ENGLISH
REFERENCE

blackjack

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɫækˌdʒæk// UK //blˈækdʒæk// black·jack Archaic Slang

n. a popular card game played in casinos where you try to get a total of 21 points. You win if your hand is higher than the dealer's without going over the limit.

n. a gambling card game in which players attempt to acquire cards with a face value totalling 21, or as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Often played against a dealer rather than other players.


SIMPLE

He won a hundred dollars playing blackjack at the casino.

CONTEXTUAL

The dealer shuffled the deck and dealt two cards to every player at the blackjack table.

COMPLEX

Professional gamblers often employ basic strategy to minimize the house edge in blackjack, though casinos remain vigilant against those who attempt to track the deck through card counting.

Synonyms
Origin

From black + jack.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the game itself; countable when referring to a hand of cards totalling 21.

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