If you are new to blackjack, you will encounter some jargon that could leave you pretty confused. Few games have as many specific and colorful terms to describe things as blackjack seems to have. Perhaps it's because of the popularity of the game since it's one of the most played casino games there is. Whatever the reason, here are some basic terms that you should be aware of.

Blackjack – This is what everyone wants to get while playing blackjack since it's almost always the winning hand. It means that you were dealt twenty-one right off the bat.

Bust/Break – These two mean the same thing which is to go over twenty-one and lose the hand. Which term you will hear depends on where you are playing.

Double – To place another bet next to your initial wager. You get another card to try to improve your chances when you bet double.

Five Card Charlie – In some blackjack variations, this refers to drawing five cards without getting more than twenty-one. Depending on the rules of the variation played, this can mean an automatic win.

Insurance – This is a way to hedge your bet, so to speak. When the dealer has an ace showing, you can place a half bet that the dealer is going to hit blackjack. This enables you to break even if the dealer wins.

Counting – You have to have a pretty good memory for this but if you keep track of the number of ten point cards left in the deck, you could conceivably bet higher when you know there are a lot of high cards left.

Soft Hand – This is a hand totalling 11 points or less or a two cards hand that holds an ace. It means that hand can't be busted with another hit.

Hard Hand – This hand can be busted if hit because it is any hand without an ace that's worth 12 or more points.