A Guide to Casino Blackjack Card Values and Basic Hands
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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
Cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their exact printed face value (e.g., a 7 of Spades is worth 7 points).
An Ace can be counted as either 1 point or 11 points, depending entirely on which value helps your hand the most without busting.
- Going over a total of 21 is called 'Busting' or 'Breaking'; if you bust, you immediately lose your bet, even if the dealer eventually busts later
- The casino's entire mathematical edge comes from the fact that the player is forced to draw cards and potentially bust before the dealer ever acts
- Understanding the difference between a Hard 17 and a Soft 17 is critical, as basic strategy dictates entirely different actions for each
The Basic Player Actions: Hit, Stand, Double, Split
If you want the dealer to give you another card to improve your total, you tap the table to indicate a 'Hit'.
Doubling down allows you to double your original bet in exchange for receiving one, and exactly one, additional card.
| Card Type | Point Value | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Numbered Cards (2-9) | Face Value (2-9 points) | Low cards are bad for the dealer; high cards are good for the player |
| Face Cards (J, Q, K) + 10 | Exactly 10 points | Makes up 30% of the deck; always assume the next card is a 10 |
| The Ace | 1 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.