Blackjack is one of the most popular casino classics, all thanks to its straightforward rules and relatively low casino advantage. The main aim of Blackjack is simple – to have a hand total that’s exactly 21 or the closest to it without going over.
Along with the gameplay rules, you must know how different cards are valued in Blackjack. This is because knowing how much each card is worth will help you decide what wagering option you should choose. Continue reading as we explain everything you need about Blackjack card values.
Blackjack card values explained
Like many other online card games available at our mobile casino, Blackjack is played using a standard card deck. And each standard card deck has 52 cards in total.
The number cards between 2 and 10 carry their face value. This means a number 2 card is calculated as 2, a number 3 card is calculated as 3, and so on. As each traditional card is made up of four suits, there are 36 numbered cards in total.
In Blackjack, the King, the Queen and the Jack are referred to as picture cards. And each of them is valued as 10 in the game. And as you’d guess, each standard card deck consists of 12 picture cards.
Now we’ve got one card left to cover – the Ace. You can view the Ace as a “special” card in Blackjack.
This is because the Ace card can have two different values in Blackjack – either 1 or 11 in Blackjack. Most online casinos offer flexibility in choosing the value of your Ace, but some operators may require you to stick with a predefined value. So, it’s always better to check the rules of your chosen Blackjack game before beginning to play.
Another great thing about Blackjack is that the suit of your cards doesn’t matter here. You can have a 4 of Spades or a 4 of Hearts card, which will still be valued as 4 in the game.
Some important Blackjack moves listed
After receiving your initial two cards in online Blackjack games, there are several wagering options you can go with. As a player, you can stay in the game by hitting or cease to play by opting to fold. Then there’s the doubling down a wager that allows you to receive one extra card for double the size of your initial bet. Here are some other important Blackjack wagering options you need to be aware of:
Split
In Blackjack, split refers to splitting your initial two cards into two different hands. In most Blackjack games, this option becomes available when the value of your initial two cards is the same. Note that you need to place an additional wager to be able to split your cards into two different hands.
Insurance
This is one of the most common and popular Blackjack side bets. In Blackjack, the insurance bet is offered to you when the dealer’s up-card shows an Ace. And it insures you against the dealer’s cards forming a Blackjack. Insurance bet usually pays 2:1, though the payout may vary in some games.
Settlement
In Blackjack, players aren’t allowed to change their bet after placing it. If the dealer loses a gameplay round, they must return the bet amount to each player sitting at the table. In contrast, having a winning hand means the dealer gets paid by each player whose total is less than 21. If the dealer and the player have the same point total, then there’s no need to make any payments. This process is referred to as settlement in the game.
Blackjack house edge and the basic strategy
Blackjack is renowned as a casino classic with one of the lowest house edges. As per probability analysis, the casino advantage in Blackjack can range anywhere between 0.25% and 2%. This essentially means that you can expect to get £98 on every £100 wagered.
Many experienced players use the basic betting system when playing Blackjack. This is because it helps them keep the house edge to its minimum. Also, using betting strategies tends to improve their overall winning chances in Blackjack. But it’s also important to remember that Blackjack is ultimately a game of chance. So, using the basic betting system may not always help you in Blackjack.
