Part I: Games & Gaming · Card Games — Baccarat & Blackjack

Hole Card

Blackjack

The dealer’s face-down card, dealt after all players receive their initial two cards. The hole card remains concealed until all players have completed their hands. In games where the dealer checks for blackjack (peek games), the hole card is checked under a small mirror or electronic scanner if the upcard is an Ace or ten-value.

In practice

“Hole carding” is an advantage play technique where a player attempts to glimpse the dealer’s hole card. Surveillance must position cameras to detect hole card exposure and identify players who may be exploiting it.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.