Hole card
A “hole card” is a term commonly used in card games, particularly in poker and blackjack, to refer to a card that is dealt face down and hidden from the other players. In poker, for example, each player typically receives a set of hole cards, which they combine with community cards to create the best possible hand. The secrecy of the hole card adds a layer of strategy and intrigue, as players must make decisions based not only on their own hidden cards but also on what they think their opponents might be holding.
In blackjack, the dealer is usually dealt one card face up and one card face down, known as the hole card. This card remains hidden until the players have made their decisions, at which point the dealer reveals it to determine the outcome of the game. The concept of the hole card is central to the suspense and strategy of these games, as it introduces an element of uncertainty and risk that can dramatically influence the outcome of each hand.