Before playing blackjack, a new player should know key terms such as "blackjack," which is a hand of an Ace and a ten-value card, typically paying 3:2. "Hit" means to take another card, while "stand" means to keep the current hand. "Double down" allows doubling the bet after the first two cards for one additional card, and "split" involves dividing a pair into two hands, each with a new bet. Understanding "bust," which happens when the total exceeds 21, is crucial, as is recognizing the dealer's upcard and the difference between soft hands (with an Ace counted as 11) and hard hands (without Aces or Aces counted as 1). Familiarity with these terms aids in navigating the game effectively.