action:
anchorman:
The person who sits immediately to the right of the dealer. Also called the anchor, or third base.
ante:
An opening bet.
banked games:
Games where players play against the house, as opposed to playing against other players.
bankroll:
The total amount of money that a player sets aside for gaming. Sometimes called a betting handle.
basic strategy:
A mathematically proven system that determines the optimal play for all hands, based on the dealer's up card and the value of the player's cards.
bet:
The money you put up, wager, or risk in a gambling game in hopes of winning an award.
break:
Drawing cards that exceed a total of 21 points. Also called bust.
break down a bet:
Separating a stack of chips into separate stacks, each of a single denomination. Performed by dealers to make it easier to pay off the bet, and to prevent cheating.
breaking hand:
A hand of two cards that total 12 through 16 points, which is a total that can easily be pushed over 21 with a single card.
burn card:
The card that is removed from the beginning of a new deck or shoe, or when a new dealer comes on duty.
button:
A small round marker used in tournament play to indicate the player who starts a betting round.
buy-in:
The amount of money you start a game with; the amount of money exchanged at a table for chips before beginning play.
cage:
Where the casino cashier is located.
candy store:
Sometimes used to describe a casino where blackjack rules and conditions are favorable to the player.
coloring up:
Exchanging smaller denomination chips for larger-value chips.
comp:
Abbreviation for complimentary. Casinos bestow comps such as meals, free or discounted lodging, and entertainment on players who either bet enough money or spend enough time in the casinos (or both) to earn special consideration from them.
croupier:
Another term for dealer, often used in baccarat.
cut:
Offered by the dealer to the player just after the shuffle and before the first hand. The cut tends to split the deck or shoe into a different order.
discard rack:
The tray in which discards are held until the next shuffle.
double up:
Increasing a bet by the same amount. Also called a press.
dump:
To lose a large amount of money very quickly. Casinos use it to describe tables where players have been winning a lot, too.
edge:
The advantage held by the house or the player. Also called house advantage and player advantage.
expectation:
The amount that a player can expect to win or lose, based on statistical advantages and disadvantages.
face card:
A jack, queen, or king.
felt:
The playing surface on the table.
first base:
The first player spot at a blackjack table, located on the dealer's far left.
george:
Dealer's term for a generous tipper.
hard hand:
A hand without an ace, or one with an ace that can only be counted as a one.
hard count:
The value of a hard hand.
head-up game:
Playing a game alone with the dealer. Also called one-on-one.
high card:
Typically refers to a 10-value card, although 9 can be considered a high card, too. Ace can be considered a high card for betting purposes and a low card for playing purposes.
high roller:
Someone who plays for lots of money.
hit:
Drawing additional cards after the first two cards.
hit and run:
A playing strategy that calls for entering a game, playing a hand or two, and then leaving.
hole card:
The face-down card that the dealer deals to himself.
insurance:
A side bet offered by most casinos when a dealer shows an ace.
low roller:
A low-income player, or a player who doesn't play for lots of money. Also known as a grinder.
natural:
Blackjack achieved by a 10 and an ace.
odds:
The mathematical probability that an event will occur.
pat hand:
A hand with which nothing more needs to be done.
payoff:
The amount you collect if your bet wins. Some times called a payout, especially when referring to slot and video machines.
payout schedule:
How much a winning hand, roll of the dice, or combination on a slot machine will pay.
penetration:
The amount of a deck or shoe that is dealt out to players.
push:
What results when the total of both the player and the dealer is the same. Also referred to as a tie or a stand-off.
shoe:
A plastic device that holds the cards being dealt.
side bet:
A separate bet, such as insurance, placed before or during a regular blackjack game.
tap out:
To lose all your money.
third base:
The last seat at a blackjack table, located to the dealer's right.
tokes:
Short for token of gratitude or gratuity. Also called zukes.
turkey:
A slang term for a player who is unfamiliar with the social and situational etiquette of the casino.
up card:
The dealer's card that is dealt face up.
vingt-et-un:
The French game that blackjack was derived from.
win rate:
Another way of stating player expectation, in this case over the long run.
