Play Online Blackjack for Fun

Ace – this is the only card with two potential values – “1” and “11.” That allows you more room to combine and find the combination you need to beat your opponent. Only Ace card gives you a chance to get blackjack without requesting any additional cards.

Back counting – another term for this is “wonging.” It describes a situation when an inactive player is standing at the table and counting cards. The main reason to do this is calculating when the winning odds are high. At that point, the back counter joins the game.

Basic strategy – this is the most common strategy beginners use when playing. This approach involves following a chart with recommended moves to make in each situation. The chart is math-based, and those moves give the player the best statistical chance of winning.

Blackjack – the name of the game and also the best hand you could have while playing. If the total value of the cards in your hand is “21,” the usual payout is 3:2, although it can vary from one casino to another. Players who get “21” with the initial two cards have a “natural.”

Bust – if the value of cards in your hand goes over 21 points, that means you went bust. A bust eliminates you from the hand, which is why you should be careful not to go over 21 when playing. It doesn’t matter if the hand value is “22” or “32,” this is all considered a bust.

Buy-in – in real money games, you need to add actual funds to start playing. The sum you add is your “buy-in” to play the game. Many tables have a minimum buy-in. This means you cannot purchase chips in values lower than the specified one.

Chip – chips are the in-game currency all players use. In most cases, they are 1:1 with real money. So, you will receive a “1” chip value for each dollar (or relevant currency) invested. Chips come in multiple denominations and can go from under “1” to “500” or more.

Dealer – the dealer is the host of the game, and the player you compete against. They will shuffle and deal cards, as well as participate in the game. In each round, your only task is to beat the dealer’s hand.

Deck – a blackjack deck features 52 cards because jokers do not participate in blackjack. Depending on the variation you are playing, you might play with a single, double, or up to eight decks. If you are playing online, decks could be irrelevant because everything is software-based and completely randomized.

Double – the round starts when the dealer gives you your first two cards. Once you check them out, you have an option to double your current bet. If you utilize that option, it is mandatory for the dealer to give you a single additional card, and no more after that.

Edge – edge is an advantage that a particular player has for whatever reason. The most common advantage in blackjack is the house edge. Percentages are usually used to describe the edge. Although it improves the chances of a specific side, it ultimately doesn’t have to mean anything.

Hand – this term describes the cards you are currently holding. The total value of those cards is also famous as “hand value.” While playing, each participant will hold their own “hand.”

Hard hand – take a look at the cards in your hands and count their value. If it is at least 12 and you don’t have an Ace, you’ve got yourself a hard hand. Hard hands are also those where you count Ace as “1” to avoid a bust. These are not considered a favorable option in blackjack games.

Hit – would you like the dealer to give you another card? In this case, you can tell them to “hit” you. It is a specific term used to ask to get an additional card. If you are in a land-based casino, a table knock could be enough for a card. Be careful when calculating the right move to avoid going bust.

House – another term for a casino that you are playing in is “house.” That is because the house sets the rules, and you are a guest who uses their service.

House edge – an edge that the casino has over the players in all games, including blackjack. Depending on the variation you choose, the edge could be anywhere from 0.2% to 5% or more. However, the usual house advantage in Canadian online casinos is around 3.5%.

Insurance – apart from mandatory bets, you also have optional side bets, and insurance is one of them. The idea of this wager is to protect you from a scenario where the dealer gets a blackjack. It is a smart choice when you notice them having an Ace or “10” as the face-up card. If the insurance bet comes through, you get a 2:1 payout.

Surrender – you analyzed the situation in the current round and realized the chances of winning are slim. That is when you can use the “Surrender” option. It involves forfeiting the hand and holding 50% of the initial bet. Although it is a move you should avoid, it can still be smart to control your losses, especially if you have a hard hand.

Soft hand – check out the cards in your hands and see if you have an Ace. If you have an Ace and the freedom to count it as both “1” or “11,” that means you have a soft hand. The advantage of having a soft hand is that receiving another card won’t lead to a bust.

Stand – if you choose to stand, that indicates you are happy with the value you have in your hand. In this case, tell the dealer you wish to stand and it is now their turn to play.

Split – when you split you divide the initial hand into two hands. Separating them also means investing the original wager again. It will be like playing with two sets in a single round. The most common reason for splitting is having a set of the same cards initially.