Enhance your Gameplay by Knowing Blackjack Card Values and Hand Values
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Blackjack is a popular casino game in the world. The simplicity of Blackjack makes it a favourite game for players. The core aim of the game is to get close to 21 without going over it and beating the score of the dealer. While knowing the Blackjack strategies is vital, having an idea of the card values is equally important. In this article, we will discuss Blackjack card values and hand values and a few tips to help enhance your gameplay. Let’s take a look!
Blackjack Hand Values
Calculating the hand values is at the core of acing Blackjack. The good news is that the calculation is easy to understand. So, you do not have to stress about it. At first, you need to consider each card and gain knowledge about the scoring of different cards. The card values of the numbered cards are the numbers on them. Cards from 2 to 10 have the same value as the card.
However, things change when it comes to face cards or picture cards. It includes the queens, kings, and jacks. Each of these cards carries a value of 10. In each deck, you will find 12 face cards.
Next comes the ace. In every deck, you will find four aces. The ace in Blackjack is quite different from other cards. It has two values. It can be either 1 or 11. In the majority of situations, the player has the chance to decide whether the value of the ace they have is 1 or 11.
Many players even use the Blackjack calculator to gain an edge over the house. Based on different mathematical calculations, it can help you determine the best play of each hand.
Player’s Hand
The player’s hand is the cards dealt to the players. The core objective is to beat the dealer in the game of Blackjack and get close to 21 without going over it. There are a number of ways of doing so. A player can naturally score a 21 by getting a 10 value card and an ace. Or, the player can draw cards to get closer to 21. When the player gets a 21, it is known as Blackjack. However, if the player goes over it, they lose, and it is termed as a bust.
Dealer’s Hand
The dealer’s hand is the cards dealt to the dealer. When the players are dealt two cards, the dealer also receives one face-down and one face-up card. It provides the players with an idea as to what the total of the dealer could be. Once the decision is made by the players, the dealer reveals the face-down card and decides whether to hit or stand. If the dealer has any aces, it is automatically counted as 11 in case it takes the score of the dealer over 17.
Blackjack Hand
When the point value of the two cards dealt to the player totals 21, it is called the Blackjack hand. A point value of 10, along with an ace, results in a Blackjack hand. The face cards like queens, jacks, and kings, in addition to an ace, also gives rise to a Blackjack hand.
Hard Hands
In land-based or online Blackjack games, the hard hand is a common term you must have come across. A hard hand in Blackjack occurs when you have either an ace with a single point value or no aces at all.
Here are some examples of situations when hand hard occurs.
- An ace, a six, and a five
- An ace, an eight, and a five
- A seven and a ten
- An ace, a jack, and a three
- An ace, a seven, and a ten
Soft Hands
Another common term used in the game of Blackjack is soft hands. It is a situation in which an ace can be calculated as either 1 or 11. Soft hands prove to be beneficial for the players. It is because the players have more flexibility. Also, the players are certain that they will not go bust. However, that does not mean you must always opt for a hit. For instance, if you have a nine and an ace, your total score is 20. So, if you choose to hit, you will go bust. Therefore, when you have a soft hand, it is worth taking a while to decide your next step to enhance your gameplay at the live casinos.
Here are a few examples of situations when soft hand occurs.
- A nine and an ace
- A four and an ace
- A four, a three, and an ace
Using the Card Values with Basic Strategy
All online casino games have some basic strategies that every player must know. However, in online Blackjack games, all you need to do is be more observant. When the initial two cards are dealt, you can also see one of the cards of the dealer. It is often referred to as the upcard of the dealer. Taking note of the upcard value will help you easily determine the right way to play your hand.
Apart from that, there are several Blackjack guides charts available online. You can search for such charts and enhance your gameplay. The charts can help you gain insights into the right strategy you must leverage in different situations. No matter what your initial cards are or what card the dealer has, the charts can guide you in selecting the correct path.
Conclusion
By now, you must be well-versed in the Blackjack card values and hand values. The next thing you need to do is select the best platform for playing online Blackjack games. Make sure to choose a reliable casino site that has been licensed and prioritises the security of confidential user information. Moreover, the platform must also provide you with the opportunity to engage in live casinos. With the right casino site, you are sure to have the best and fun-filled gaming experience.
