Bust
Going over 21 in blackjack, resulting in an automatic loss.
A bust occurs when your hand total exceeds 21 in blackjack. If you bust, you lose your bet immediately, regardless of what the dealer's hand turns out to be. This is the house's primary advantage — the player acts first and can bust before the dealer even plays.
The "bust risk" is a key consideration in blackjack strategy. Hitting a hard 16 against a dealer's 10 is risky (you'll bust about 62% of the time), but basic strategy says to hit because standing is even worse in the long run.
Dealer bust rates vary by upcard: a dealer showing a 6 busts about 42% of the time, while a dealer showing an Ace busts only about 17%. This is why you play more conservatively when the dealer shows 2-6 (they're more likely to bust) and more aggressively when they show 7-A.
Related Terms
Hit
To request another card in blackjack.
Stand
To keep your current hand and take no more cards in blackjack.
Basic Strategy (Blackjack)
The mathematically optimal play for every possible hand in blackjack.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino has over players, expressed as a percentage of each bet.
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