Blackjack has always been one of the most popular games in the casino. The game of blackjack has a low house edge compared to other casino games and is simple and quick to learn. The gambling team at UK Casino Online have put together a blackjack guide for your enjoyment. This includes, blackjack origins, blackjack rules, blackjack terminology and basic blackjack strategy. We hope this improves your online casino play and as always - best of luck at the tables!
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Blackjack

The unbeatable hand. You have blackjack when you are dealt an Ace and a 10 value card for your first two cards. Blackjack will always beat the house unless the dealer is also holding blackjack (see Push below). Blackjack pays out 3:2.

Bust

When the value of a hand is greater than 21. This is a losing hand.

Double/Double Down

Where the blackjack player 'buys' a third card. You can only double down once, and only for your third card. It is done in situations where the player feels that his third card would put him in a very strong position against the dealer's hand (see our basic strategy table to find out when to double down). The player doubles his original bet and receives his third and last card. Casino rules vary on which hands you can double down on and we advise you as always to refer to the individual casino's blackjack rules.

Hit

Same as 'Twist'. The player requests another card. You can hit as many times as you like unless you go bust.

Hole Card

A card that is held face down, not visible to the blackjack player.

Insurance

This is offered to the player when the dealer's up card is an Ace. If you believe the dealer is holding blackjack you can insure yourself by placing a secondary side bet of half your original wager. If the dealer does have blackjack you get 2:1 on your side bet but you will lose your original wager (unless you also have blackjack which would result in a push). If the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your side bet and continue to play the hand as normal.

Push

Where the hands are tied between player and dealer. Your bet is returned to you.

Split

The player must double his bet when splitting and can only split when his first two cards are a pair. The split cards become the first card for two seperate hands and these hands are played out independently of each other. Splitting gives the player the opportunity to take advantage of a strong pair of identical cards when dealt against a weak dealer up card. House rules vary on which cards you can split and also on whether you can re-split your cards if your split hands are still a pair. Some allow you to keep splitting which can leave you with a lot of hands on the table and a potentially large win or loss situation. As always, check the casino rules on this.

Stand

To refuse another card. You are happy with the value of your hand at this point.

Up Card

This is the first of the dealer's two cards and is visible to all.

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BLACKJACK TERMINOLOGY

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