The language of blackjack is full of interesting words, terms and phrases. It can be difficult to keep up with the many terms and definitions used in this game, particularly for beginners. This article will help explain the most common blackjack vocabulary so players can enjoy this card game to the fullest.
The term ‘das’ is German for “the.” It’s a short word that’s used often in the game to refer to a single card. A das can also be used to indicate a player’s intent to draw a card and add it to their hand. A das can also refer to the dealer’s decision to check for a blackjack.
A dealer’s hole card is a face-down card that only the dealer has. A hole card gives the dealer an advantage over the player. The term ‘hole’ is also used to describe a player’s card that is face down. A dealer’s hole card is considered a hard total, meaning it can only have the value of 10.
Insurance in blackjack is a side bet offered when the dealer has an Ace as his/her up card. It pays out at odds of 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Insurance can reduce the house edge by about 7%.
Splitting in blackjack is a rule that allows a player to split his/her cards into two different hands. This is a good strategy for low-value cards like 6 and 8 that can be improved by adding an ace. In some games, you can even split a pair of 8s. This is an advantageous rule for players that can be found at online blackjack tables.
Double down in blackjack is a playing decision that requires you to double your bet for an additional card. This is a great way to increase your winnings, especially if you have a strong starting hand that’s worth over 21 points. It’s a risky move and should only be made if you are confident that your hand will beat the dealer’s.
Deck penetration is the percentage of cards played out of a shoe or deck before reshuffling. This is a key factor for card counters as it lets them know how many cards remain that are useful to them.
A player who rebuys into a blackjack tournament after being eliminated early on for a fee. This is an option that most online blackjack tournaments offer to players.