Have you ever heard someone call out “monkey!” at a blackjack table and wondered what it means? You are not alone.
Understanding this phrase can give you a better sense of how some players might talk at the table, and what they hope for during a game.
Along the way, you will pick up a few easy card game terms that can make you feel more at ease if you choose to play in the future.
What Does Monkey In Blackjack Mean?
In blackjack, “monkey” is a casual term used by many players. When someone says “monkey!”, they are hoping the next card dealt will be a face card (King, Queen or Jack). Each of these face cards is worth 10 points in blackjack. The term can also include the ten card itself since it shares the same value.
For example, you might hear a player, or even a dealer say “monkey!” just as a card is about to be turned over. What they want is to see any card that is worth 10 points, as this has the potential to be very helpful in reaching 21, the main aim of the game.
If you look at a deck of cards, there are more 10-point cards than any other single value. Out of 52 cards in a standard deck, 16 of them (the four tens, four Jacks, four Queens and four Kings) are worth 10 points each. This makes it more likely a 10-point card might appear compared to any other specific value.
Not everyone at the table uses this word, and its use can vary between in-person casinos, online blackjack games, or home games. Each setting can have its own style, so spending some time getting to know the wording and rules can be helpful before sitting down to play.
Why Is It Called Monkey In Blackjack?
The history behind calling a face card “monkey” is quite interesting. The word “monkey” is thought to have come from places where English was not always spoken, like parts of Asia. There, players used “monkey” to talk about face cards—Kings, Queens, and Jacks—possibly because these cards have pictures that stand out more than numbered cards.
As the term spread to other countries and across casino tables, it became easier to use in conversation. It is quick to say, and other players may know right away which cards are being talked about. The word stuck, especially in casual games or among regulars who enjoy using a bit of table slang.
There is nothing official about this term in blackjack rules, so you might not hear it everywhere. Some formal casinos may not use it at all, while it can be common in friendly games or online. Getting used to a few common card game terms like this one can help you follow the action and join in if you want.
What Is a Face Card’s Value In Blackjack?
Face cards are the picture cards: King, Queen and Jack. They often stand out because of their artwork, and you can find them in all four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades.
In blackjack, every face card is worth 10 points. The suit does not make any difference—a Queen of Diamonds counts for the same as a Jack of Clubs or King of Hearts.
If you have a Queen and a 7 in your hand, you simply add them together for a total of 17 points. This part of the game can be simple to keep track of once you know what to look for.
There are 12 face cards in each standard 52-card deck. Because there are several cards worth 10 points, players often keep an eye out for these during the game. Learning how the different cards add up can help you follow along with the game and know when someone is hoping for a “monkey” to show up.
Before you play, especially online or at a new table, take a moment to look over the game’s specific rules and paytable. Some versions of blackjack may have small rule changes or added features.
Play Blackjack Online at Mr Luck
Mr Luck is an online gaming site that is registered and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Here, you can try many different online blackjack games, along with other favourites like roulette and baccarat.
You will also find a wide selection of online slots, plus options for sports betting with many different markets to choose from.
Each blackjack game can have slight differences in rules, stakes, and table layouts. It may be a good idea to check each game’s details before you play, so you know what you might expect.
If you are ready to see what blackjack is all about, browse our games online. Set yourself a spending limit and enjoy playing for entertainment.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Have you ever heard someone call out “monkey!” at a blackjack table and wondered what it means? You are not alone.
Understanding this phrase can give you a better sense of how some players might talk at the table, and what they hope for during a game.
Along the way, you will pick up a few easy card game terms that can make you feel more at ease if you choose to play in the future.
What Does Monkey In Blackjack Mean?
In blackjack, “monkey” is a casual term used by many players. When someone says “monkey!”, they are hoping the next card dealt will be a face card (King, Queen or Jack). Each of these face cards is worth 10 points in blackjack. The term can also include the ten card itself since it shares the same value.
For example, you might hear a player, or even a dealer say “monkey!” just as a card is about to be turned over. What they want is to see any card that is worth 10 points, as this has the potential to be very helpful in reaching 21, the main aim of the game.
If you look at a deck of cards, there are more 10-point cards than any other single value. Out of 52 cards in a standard deck, 16 of them (the four tens, four Jacks, four Queens and four Kings) are worth 10 points each. This makes it more likely a 10-point card might appear compared to any other specific value.
Not everyone at the table uses this word, and its use can vary between in-person casinos, online blackjack games, or home games. Each setting can have its own style, so spending some time getting to know the wording and rules can be helpful before sitting down to play.
Why Is It Called Monkey In Blackjack?
The history behind calling a face card “monkey” is quite interesting. The word “monkey” is thought to have come from places where English was not always spoken, like parts of Asia. There, players used “monkey” to talk about face cards—Kings, Queens, and Jacks—possibly because these cards have pictures that stand out more than numbered cards.
As the term spread to other countries and across casino tables, it became easier to use in conversation. It is quick to say, and other players may know right away which cards are being talked about. The word stuck, especially in casual games or among regulars who enjoy using a bit of table slang.
There is nothing official about this term in blackjack rules, so you might not hear it everywhere. Some formal casinos may not use it at all, while it can be common in friendly games or online. Getting used to a few common card game terms like this one can help you follow the action and join in if you want.
What Is a Face Card’s Value In Blackjack?
Face cards are the picture cards: King, Queen and Jack. They often stand out because of their artwork, and you can find them in all four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades.
In blackjack, every face card is worth 10 points. The suit does not make any difference—a Queen of Diamonds counts for the same as a Jack of Clubs or King of Hearts.
If you have a Queen and a 7 in your hand, you simply add them together for a total of 17 points. This part of the game can be simple to keep track of once you know what to look for.
There are 12 face cards in each standard 52-card deck. Because there are several cards worth 10 points, players often keep an eye out for these during the game. Learning how the different cards add up can help you follow along with the game and know when someone is hoping for a “monkey” to show up.
Before you play, especially online or at a new table, take a moment to look over the game’s specific rules and paytable. Some versions of blackjack may have small rule changes or added features.
Play Blackjack Online at Mr Luck
Mr Luck is an online gaming site that is registered and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Here, you can try many different online blackjack games, along with other favourites like roulette and baccarat.
You will also find a wide selection of online slots, plus options for sports betting with many different markets to choose from.
Each blackjack game can have slight differences in rules, stakes, and table layouts. It may be a good idea to check each game’s details before you play, so you know what you might expect.
If you are ready to see what blackjack is all about, browse our games online. Set yourself a spending limit and enjoy playing for entertainment.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
