Starting your journey with Blackjack can be both exciting and a bit confusing. One of the first steps to enjoying the game is understanding the value of each card in the deck.
In Blackjack, your goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. The value of the cards in your hand will help you reach this number.
Knowing how to add up these card values is key to knowing where you stand and making good decisions during the game.
Card Values In Blackjack
In Blackjack, each type of card has a specific value. Here's a simple breakdown:
Number cards (2 to 10) are worth their face value. So, a 2 is worth 2 points; a 5 is worth 5 points, and so on, up to 10.
Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are all worth 10 points each. They might have different pictures, but their value in Blackjack is the same.
Aces are a bit special. They can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value helps your hand the most without going over 21.
By remembering these values, you can understand the strength of your hand, better decide your next move, and possibly enjoy the game of Blackjack even more as you build your knowledge and confidence.
Is Ace 1 Or 11 In Blackjack?
One of the unique features of Blackjack is the Ace card. An Ace can be worth either 1 point or 11 points.
How do you decide which value to use? It depends on which value benefits your hand the most without making you go over 21.
For example, if you have an Ace and a 6, your hand could be worth either 7 or 17. If you draw another card, and it's something low like a 3, using the Ace as 11 would make your hand 20 (Ace + 6 + 3).
However, if you would end up over 21 by counting the Ace as 11, you should count it as 1 to avoid busting. For instance, with an Ace, a 6, and a 9, counting the Ace as 11 would go over 21, so you'd count it as 1 instead, making your hand 16.
Understanding when to use the Ace as 1 or 11 helps you play your hand smartly.
Basic Strategy In Blackjack Explained
Once you know the card values, a good next step is to learn basic strategy in Blackjack. This strategy helps you decide what action to take based on your hand and the dealer's visible card; it offers the most statistically advantageous move given this information.
The basic strategy can be broken down into the actions it recommends in different situations: Hit, Stand, Double Down, and Split.
Hit or Stand
Hit means you want to take another card. You usually hit if your hand total is low and you want to get closer to 21.
Stand means you wish to stick with your current total and don't want any more cards. You typically stand if your hand is strong, around 17 or higher.
Double Down
Double Down allows you to double your original bet in exchange for just one more card. Most players choose to double down if they have a strong starting hand, like 10 or 11, and the dealer has a weaker card showing, like 4, 5, or 6.
Split
A Split is possible if you have two cards of the same value. You can split them into two separate hands by placing another bet equal to the original bet. You then receive another card for each of these to form two separate hands. You play these as if you are two separate players, with the outcome of one hand having no effect on the other. Players usually split pairs of Aces or 8s to end up with two strong hands.
By following this basic strategy, you can make statistically better decisions than playing blindly and even lower the house edge slightly. However, winning is still never guaranteed because there is always an aspect of chance in the game. Remember to always gamble responsibly by sticking to a budget and keeping realistic expectations.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.