A Guide To Casino Blackjack Card Values And Basic Hands

Blackjack is the absolute crown jewel of the casino table games pit, offering the best mathematical odds for the educated player.


To achieve this, you must understand exactly how every single card in the deck is valued and scored.

Decoding the Card Values

In blackjack, the suits of the cards (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades) are completely irrelevant; only the numerical value matters.


If you hold an Ace and an 8, your hand is worth 19; if you draw a 5, the Ace automatically reverts to a 1, making your new total 14 to save you from busting.

If your starting two cards are an Ace and any 10-point card, you have achieved a 'Blackjack' (or a Natural 21)A true 'Blackjack' pays out a massive bonus, usually 3-to-2 on your original bet, instead of the standard 1-to-1 even moneyIf both you and the dealer receive a natural Blackjack on the exact same hand, the bet is a 'Push' (tie), and your money is returned
The Basic Player Actions: Hit, Stand, Double, Split

Once you are dealt your first two cards, you have several primary choices to make regarding how to play the hand.


Doubling down allows you to double your original bet in exchange for receiving one, and exactly one, additional card.

Card TypePoint ValueStrategic ImportanceNumbered Cards (2-9)Face Value (2-9 points)Low cards are bad for the dealer; high cards are good for the playerFace Cards (J, Q, K) + 10Exactly 10 pointsMakes up 30% of the deck; always assume the next card is a 10The Ace1 or 11 points (Player's choice)Creates 'Soft' hands and is required to hit a natural Blackjack

Once you understand how the hands are scored, you can begin memorizing the mathematical charts that tell you exactly when to hit or stand.