Natural definition and meaning

The term natural can often be heard at blackjack and baccarat tables, and it refers to being dealt the best possible hand from the get-go. For example, the best hand in blackjack is the sum of cards that equals to 21, which is an ace and a “ten-card”. If you are dealt two cards and they happen to be an ace and a king, then you are dealt what is known as a natural blackjack. Since 21 is the best sum of cards you can get in blackjack, having a natural blackjack means you win the round on the spot, unless the dealer happens to have the same, in which case the result is a tie. A similar scenario can occur in baccarat. Depending on the variance you’re playing, the best hand you can get has a sum of 8 or 9, which is known as a natural. Again, having 8 or 9 means that you automatically win unless the opposing hand has a higher natural — for example if they have a 9 while you have an 8. If both hands have a natural of the same value, then the hand is a tie.