What Does Monkey Mean In Blackjack?

If you’ve ever been around a blackjack table, you might have heard players shouting out the term “monkey”. This might have left you wondering, what on earth do monkeys have to do with blackjack? Well, in the world of blackjack, “monkey” has a distinct meaning.

The term “monkey” is blackjack jargon for a ten or a face card, which includes a King, Queen, or Jack. This term is particularly common in brick-and-mortar casinos. For instance, if a player gets an Ace as their first card, they might shout “monkey” when the dealer is dealing the second card. This is a way of expressing their hope for a face card, which would score them a blackjack and a win for that round.

Why Do They Say Monkey In Blackjack?

The origin of the term “monkey” in blackjack is a subject of debate, with no clear consensus on where it came from. However, there are two popular theories that try to explain its usage.

One theory suggests that players were originally saying “monarchy” — a term that resonates with the monarchy-associated face cards (King, Queen, and Jack). But due to mispronunciation or misunderstanding, “monarchy” evolved into “monkey”.

The other theory suggests that “monkey” is derived from the word “money”, which makes sense considering players are playing with and for money.

While both theories are intriguing, it’s not necessary to know the exact origin to enjoy the game. What’s important is understanding what it means when a player shouts “monkey” at the table.

Why Is a 10 Called Monkey In Blackjack?

The term “monkey” is used to refer to a 10 because getting a 10 or a face card (King, Queen, or Jack — each valued at 10 points) can significantly improve a player’s hand in blackjack. If a player is dealt an Ace (valued at either 1 or 11 points) as their first card, they’re just one ‘monkey’ away from scoring a perfect blackjack (21 points), which is an automatic win.

The hope for a ‘monkey’ is especially high when a player has an Ace as their first card since an Ace and a ‘monkey’ would make a blackjack, guaranteeing a win unless the dealer also has a blackjack. But as mentioned above, there is no definitive answer as to why the term “monkey” specifically is used.

Play Blackjack Online at King Casino

While the term “monkey” is more commonly used in brick-and-mortar casinos, you can still play blackjack in online casinos, for example right here at King Casino. And you can even shout ‘monkey’ at your device’s screen if you so choose.

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