If you're new to blackjack, you may have heard the term “monkey” thrown around at the table and wondered what it means. In blackjack, a “monkey” refers to a ten or a face card (jack, queen, king), which are the cards that have a value of ten. Players may ask for a monkey when they hope to get a good hand, especially when they have an ace as their first card. The term “monkey” is said to have originated from the word “monarchy,” as the face cards in a deck represent the monarchy.
Understanding the slang terms used in blackjack is crucial to playing the game effectively. Knowing what a monkey means and when to ask for one can make a difference in your gameplay strategy. However, it's important to note that asking for a monkey does not guarantee a win, as blackjack is a game of chance and luck. It's also important to be aware of casino rules and etiquette when playing blackjack, as asking for a monkey at the wrong time or in the wrong way can be seen as rude or disruptive.
Key Takeaways
- In blackjack, a “monkey” refers to a ten or a face card (jack, queen, king).
- Players may ask for a monkey when they hope to get a good hand, especially when they have an ace as their first card.
- Asking for a monkey does not guarantee a win, and it's important to be aware of casino rules and etiquette when playing blackjack.
Understanding Blackjack
If you're new to the world of casino games, blackjack is a great place to start. It's a simple card game that's easy to learn but offers plenty of excitement. In blackjack, you play against the dealer, and the goal is to have a hand that's worth more points than the dealer's hand without going over 21.
A standard deck of cards is used in blackjack, and each card has a point value. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would be more advantageous for the player.
At the beginning of each hand, you'll place your bet on the table. Then, you and the dealer will each receive two cards. Your cards will be dealt face up, while the dealer's first card will be face down (known as the “hole” card).
Once you've seen your cards, you can choose to “hit” and receive another card, or “stand” and keep your current hand. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. If you go over 21, you “bust” and lose the hand.
One of the most exciting moments in blackjack is when you're dealt a natural blackjack, which is a hand that consists of an Ace and a 10-point card. This hand is worth 21 points and usually pays out at a higher rate than a regular win.
Understanding the basics of blackjack is key to enjoying the game. With a little practice, you'll be able to make quick decisions and play confidently at the table.
Monkey in Blackjack
If you've ever played blackjack, you've probably heard someone shout “Monkey!” at the table. But what does it mean? In blackjack, the term “monkey” refers to a face card, which includes the ten, jack, queen, and king.
When a player calls for a monkey, they are asking the dealer to give them a face card. This is because face cards have a value of ten, which can help the player get closer to 21 without going over.
Interestingly, the term “monkey” is often used by Asian players. According to some sources, when Asian players first started playing blackjack, they referred to face cards as “monarchy,” which sounded like “monkey” to non-native speakers. As a result, the term “monkey” stuck and is now used by players all over the world.
In addition to its origins, the term “monkey” has taken on a playful and emotional connotation in the world of blackjack. Players may shout “Monkey!” with excitement or frustration, depending on whether or not they receive a face card.
Overall, the term “monkey” adds a bit of fun and excitement to the game of blackjack. So next time you're at the table and hear someone shout “Monkey!”, you'll know exactly what they're talking about.
Blackjack Strategy
When playing blackjack, there are several strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning. Here are some tips to help you develop your blackjack strategy:
Basic Strategy
The most important strategy for playing blackjack is to use basic strategy. This is a mathematically proven strategy that tells you the best decision to make in every situation. Basic strategy takes into account the dealer's upcard and your own hand to determine whether you should hit, stand, double down, or split.
Hit or Stand
The most basic decision you will make in blackjack is whether to hit or stand. If your hand is less than 17, you should always hit. If your hand is 17 or higher, you should stand.
Double Down
If you have a strong hand, you can double down to increase your potential payout. When you double down, you double your initial bet and receive one additional card. You should only double down when the dealer's upcard is weak, such as a 5 or 6.
Split
If you are dealt a pair, you can split your hand into two separate hands. This can increase your chances of winning, but it also means you need to make an additional bet. You should only split when you have a pair of 8s or a pair of aces.
