Blackjack card values: Learn the hands of blackjack

August 12th, 2024

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, mainly because it's so easy to pick up and play. The game's aim is to receive cards and get as close to 21 as you dare without going over while still beating the dealer's score.

You bet before you receive your two starting cards, and then ask for one more card at a time or "stand" when you don't want to continue. There are five possible outcomes for each round of blackjack:

You get 21 or below and a higher score than the dealer - WIN
You get 21 or below, and the dealer goes over 21 (goes bust) - WIN
You get 21 or below, but the dealer beats your score without busting - LOSE
You bust, in which case it does not matter what the dealer does - LOSE
You and the dealer get the same score, a push, and your bet is returned - PUSH

Blackjack card values you need to know

The good news is that working out what your hand total is at any time is simplicity itself. You need not worry about the suits of the cards you are dealt – they can be a mix, or both the same suit, it doesn't make a difference. Instead, it's the numerical value of the cards we are interested in.

Cards 2 up to 10 are the same value as their number. Things then change because all picture cards or face cards (i.e. jacks, queens, and kings), also carry a value of 10. That leaves the ace, which can be valued 1 or 11, making it a valuable card to receive since it gives you options.

Your blackjack card value chart would, therefore, look something like this:

Ace: 1 or 11
2: 2
3: 3
4: 4
5: 5
6: 6
7: 7
8: 8
9: 9
10: 10
Jack: 10
Queen: 10
King: 10

Blackjack uses a standard deck of 52 cards. The game is played using up to eight decks, depending on how many players are at the table, or a casino's preference. This saves time; otherwise, the dealer would have to stop and shuffle a single deck after most rounds.

Using blackjack cards worth with basic strategy

When you get your two cards, you also get to see one of the dealer's cards, known as his upcard. This upcard value will help you decide how to play your hand.

The more observant of you will have looked at the blackjack card value chart above and noted there are many cards flying around with the value 10. 16 of them, in fact, in every deck. That means it's always more likely that the next card to be revealed will be a 10 than anything else.

With this in mind, you can second guess what might happen if you were to take another card – all with half an eye on what you now suspect the dealer's total will be, based on his upcard.

Let's take an example. You are dealt a 5 and 4, making a total 9. You will automatically take another card here because you cannot go over 21 and bust. But before you do, take note of the dealer's upcard. If he has a weak card like 5, it's probable his second card is a 10, giving him a total of 15. He would then have to take another card, which would likely cause him to bust.

So, as you have 9 and can't bust, you can elect to double down, thereby doubling your initial bet, before taking your next card. Now you have twice as much money on the table in a scenario where you expect to finish with a strong hand, while the chances of the dealer busting are high.

You can use this basic blackjack strategy in other ways. Let's say the dealer has a poor 5 upcard again. This time you are dealt a 10 and 4, giving 14. You could risk taking another card and hope it is a 7 or less. But why risk it when the dealer is weak and looks like he may go on to bust? You should stand instead and see if your hunch is correct.

Practice blackjack card values yourself

If that sounds a little complicated, worry not. You can search online for a blackjack guide chart, which will clearly set out your optimum play in any circumstance, no matter your two starting cards, and what card the dealer is showing.

Check out YouBet Casino and head to the blackjack tables. You can play for play money until you are comfortable with what's going on. Then make your first deposit, claim your welcome bonus, and see if you can turn a profit with real money.