Blackjack Glossary
121 Blackjack terms & expressions
This Blackjack reference explains terms & expressions used by players and casinos around the world. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but here you can read up on those expressions that you'll most likely encounter when playing Blackjack. You'll probably find that you can play the game knowing only a handful of the expressions listed here. But if you are interested in knowing a bit more about Blackjack and its interesting and colorful Blackjack terminology, then by all means, read on. Enjoy!
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Paint
A face card (Jacks, queens, and kings). -
Parlay
A game strategy of doubling your bet after a win. This progressive betting system can also be used at a Blackjack table. You reward a win by increasing your next bet and reduce your bet after a loss. The Parlay strategy is similar to the Paroli strategy in that it is a positive progression system. The goal is to build (or pyramid) your profits. -
Pat Hand
Any hand which is hard 17 (does not contain an Ace valued at 11) or greater. The point value lies between 17 and 21 (anything above 21 is a lost game anyways). Pat hands are considered strong hands and you should Stand on these hands. -
Payoff
The return or payback (winnings) the player receives for his or her wager. -
Payoff Odds
Every casino bet has specific payout odds. This depends on the game played. In Blackjack the payout odds are as follows:
- If you beat the dealer with a Blackjack, you will be paid out at odds of 3:2 on your original bet (you win $3 for every $2 bet). If you bet 10 you would get 25.
- Any other winning hand doubles your initial bet (see even money).
- If you lose against a Dealer’s Blackjack and have taken Insurance, then this bet is paid out at odds of 2:1. The result is the same as if you had a tie and you break even.
- The original wager is returned in the case of a stand off (tie) with the Blackjack dealer.
- The Black Jack dealer always collects your stake money when losing a game without insurance.
In Blackjack odds are posted on the layout as Blackjack pays 3 to 2 and Insurance pays 2 to 1. A few casinos might post their payoff odds on the layout using the word 'for' instead of 'to'. This means, that the casino keeps your original bet. For example, a payout of "30 for 1" would win you 29 chips as opposed to 30 chips with a "30 to 1" payout (also see edge).
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Payout
The winning amount paid by the casino to a customer after a successful wager has been revealed. -
Payout Percentage
The percent of each dollar played in a video or slot machine that the machine is programmed to return to the player. Payback percentage is 100% minus the house edge. -
Paytable
The paytable of a game details all the possible winning combinations and how much you could win. This allows a customer to know what are the most valuable items available in the game. -
Peek
If the dealer's up-card is an Ace, he/she 'peeks' at the hole card to see whether the hand is a Blackjack. -
Pigeon
A naive, uneducated, or unsophisticated gambler who doesn't know how to play the games properly. -
PlayCheck
This "instant replay technology" allows real cash wagering customers to check and review all of their playing activities. This web-based tool, which can be accessed from within the casino software, provides players with a detailed bank-like statement that catalogues each and every wager. Results can be filtered by many criterias, such as date, game type etc. -
Playthrough Requirements
This is the amount of times you will have to wager the bonus value in order to convert and meet wagering requirements for a bonus. This playthrough requirement reduces each time you play a game and brings you closer to converting the bonus into withdrawable funds. -
Push
Refers to both the dealer and the player having the same total. Usually the player's original bet is returned when there is a push. However, in Double Exposure games the player loses his bet to a push.
