Hole Card
A card dealt face-down that only the holder (or dealer) can see.
Detailed Explanation
In blackjack, the dealer's second card is dealt face-down and is called the hole card. The dealer peeks at the hole card when their upcard is an Ace or 10-value card, checking for a natural blackjack. If the dealer has blackjack, the hand ends immediately (unless the player also has blackjack, resulting in a push). The hole card is revealed only after all players have completed their hands.
In poker, hole cards (also called pocket cards) are the private cards dealt face-down exclusively to each individual player. In Texas Hold'em, each player receives two hole cards. The strategic value of poker derives largely from the information asymmetry created by hole cards.
Hole card play is an advantage technique in blackjack where players attempt to identify the dealer's hole card through imperfect shielding or dealing errors. This constitutes cheating in most jurisdictions and can result in criminal prosecution.
At a Glance
- Category
- Table Game Terms
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