All Card Values in Blackjack
In blackjack, it’s important to understand how each card affects your hand. That’s why the first step to playing is to understand what every card is worth. In this guide, you’ll learn each blackjack card value, how to calculate your hand, and how to tell the difference between soft and hard hands.
All cards within blackjack
The value of cards in blackjack (except the ace) is fixed, and each of these cards falls into one of three groups. These groups are the face-value cards (also called number cards), picture cards and aces. Here’s what’s in each category:
- Face cards (2 to 10): Equal to the number shown on the card.
- Picture cards (jack, queen, king): These are blackjack cards worth 10 points.
- Ace: An ace can be worth 1 or 11, depending on your hand.
Face-value cards
A face-value or number card in blackjack is worth between 2 and 10, and each is worth the exact number you see. So, if you have a 6, it adds six points to your total. Similarly, if you get a nine, it adds nine points to your hand.
Something to note about these cards is that they are consistent because their value never changes. This means that you don’t need to remember special rules, and they’re easy to rely on, whether you’re aiming for 21 blackjack card values or trying to avoid a bust.
Picture cards value
In blackjack, the jack, queen and king are called picture cards. Each of these is worth 10 points, regardless of the suit. This makes them some of the most valuable cards in the game.
Picture card values in blackjack are key to building strong hands. When you pair one with an ace, you’ve got a natural blackjack, which is the best hand you can get. Even without an ace, these cards help you get closer to 21 in just a few moves.
The value of the ace card
The ace is the most versatile card in blackjack. You can count it as 1 or 11 points, depending on what helps your hand. This flexibility can completely change how you play your cards.
You don’t need to lock in the ace’s value – it adjusts as your hand changes. For example, if treating it as 11 pushes your total over 21, it automatically shifts to 1. This makes the ace a great card for keeping your total in check.
The ace also creates what’s called a soft hand. A soft hand happens when the ace counts as 11 without risking a bust. It gives you extra freedom to hit and improve your hand without going over 21.
Are jokers used in blackjack?
You won’t find jokers in a standard game of blackjack. A regular deck of cards is used, minus the jokers, to keep things simple. This means that you don’t have to worry about wildcards affecting your hand.
If you ever see a version of blackjack that includes jokers, it’s probably a custom variation. These are rare and usually used for fun in informal games or unique casino setups. Always check the rules if you’re playing a type of blackjack that’s outside the standard version.
For most players, leaving out jokers makes blackjack easier to learn and play. It lets you focus on the core strategies and card values without extra complications. This is part of what keeps blackjack a classic game.
Calculating your blackjack hand
To figure out your hand in blackjack, add up the values of your cards. Number cards are worth their face value, picture cards count as 10, and an ace can be 1 or 11, depending on what helps you most. Your goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
For example, if you’re dealt a 7 and a jack, your total is 17. Drawing an ace would mean you don’t go bust, as the value would automatically count as 1 rather than 11, as 11 would cause you to go bust.
A soft hand, such as an ace and a 6, gives you more flexibility. In this case, the ace counts as 11 unless another card would make your total exceed 21, at which point it switches to 1. A hard hand, such as a 10 and a 7, doesn’t have this flexibility, so adding a high card could put you over the limit.
Hard hands
A hard hand in blackjack is any hand without an ace. These hands are called ‘hard’ because they don’t offer the flexibility of switching the ace’s value to avoid going over 21. For example, if you have a 10 and a 7, your total is 17, and drawing a high card would lead to a bust.
Hard hands require careful decision-making, as there’s no safety net if your total gets too high. You’ll need to weigh your current total against the dealer’s upcard to decide whether to hit or stand. This makes understanding the risks of a hard hand an important part of your strategy.
Soft hands
A soft hand in blackjack happens when you have an ace counted as 11. It’s called ‘soft’ because the ace can switch to 1 if your total gets too high. For example, if you’re holding an ace and a 6, your total is 17, but the ace can adjust to 1 if you draw a high card.
Soft hands give you more options to play without worrying about busting. You can take an extra card to improve your total, knowing that the ace will adjust if needed. This flexibility gives soft hands a chance to push for a better total without as much risk.
Creating a blackjack hand
You get a natural blackjack when you’re dealt an ace and any card worth 10 points, such as a 10, jack, queen or king. With a total of 21 right away, this hand is an automatic win unless the dealer also has one. It’s the best example of how blackjack values work to create a winning hand instantly.