Blackjack may be one of the most popular live dealer casino in canada games in the world but those new to Blackjack may struggle with some of the different terms in Blackjack.
The game is steeped in tradition and history, which means that over the years a lot of slag phrases have emerged.
Many terminologies in Live Blackjack aren’t hugely relevant to the playing of the game. After all, so long as you can so basic math and know how to play Blackjack, you can get along just fine.
But there are strange terminologies associated with Blackjack that seasoned players pick up as they develop their knowledge of this exciting game.
So here at Unibet we’ve created this article on the different Blackjack terms to help you through some of the words you may encounter at the Live Casino table.
Some similar articles that you might interesting in Unibet Canada are:
- Roulette terms & their definitions
- Baccarat terms & their definitions
- Slot Machines terms & definitions
First of all, though, let’s go through the rules of Blackjack.
How Blackjack works
The aim of Blackjack is to get a blackjack hand that totals as close to 21 as possible, but not over. You play against the dealer, who will win if you go bust (over 21) or if their hand strength beats yours. You make a bet before you are dealt two cards, at which point you can request more cards (hit) to remain where you are (stand). Players add up the card values for a total hand value, which will give them a prompt as to what to do next.
Read our full guide on How to Play Live Blackjack - it includes a handy cheat sheet
Most players will stay if they have a hand value of 18 or higher. Once the player has stayed, the dealer will then play their hand. Often the dealer must stay on 18 or higher. If they beat your hand, the dealer wins the bet. If you beat the dealer’s hand, you win the bet.
Blackjack Terms
Now let’s take a look at the Blackjack terms you might encounter when you are playing Blackjack.
Ace value
The Ace has two values: 1 or 11. You can choose which value your Ace holds and can change that value throughout the round.
Bet
This is the initial bet you make in order to receive your first two cards. It effectively enters you into the round. You decide on the size of the bet but be aware there might be a minimum bet at the table you are at.
Bet Behind
This is a great side bet in the Live Casino that lets you bet on another player’s hand. If the player wins that hand, you also win! You can place a Bet Behind without even being seated at the table.
Blackjack
This is the best hand in Blackjack. It occurs when you are dealt an Ace and any picture card (J, Q or K). A Blackjack is unbeatable in the game and you will win your bet.
Bust
This is when your total card value goes over 21. You will never go bust on the deal.
Coloured pair
This is a side bet you can make that focuses on the deal. This is when you are dealt a pair of cards that carry different suits but of the same colour. It pays out 12:1.
Example: 6 Spades and 6 Clubs.
Deal
You receive two cards from the dealer, while one of the dealer’s two cards will not be visible to you. It’s time to play!
Double Down
This is a way of increasing your bet after you’ve seen your first two cards. When you Double Down, you agree to bet the same amount again as your original bet. The player will then receive one more card and stand. Many players Double Down when they have a hand value of between 9 and 11 after the first two cards. It means they cannot go bust but have a great chance of nailing a three-card hand value of 17 to 21. Players must stand after a third card.
Face cards
Jacks, Queens and Kings are called face cards and have a value of 10. They can also be used with an Ace to create a Blackjack, the best hand you can get in the game.
Hit
You request another card from the dealer to add to your hand. Remember, if you exceed 21 you’re bust!
Insurance
This is when you suspect the dealer may have Blackjack. You can take the insurance option if the dealer’s Up card is an Ace. Your insurance bet is usually half your original bet — and if the dealer does have Blackjack then the payout is 2:1.
Mixed pair
This is a side bet you can make that focuses on the deal. This is when you are dealt a pair of cards that carry different suits and a different colour. It pays out 6:1.
Example: 4 Hearts and 4 Clubs
Payouts
Here are the payouts you will receive when playing and winning at Blackjack:
Player wins - 1:1
Player wins with Blackjack - 3:2
Perfect Pair - 25:1
Coloured Pair - 12:1
Mixed Pair - 6:1
21+3 - See below
Perfect pairs
This is a side bet you can make that focuses on the deal. If you land a pair then you could win a big payout. A Perfect Pair specifically is when you are dealt two identical cards — both same value and same suit. It pays out at 25:1.
Push (tie)
This is when the hand values of the player and dealer are the same. It can happen more regularly than you think! When there is a tie, no money chances hands and the round simply ends the same as it started.
Example: You are dealt Ace + 8 = 19. The dealer is dealt King + 9 = 19. This is a tie.
Split
This is where a player splits their first two cards into individual hands. It is important to note that the split only happens when your first two cards are a pair. When you split, you agree to place a second bet of the same amount as your initial bet. The player now effectively plays with two hands. Most Blackjack players split on a pair of 8s or Aces.
Example: You bet $1 on a Blackjack hand and are dealt a pair of 8s. You decide to split, meaning you put another $1 bet on your second hand. You play one hand first, and then the second, as normal.
Stand
This is where you decide your hand strength is strong enough and you don’t request any more cards. You can usually stand at any point between 17 and 21 in Blackjack. It is then the dealer’ turn to play.
Surrender
You can surrender your hand when the dealer’s Up card is at a value of 10 to Ace. If you surrender your forfeit half your bet to the house and the round ends. Surrendering is effectively a way of cutting your losses. So, if you have a weak hand and the dealer has a strong Up card, sometimes it is better to surrender.
21+3
This is a side bet that focuses on the three Up cards you can see on the deal. In 21+3 you bet on whether there will be a combination between your two cards and the dealer’s Up card. You can see the combinations below…
The payouts for 21+3 are:
Suited Trips - All three cards are identical - 100:1
Straight Flush - All three cards run in number sequence - 40:1
Three of a Kind - All three cards are of same value but different suits - 30:1
Straight - All three cards run in number sequence but in different suits 10:1
Flush - All three cards are of the same suit - 5:1
Play Blackjack at the Unibet Live Casino
Now you know more about the terms associated with Blackjack, it’s time to check out what tables you can play in the Unibet Live Casino!
We have a vast number of Blackjack tables available to compete on, each with their own specific twists.
If you’re new to the Live Casino then it’s definitely advised to start on the lower minimum bet tables, where you can bet as little as ¢20 on a hand. This means you can get used to the game and understand how it works without risking a lot. Remember, always set a limit when betting in the Live Casino and never exceed your budget.
If you’re more experienced in Blackjack, then we have loads of tables available to try. Why not head over to the Blackjack Lobby and check out Free Bet Blackjack, Blackjack VIP or even Blackjack Party?
There’s a table to suit everyone here at Unibet and you can chat to the dealers and other players on the Blackjack table simply by joining one of the live games!
Don't forget to check out casino promotions and our casino welcome bonus!