name blackjack itself has a historical context. Back in its earliest days, getting a blackjack (i.e. a hand value of 21) would earn you more.
To bust simply means to go over board or exceed the maximum allowed value. In the case of blackjack, this means going over a hand value of 21. To hit would mean to strike, or in the case of the game, it means to get another card. To stand, obviously, means the opposite, which is to stay with your current hand valuation.
To double down means to double your wager and to stand down, this means to take one last card before doubling your bet. When you surrender in the context of blackjack terminology, you're not giving up the whole game but only half of your original wager. Insurance, just as the term ordinarily means, means to be covered or given assurance of something, which is your wager.
Hard hands reflect a certain difficulty with playing certain card combinations. Hard hands are called hard because they are hard to play since they can bust if you hit. Soft hands, obviously, would mean the direct opposite. In the case of the game, hard hands are those without Aces. Hands with Aces are called soft hands because they don't easily bust even if you hit.
To split also means the same as its ordinary usage. In blackjack terminology, you are splitting your hand, which effects a separation of the two cards dealt to you. For a hand to be split in blackjack, it should have a pair of cards of the same equal value, like a pair of Aces.
An up card is a card that is face up on the table. This one specifically means the dealer's card which is face up so all players may see it. A hole card is the opposite of the up card, which is the dealer's face down card. You base your decisions in blackjack depending on what the up card is and assume that the dealer's hole card has a value of ten.
Understanding blackjack terminology is easy if you try to relate the words to their ordinary usage. Take note that like every other jargon, blackjack terminology also expands the ordinary meaning in context with its usage in the game.