Card Values in Blackjack: Essential Knowledge and Tip

Blackjack is a popular card game that revolves around strategy and a bit of luck. One of the most important aspects of the game is understanding blackjack card values. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions during play and ultimately increasing your chances of winning. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the card values in blackjack, explain different hand types, and provide some strategies and tips to help you play more effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refine your skills, this guide will equip you with the essential information you need to play a game of blackjack at Instant Casino.

Blackjack Card Values

The first thing you need to know about blackjack is the value of each card. Knowing how to accurately calculate your hand total is crucial to making the best decisions during the game. Let’s break down the values for each type of card.

Number Cards (2-10)

The number cards in blackjack are the most straightforward. They carry a value equal to their number. For example:

• A 2 is worth 2 points.
• A 3 is worth 3 points.
• A 10 is worth 10 points.

If you have a hand with a 5 and a 7, you simply add them together for a total of 12. It’s simple arithmetic, which makes these cards easy to use.

King, Queen, Jack

The face cards – King, Queen, and Jack – each have a value of 10 points, regardless of their suit. That’s why you’ll also hear these cards being referred to as a ten value card, too. For instance:

• If you have a King and a 9, your hand total is 19.
• A hand with a Queen and a 5 totals 15.

These cards are valuable because they can quickly bring your hand close to the desired total of 21 without going over.

Ace (1 or 11)

The Ace is the most versatile and important card in blackjack. It has a flexible value of ei 1 point or 11 points, depending on what is more beneficial for your hand. For example:

• If you have an Ace and a 6, you can count the Ace as 11, making your hand total 17.
• If you have an Ace, a 6, and a 10, counting the Ace as 11 would bust you (make your total over 21), so you count it as 1 instead, making the hand total 17.

This flexibility makes the Ace a powerful card in the game, and knowing when the Ace counts as 1 or 11 is a key part of the basic strategy. The best part is that you can change the value of the Ace, depending on what other cards you get when you hit. So, the risk of busting is minimal.

Blackjack Hand

Now that we understand the values of individual cards, let’s look at how these come together to form a hand value in blackjack. The goal of blackjack is to have a hand value total closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.

Hand Total

A hand value total is simply the sum of the values of the cards in your hand. Here’s how to calculate it with a few examples:

• If you have a 7 and an 8, your hand total is 15.
• If you have a King and a 5, your hand total is 15.
• If you have an Ace and a 9, your hand total is 20 (since the Ace is counted as 11 in this case).

It’s important to constantly reassess your hand value total with each new card you draw, especially if you have one Ace, as the value here can change. For example:

• If you start with an Ace and a 3 (totaling 14 with the Ace as 11) and then draw a 7, you’ll want to count the Ace as 1 instead of 11 to avoid busting. This would make your hand total 11 (1+3+7).

Blackjack Card Strategies

To play blackjack effectively, you need to employ some basic strategy based on the type of hand you have. Let’s look at a few key concepts: soft hand, hard hand, and pairs.

Soft Hands

A soft hand contains an Ace that can be counted as 11 without causing the hand to bust. For example, a blackjack hand with an Ace and a 6 is called a soft 17 because you can count the Ace as 11, making the total 17. The advantage of a soft hand is that if you draw a high card, you can adjust the Ace’s value to avoid busting. Here are some tips for playing soft hands:

• With a soft 17 (Ace and 6), you might choose to hit (draw another card) because even if you get a high cards or face cards, you can adjust the Ace to a value of 1 and avoid busting.
• With a soft 18 (Ace and 7), consider standing if the dealer’s face up card is likely to make a strong hand (7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace). If the dealer shows a lower card, you might hit to try and improve your hand.

Hard Hands

A hard hand does not have an Ace, or it has an Ace counted as 1 to avoid busting. For example, a hand with a 10 and a 6 is a hard 16. Here’s how to handle hard hands:

• With a hard 12-16, you should consider what card the dealer reveals. If the dealer shows a 7 or higher, you might want to hit because the dealer has a good chance of beating your hand. If the dealer shows a lower card, you might stand to beat the dealer, as a bust is more likely.
• With a hard 17 or higher, you usually want to stand, as the risk of busting by drawing another card is too high.

Pairs

If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you have a pair. You have the option to split the pair into two separate hands. Here’s some advice on playing pairs:

• Always split Aces. Two Aces give you a good chance of making two strong hands, each starting with an 11. Splitting Aces is the correct basic strategy every experienced player will tell you about.
• Never split 10s. A pair of 10s gives you a strong hand total of 20, which is hard to beat.
• Split 8s. A pair of 8s makes a hard 16, which is a difficult hand to play. Splitting gives you a chance to improve both hands.

Blackjack Card Tips

Now that you understand the basics of card values and strategies, here are some additional tips and blackjack rules to help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your winnings:

1. Know When to Hit and When to Stand: One of the most critical decisions in blackjack is whether to draw another card or stand with your current hand. A general rule is to stand on a hard 17 or higher and hit on a hand total of 11 or lower. For hand totals between 12 and 16, consider the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer has a high card (7 or above), you might want to hit; if the dealer’s card is low (2-6), you might want to stand.
2. Use Basic Strategy Charts: These charts are based on mathematical probabilities and tell you the best move to make in any given situation. While you don’t need to memorize them, keeping one handy can help you make better decisions. You can take a look at our blackjack basic strategy chart article to understand more about how to read blackjack charts.
3. Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for how much you’re willing to lose and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, but disciplined bankroll management is key to long-term success.
4. Avoid Insurance Bets: Insurance is one of the most common side bets. It’s when you think that the dealer has blackjack when showing an Ace. The odds are not in your favor, and it’s generally best to avoid this side bet.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, practice improves your ability to play blackjack effectively. You can test out Instant Casino’s free online blackjack games where you can practice without risking real money.

FAQ

What is a blackjack?

A blackjack is a hand totaling 21 points with the first two cards dealt – an Ace and any of the face cards(10, Jack, Queen, or King). This is the best possible initial hand in the game.

What happens if both the player and the dealer have the same hand total?

If the dealer deals the same hand total to the both of you, it’s called a “push,” and your bet is returned. No one wins or loses in this situation.

Can I split any pair?

You can split any pair, but it’s not always a good idea. Some pairs, like 10s, are better kept together because they make a strong hand total of 20. On the other hand, you should always split Aces as it gives you a new chance to make a strong hand.

What is a bust?

A bust occurs when the total value of your hand exceeds 21. When you or the dealer busts, you automatically lose the round, regardless of the dealer’s hand.

How does the dealer play their hand?

The dealer must follow specific rules. They will hit (draw cards) until they have at least 17. If the dealer has a soft 17 (a hand including an Ace counted as 11), in some casino games, the rule is to hit. In others, the dealer stands.