# blackjack

/ˈbɫækˌdʒæk/ (US) · /blˈækdʒæk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blackjack
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He won a hundred dollars playing blackjack at the casino.
- The dealer shuffled the deck and dealt two cards to every player at the blackjack table.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.