Blackjack is a straightforward and enjoyable game that you’ll often come across in a casino, appealing to many players for its combination of chance and strategy.
If you’re new to blackjack, it’s normal to feel a bit confused about the rules at first. There’s a lot to learn, and one question that often comes up is about the value of face cards.
Knowing the value of face cards is a key part of understanding blackjack and can help you make better decisions as you play.
Face cards can potentially have a noticeable impact on the outcome of your hand. In this blog post, we'll explain the value of face cards in blackjack and how they can impact your game strategy.
What Do Face Cards Count As In Blackjack?
In blackjack, you’ll find three important face cards: the jack, queen, and king. These cards stand out because, no matter their suit, they each hold the same value. This simplicity helps make the game easier to follow and more enjoyable to play.
Every face card counts as 10 points. It doesn’t matter if you have a jack of diamonds, a queen of spades, or a king of hearts; each lends the same 10-point increase to your hand. This consistency is one of the fundamental aspects you’ll need to grasp to play blackjack confidently.
Knowing that jacks, queens, and kings are all worth 10 points plays a critical role in deciding your moves during the game. Awareness of how much these face cards automatically add to your total makes planning your strategy much easier.
While these cards can quickly strengthen your hand, they also bring the risk of going bust - which means having a total value over 21. It’s wise to be cautious and consider both your current hand and the dealer’s visible card before making your decision.
What Are Aces Worth In Blackjack?
In blackjack, aces are considered among the most powerful cards you can receive, thanks to their unique versatility.
Unlike any other card, an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which option works best for your hand. This adaptability adds a strategic layer to the game and can significantly influence your playing decisions.
When you’re dealt an ace, you may wonder how to value it to your advantage. If your hand contains an ace and other low-value cards, treating the ace as an 11 can bring your total closer to 21, which is your aim.
Moreover, if counting the ace as 11 pushes your total over 21, you can choose to count the ace as 1 point instead, allowing you to stay in the game and draw additional cards.
Soft and hard hands are a concept that is important to understand when you have an ace in your hand. A soft hand is where the ace counts as either a 1 or 11, whereas a hard hand is where the ace can only count as 1 or there is no ace at all.
Understanding when to switch the ace’s value from 11 to 1, or vice versa, involves considering both your current hand and the cards the dealer is showing. This decision is key to managing your risk and maximising your chances of winning a round.
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Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable gaming experience. Ensure your blackjack experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.