Insurance
Some blackjack tables offer insurance, which is a side bet that protects you if the dealer has a blackjack. You should only take insurance if you are counting cards and know that there is a high probability that the dealer has a blackjack.
In conclusion, using basic strategy is the most important strategy for playing blackjack. By following basic strategy, you can increase your chances of winning and minimize your losses. Remember to hit when your hand is less than 17, double down when the dealer's upcard is weak, and split when you have a pair of 8s or aces. Good luck!
Betting in Blackjack
Betting in blackjack is simple and straightforward. Before the dealer starts dealing, you place your bet by putting chips on the table in front of you. The minimum and maximum bets vary depending on the table, so make sure you know the limits before you sit down.
Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. One of the dealer's cards will be face up, while the other will be face down.
After you receive your cards, you have several options. You can choose to hit, stand, double down, or split your cards. If you want to hit, you ask the dealer for another card. If you want to stand, you keep the cards you have and end your turn.
If you choose to double down, you double your bet and receive one more card. This can be a good option if you have a strong hand and think you can win with one more card. However, it can also be risky if you have a weak hand.
Some tables also offer side bets, such as the Perfect Pairs bet or the 21+3 bet. These bets can offer higher payouts if you win, but they also have a higher risk of losing.
Remember, the goal of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. If you have a higher hand than the dealer, you win. If you go over 21, you lose. If your hand is the same as the dealer's, it's a push and you get your bet back.
Betting in blackjack can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to remember to bet responsibly and within your means. Don't bet more than you can afford to lose, and always gamble for fun, not for profit.
Understanding Card Values
In blackjack, understanding card values is crucial to your success. Each card has a specific value, and knowing these values will help you make better decisions during the game. Here is a breakdown of the card values:
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Numbered cards (2-10): These cards are worth their face value. For example, a 5 of hearts is worth 5 points.
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Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): These cards are worth 10 points each.
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Ace: The Ace is worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value is more beneficial to your hand.
Now, let's talk about pairs. If you are dealt a pair of cards with the same value (for example, two 7s), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. Each hand will then receive an additional card, and you will play each hand separately.
When it comes to asking for additional cards, the term “monkey” is sometimes used by players. This is a slang term for asking the dealer for a face card (a card worth 10 points). For example, if you have an Ace and a 4, you might ask for a “monkey” in the hopes of getting a 10 and achieving a blackjack.
It's important to note that the value of your hand is the sum of all the cards in it. If you have a 10 and a 7, your hand is worth 17 points. If you have an Ace, a 5, and a 9, your hand is worth either 15 or 25 points (depending on whether you choose to value the Ace as a 1 or an 11).
Understanding card values is essential to playing blackjack successfully. Keep these values in mind as you play, and you'll be on your way to making better decisions and winning more hands.
Casino Rules and Etiquette
When you enter a casino, it's important to be aware of the rules and etiquette that are expected of you at the blackjack table. Here are some tips to help you avoid any misunderstandings with the pit boss or dealer:
- Always wait for the dealer to signal that it's your turn before making any moves with your cards or chips.
- Keep your hands visible at all times. Don't hide your cards or chips under the table, and don't touch your cards once they've been dealt face-up.
- Don't touch the dealer's cards or chips. Let the dealer handle everything on the table.
- Don't use your phone or electronic devices at the table. It's considered rude and distracting to other players.
- Don't bring food or drinks to the table. If you need to take a break, ask the dealer to hold your spot.
- Don't talk about the cards or the game strategy with other players. It's considered cheating and could get you kicked out of the casino.
- Don't take too long to make your decisions. Other players at the table are waiting for their turn, and the dealer has a schedule to keep.
Remember, the casino is a place of fun and entertainment, but it's also a place of rules and regulations. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your experience at the blackjack table is enjoyable for everyone involved.
Advanced Concepts
Now that you've got the hang of the basics of blackjack, it's time to dive into some more advanced concepts. These concepts involve a deeper understanding of the game and can help you improve your chances of winning.
House Edge
The house edge is the statistical advantage that the casino has over the player. It's the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. The house edge varies depending on the rules of the game and the skill level of the player. In general, the house edge in blackjack is around 0.5%.
