Termini del gioco di carte

The elder hand refers to the first player to act or make a move in certain card games, particularly in trick-taking games. In many games, the elder hand is the player who sits to the dealer's left and plays their card first during each trick. The position of the elder hand can be important because it often sets the tone for the round, with the other players responding to the card played. In some games, the elder hand may have additional responsibilities or advantages, depending on the rules of the specific game being played.

The younger hand can refer to the player who is playing second, or in some cases, to the player who has the lesser position or disadvantage in the game. In games like Piquet, the younger hand refers to the player who is dealt the second set of cards, and this player typically plays after the first player, known as the elder hand. The younger hand may have a strategic disadvantage, as they have less control over the flow of the game, but this can vary depending on the specific rules of the card game being played.

In card games, a cutter refers to the person who shuffles and cuts the deck before the cards are dealt. Cutting the deck involves splitting the deck into two parts and then reassembling it, often done by the player who is not dealing. This action is typically performed to ensure fairness by mixing the cards and preventing any order from being known. In some games, the cutter is also the one to decide the dealer or other aspects of the game, depending on the rules being followed.

Hit is the act of drawing or receiving an additional card from the deck. This term is commonly used in games like Blackjack, where a player may ask for a hit to take another card in an attempt to improve their hand. The goal is to get closer to the target value, such as 21 in Blackjack, without exceeding it.

A hand refers to a complete round of play in a card game. It begins when the cards are dealt to the players and ends when the round is finished, typically when the players reveal their cards or a winner is determined. During the hand, players take turns and make decisions based on their cards, with the objective of winning the round according to the game's rules. After the hand concludes, scores may be recorded, and a new hand begins.

The middlehand is the player who is seated between the first and last players in a round. This position is often in the middle of the table, and in certain games, the role of the middlehand may come with specific responsibilities or advantages, such as when it affects the order of play or determines the dealer. The exact meaning and importance of the middlehand can vary depending on the rules of the game being played.

A cut is the act of dividing the deck into two parts before the cards are dealt. This is typically done by the player who is not dealing, often after the deck has been shuffled. The cut ensures fairness by preventing the dealer from knowing the order of the cards. After the deck is cut, the dealer typically reassembles the deck and deals the cards to the players.

A balanced hand in card games refers to a hand where the distribution of cards among the four suits is relatively even. In a balanced hand, a player typically has a similar number of cards in each suit, often with no suit being significantly stronger or weaker than the others. A balanced hand is generally considered advantageous because it provides flexibility in play, allowing the player to make a variety of moves depending on the situation.

A dead hand in card games refers to a hand of cards that is no longer in play, typically because the player holding it is disqualified, forfeited their turn, or is unable to participate due to certain game rules. In some games, a dead hand may occur if a player has not followed the rules correctly, such as failing to make a required bet or not drawing cards when they should. A dead hand may also be one where the player has no chance of winning or cannot make a valid move, effectively eliminating their participation from that round.

Deadwood refers to cards in a player's hand that have little or no value in a particular round of play. In games like Gin Rummy, deadwood consists of unmelded cards, meaning they do not form a valid set. The goal is often to reduce deadwood as much as possible, as it can negatively impact the player's score. Deadwood can also refer to cards that, while part of the hand, are unlikely to help the player win or improve their position during the game. Reducing deadwood is a key strategy in many card games.

A dummy hand refers to a set of cards that is exposed and placed face-up on the table, typically in games like Bridge. The dummy hand belongs to one of the players, but it is controlled by their partner. While the player whose hand is exposed cannot make decisions for their dummy hand, the partner can use the information of the dummy hand to strategize their moves. The dummy hand adds an element of strategy, as players can plan their plays based on the cards visible to them, while also considering the actions of their opponents.

A stand is the act of choosing not to take any additional cards or actions during a turn in a card game. This decision is often made when a player believes their current hand is strong enough to win, or when taking more cards would risk a disadvantage, such as exceeding a certain total in games like Blackjack. By taking a stand, the player signals that they are finished with their turn and will not make any further moves, leaving the outcome of the hand to be determined based on the current cards.

Penetration in card games refers to the percentage of the deck that has been dealt or revealed during play, particularly in games like Blackjack. It indicates how many cards have been removed from the deck, which can give players an idea of what cards remain and help them adjust their strategy. For example, in Blackjack, deeper penetration means more cards have been dealt, and players may use this information to estimate the remaining ratio of high cards to low cards, which can influence their decisions. The term is often used in card-counting strategies to predict outcomes.

A bust card refers to a card that causes a player’s hand to exceed the maximum allowed value in a card game, particularly in Blackjack. In Blackjack, the goal is to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. If a player’s total exceeds 21, the player "busts" and loses the round. A bust card is the card that pushes the total over the limit. For example, if a player has a hand totaling 19 and draws a 3, the hand becomes 22, and the player busts.