GLM TEAM 
Meta-Description: Become a pro blackjack player by learning the vocabulary of one of the world’s most
popular card gambling games.
There is more to playing blackjack than sitting there with a basic strategy chart or learning how to take
insurance and get away with it. You can become a more professional blackjack player by learning the
terminology used in the game. Where can you learn all about the lingo? As it happens, we’ll introduce you
to some of the more common blackjack terminologies right here.
popular card gambling games.
There is more to playing blackjack than sitting there with a basic strategy chart or learning how to take
insurance and get away with it. You can become a more professional blackjack player by learning the
terminology used in the game. Where can you learn all about the lingo? As it happens, we’ll introduce you
to some of the more common blackjack terminologies right here.
From Anchormen to Dealers and Houses
First up, let us introduce you to a few of the “roles” in the game. To get the ball rolling, you can expect to
see an anchorman. This isn’t a set role – instead, it is the last player to make their decision before the
dealer makes his or her call. The dealer is, of course, a term you will likely be familiar with. While the
house usually refers to the casino, you can effectively take that to mean anybody associated with the
casino who happens to be playing – they are, after all, against you and working on the side of the house.
For instance, in blackjack, there are precious few differences between the dealer and the house.
First up, let us introduce you to a few of the “roles” in the game. To get the ball rolling, you can expect to
see an anchorman. This isn’t a set role – instead, it is the last player to make their decision before the
dealer makes his or her call. The dealer is, of course, a term you will likely be familiar with. While the
house usually refers to the casino, you can effectively take that to mean anybody associated with the
casino who happens to be playing – they are, after all, against you and working on the side of the house.
For instance, in blackjack, there are precious few differences between the dealer and the house.
Burn Cards, Cut Cards, Up Cards, and Cold Decks Described
The cards themselves also have a few terms attached to them. For instance, a burn card is a card that
the dealer may or may not place face-down beside the deck before dealing. It is designed to stop the
player from guessing the first card. It won’t be used. Cards can also appear in cold decks – in short,
decks that don’t provide wins often (as opposed to hot decks, which do). You also have cut cards (a new
shoe with shuffled cards that is cut by the player), and up cards – namely the cards that face up on the
table.
The cards themselves also have a few terms attached to them. For instance, a burn card is a card that
the dealer may or may not place face-down beside the deck before dealing. It is designed to stop the
player from guessing the first card. It won’t be used. Cards can also appear in cold decks – in short,
decks that don’t provide wins often (as opposed to hot decks, which do). You also have cut cards (a new
shoe with shuffled cards that is cut by the player), and up cards – namely the cards that face up on the
table.
Flat Betting and Tokes Explained
If the bettor places the same wager consistently, then they are said to be flat betting. By contrast, tokes
are essentially tips that you pay the dealer (if you choose to). You may also find pits (the table area where
you place your bet) and colour ups (a surplus of low denomination chips that the dealer asks you to
exchange for higher value ones). Of course, none of these has its own specific genre, but these are
nonetheless useful blackjack lingo to familiarise yourself with.
If the bettor places the same wager consistently, then they are said to be flat betting. By contrast, tokes
are essentially tips that you pay the dealer (if you choose to). You may also find pits (the table area where
you place your bet) and colour ups (a surplus of low denomination chips that the dealer asks you to
exchange for higher value ones). Of course, none of these has its own specific genre, but these are
nonetheless useful blackjack lingo to familiarise yourself with.
Not for Everyone: Surrendering
Finally, let us cover surrendering. This is a move and one that won’t appear in every game you play. The
move essentially allows you to receive half your stake back by quitting. It is similar to folding in poker
games. It’s not a bad option to have if your hand looks like it is something of a dud. However, you
normally need to find specific blackjack variants to utilise this rule – it is not standard in most blackjack
games. Look for Blackjack: Surrender or Blackjack: Early Surrender to find it in play.
Finally, let us cover surrendering. This is a move and one that won’t appear in every game you play. The
move essentially allows you to receive half your stake back by quitting. It is similar to folding in poker
games. It’s not a bad option to have if your hand looks like it is something of a dud. However, you
normally need to find specific blackjack variants to utilise this rule – it is not standard in most blackjack
games. Look for Blackjack: Surrender or Blackjack: Early Surrender to find it in play.
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