Advantage Play
Advantage play is the practice of using legal methods to gain an advantage over the casino. This can include card counting, shuffle tracking, and hole carding. These techniques can be difficult to master, but they can give the player a significant edge over the casino.
Probability
Probability is the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring. In blackjack, probability can be used to determine the best course of action in any given situation. For example, if you have a hard 16 and the dealer's up card is a 10, the probability of the dealer having a total of 20 is high. This means that hitting would be the best course of action.
Surrender
Surrender is an option in blackjack that allows the player to forfeit their hand and receive half of their bet back. This can be a useful option in certain situations, such as when the player has a weak hand and the dealer's up card is strong.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet in blackjack that is offered when the dealer's up card is an ace. The player can bet up to half of their original bet that the dealer's hole card is a 10 or a face card. If the dealer does have a 10 or a face card, the player wins the insurance bet.
Even Money
Even money is another side bet in blackjack that is offered when the player has a natural and the dealer's up card is an ace. The player can choose to take even money, which pays out 1:1, instead of the normal 3:2 payout for a natural.
Five Card Charlie
Five card charlie is a rare occurrence in blackjack where the player's hand consists of five cards without going over 21. This hand automatically wins, regardless of the dealer's hand.
Hard Hand
A hard hand is a hand that does not contain an ace or contains an ace that can only be counted as one.
Soft Hand
A soft hand is a hand that contains an ace that can be counted as 11 without going over 21.
Natural
A natural is a hand that consists of an ace and a 10 or a face card. This hand automatically wins, unless the dealer also has a natural.
Penetration
Penetration refers to the percentage of the deck that is dealt before the cards are shuffled. The deeper the penetration, the better the player's chances of winning.
Discards
Discards are the cards that have already been played and are no longer in the deck. Keeping track of the discards can give the player an advantage in certain situations.
Side Bets
Side bets are additional bets that can be placed on certain outcomes in blackjack. These bets can have a high house edge and should be used sparingly.
Twenty-One
Twenty-one is another name for blackjack, referring to the goal of the game: to get a hand with a total of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of ‘monkey' in blackjack?
‘Monkey' is a slang term used in blackjack to refer to a face card, which includes the Jack, Queen, and King. Some players believe that the term ‘monkey' comes from the word ‘monarchy,' as these cards are often associated with royalty. Others suggest that it simply comes from the word ‘money,' as these cards can help players win big at the blackjack table.
What are some other slang terms used in blackjack?
In addition to ‘monkey,' there are many other slang terms used in blackjack. For example, a ‘bust' refers to a hand that exceeds 21 points, while a ‘natural' is a two-card hand that totals 21 points. Other terms include ‘hit,' ‘stand,' ‘double down,' and ‘split.'
What are the basic rules of blackjack?
The basic rules of blackjack are relatively simple. The goal of the game is to have a hand that is closer to 21 points than the dealer's hand, without going over 21. Each player is dealt two cards, and can choose to ‘hit' (take another card) or ‘stand' (keep their current hand). A player can also choose to ‘double down' (double their bet and take one more card) or ‘split' (separate their two cards into two separate hands).
What are some common mistakes to avoid in blackjack?
One common mistake to avoid in blackjack is taking too many risks. It can be tempting to hit when you have a low hand, but this can often lead to a bust. Another mistake is failing to pay attention to the dealer's hand. Always keep an eye on the dealer's up card, as this can help you make more informed decisions about your own hand.
Is blackjack a game of skill or luck?
While luck certainly plays a role in blackjack, the game is also heavily influenced by skill. Experienced players know when to hit, stand, double down, or split, and can use this knowledge to their advantage. However, there is still an element of chance involved, as the cards are dealt randomly.
What is the proper etiquette for playing blackjack?
The proper etiquette for playing blackjack is to be respectful of the other players and the dealer. Avoid touching the cards or chips unnecessarily, and be sure to follow the rules of the game. It is also considered good manners to tip the dealer if you have a winning hand.
