Before I get into the value of the cards, it’s important to know why having a basic understanding of card values is important.
Card values in blackjack are the difference between winning and losing, and knowing what are good hands and bad hands depends on your knowledge of hand values.
Your goal is to finish as close to 21 as possible, and you must have a higher total compared to the dealer without going over 21. If the value in your hand equals 22 or higher, you have busted and you lose your money.
Seems simple? It is, but knowing when to hit and when to stand depends on knowledge of what cards are worth.
Numbered cards are worth as much as their number. For example, if you have a 2 through to 9, that’s the correct number.
Picture cards, including 10, Jack, Queen, and King, are worth 10 points. Therefore, if you are dealt a king and a 4, you have a total of 14 in your hand. It then depends on what the dealer has in their hand as to whether to hit or stand.
An ace is worth 1 or 11, and it’s the most valuable card. If you are dealt an ace and 4, you have 5 or soft 15. This means you can hit on 15 without going bust because you also have 5, which can’t bust when taking one more card.
If you get dealt an ace and a 10 or a picture card, you have blackjack. Blackjack often pays 2/1, and you’ll win the hand automatically unless the dealer has an ace or picture card showing. If the dealer doesn’t show blackjack, you are paid out without needing to act.
Blackcard card value is easy to understand, and it just requires a bit of practice. Thankfully, if you play online, you don’t need to count yourself as the computer software does it for you. Check out this page for the best online blackjack casinos with the highest payouts to maximize your winnings.
The best card a dealer can have is a 5 or 6. This means the dealer typically has to draw two cards to make a hand 17 or higher, giving the player a better chance of winning.
A dealer with 2, 3, or 4 is also a favorable situation, but there are more variables for a dealer to make a hand when holding 2 as opposed to holding a 5 or 6.
The best hand a player can make with their two hole cards (cards given before action is required) is blackjack. The next best hand is two picture cards for a total of 20, which requires you to stand, and your chances of winning with 20 are significantly high, especially if the dealer isn’t holding an ace or picture card.
The worst situation for players is holding 15 or 16 against a dealer's picture card. It’s a tough decision to stand or hit, but by the books, players should hit until they reach at least 17 when a dealer shows 7 or higher.
If you have 17 or higher, always stand. I don’t like the surrender rule, and it gives casinos an added edge.
If you have 16 or less against a dealer holding 7 or better, you should hit. It doesn’t seem like much chance of making a hand with only a 5 or under possible without busting, but it’s the correct strategy.
If the dealer holds a 6 or less, always stand on 12 or more. Make the dealer do the hard work by busting. In recent times, players have hit on 12 when a dealer has a 2 or 3, but I still prefer standing on 12 in a favorable position.
Doubling is a good opportunity to take advantage of card values in blackjack. If you have a 10 or 11, doubling down can give players an edge. I recommend doubling down on a 10 or 11 when the dealer has 8 or below. Ideally, the dealer has 6 or lower, and it often depends on risk versus reward.
