Understanding the Terms Used in Blackjack
Blackjack has long surpassed brawny games like craps as the casino game of choice for many players. Its popularity is due mainly to two factors: its simple rules and the low house edge of only 2%. These numbers can be brought down even further by following a defined strategy, which has been proven to work in multiple lab studies.
Before you can master this card game, it is important to understand its terminology. Failing to do so can prevent you from fully understanding the game and may also lead to misunderstandings with other players. To get started, here are some of the most common terms used in blackjack:
Hit – When you say “hit” at the table, it means that you want another card. This is usually accompanied by a hand gesture and is the only way that you can improve your initial hand. You should always hit when your first cards add up to eight or less, except when you have a pair of tens or more, in which case you must stand. You should also always split aces.
Soft hand – A hand in which the ace is counted as a 1 rather than an 11, which would make it over 21. A soft hand includes any card combination that totals 19 or less, such as a three-card straight or a four-card flush. It is one of the best hands to play and is paid out either 6 to 5 or 3 to 2 depending on the game type.
Keeping a running count – To keep track of the number of cards left in the deck, start by dealing yourself a single deck and counting them as you go. When you reach the end of the deck, you’ll have a running total of the value of the cards as well as an idea of how many decks are in play. Once you’ve mastered the running count, move on to the true count, which takes your running total and divides it by the number of decks in play.
Doubling down – This is a blackjack strategy that involves doubling your original bet in order to receive an additional card. This is done when your initial cards create a strong hand and the addition of a second card can significantly increase your odds of winning. It is important to know when to double down and when not to, but the key is to practice so that you have a firm grasp of basic blackjack strategy.
Insurance – This is a side bet that pays out 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack. It is generally placed after the initial bet and can be made before or after the dealer checks for blackjack. Statistically, it is better to forego this bet and just lose the initial bet than to risk losing more money by placing the insurance bet.
Bankroll management – This is an essential element in blackjack success. It is recommended that you predetermine your bankroll before playing and stick to it throughout the session. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions or taking on too much risk which could lead to financial strain.
