Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the casino world. Understanding Blackjack hands is important to enhance your gameplay. In this article, HunnyPlay will dive deep into the types of hands, their values, and how to use them to your advantage with effective strategies.
What are Blackjack hands?
Blackjack hands are formed by two or more cards, where the suits of the cards have no significance. Unlike many other card games, the order in which the cards are dealt in Blackjack is also irrelevant.
The only focus is on the total value these cards create together, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
Card values in Blackjack
Each card in Blackjack holds a specific value based on its rank.
- Numbered cards (2 through 10) are valued according to their number.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) each have a value of 10.
- The Ace is unique, as it can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on which is more advantageous.
The sum of these card values determines the value of your Blackjack hand. The objective is to reach a total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
This becomes particularly interesting when an Ace is in play, offering flexibility that can tip the scales in your favor. Understanding these values is key to mastering the game and making strategic decisions during play.
Every card in Blackjack has a distinct value determined by its rank. (Source: Internet)
Types of Blackjack hands
Blackjack Soft hands
A Blackjack hand is termed “soft” when one of the two cards dealt is an Ace. The unique aspect of a soft hand lies in the Ace’s flexibility, as it can count as either 1 or 11. For instance, a combination of an Ace and a 6 forms a soft 17.
Soft hands are advantageous because they allow players to hit without the risk of busting. Even if a third card is drawn, the hand remains intact, giving players another shot at improving their position.
However, the dealer can also receive a soft hand, which influences the game differently. Most house rules require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, particularly when players are sitting on higher values like 18, 19, or 20.
While this gives the dealer another chance to outscore the players, it’s not necessarily an advantage, as the dealer must hit until they reach at least 17, limiting their options and increasing the risk of busting.
How to play Blackjack soft hands?
When dealt a soft hand in Blackjack, a different approach is often required. Soft Blackjack hands become particularly useful when the dealer has weak cards like a 5 or 6.
In these situations, doubling down is a smart move because it maximizes your chances of winning.
For instance:
- Ace and Two/Three: Hit unless the dealer shows a 5 or 6; then double down.
- Ace and Seven: Stand unless the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace; then hit.
- Ace and Eight: Always stand, regardless of the dealer’s card.
While this strategy doesn’t guarantee a win, it gives players the best possible chance to succeed.
Hard hands
Hard Blackjack hands are the opposite of soft hands. They consist of two cards without an Ace, such as a seven and a ten. These hands are often less favorable because they carry a higher risk of busting.
For example, if you hold a hard 13 and draw a ten, your hand will exceed 21, resulting in a bust. In contrast, a soft 13 with an Ace wouldn’t bust when a ten is added.
However, if the hard hand totals 11 or less, there’s no immediate risk, allowing for safer play.
How to play Blackjack hard hands?
When playing Blackjack with hard hands, certain strategies can help you minimize risk and maximize your chances of winning.
For hands valued at 8 or lower, always hit, as there’s no risk of busting and the hand can only improve. If your hand totals 9, 10, or 11, consider doubling down, especially if the dealer’s upcard is a 3, 4, 5, or 6.
This is often the optimal move, except when the dealer shows an Ace against your 11, where caution is advised.
Always stand on a total of 17 or higher, regardless of the dealer’s card. Additionally, if the dealer’s upcard is a 4, 5, or 6, stand on any hand totaling 12 or more.
Soft hands and hard hands in Blackjack (Source: Internet)
The best starting Blackjack hands
Blackjack vs. non-10 or Ace cards
One of the most powerful starting hands in Blackjack is a natural 21, which consists of an Ace paired with any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This hand is highly advantageous when the dealer’s upcard is anything other than a 10 or Ace.
In traditional 3:2 payout games, this combination results in a payout of 150% of your bet. For instance, a $100 wager on a Blackjack will yield $150 in winnings, provided the dealer doesn’t also have a Blackjack, which would result in a push (tie).
Blackjack is the strongest starting hand in a Blackjack game. (Source: Internet)
The hard 20 vs. Dealer’s 8
A Hard 20 in Blackjack, made up of two 10-value cards, is one of the strongest hands you can hold. This hand becomes particularly powerful against a dealer’s 8 upcard, where statistics show a 79.18% win rate.
For every $100 wagered in this scenario, the player can expect to win an average of $79.18. The only hand that can defeat a hard 20 is a dealer’s 21, which can occur through various card combinations, though these scenarios are less frequent.
The Hard 20 vs. Dealer’s 7
A Hard 20 is a powerful hand in Blackjack, especially when facing a dealer’s 7 upcard. Statistically, this scenario gives the player a 77.32% chance of winning.
For every $100 wagered, the expected return is $77.32. The dealer’s 7 is significant because they must stand on 17, and with many 10-value cards in the deck, there’s a high chance the dealer’s hole card is a 10.
While the dealer could draw to a 20 or 21, these outcomes are less common.
The worst starting Blackjack hands
The 16 vs. Dealer’s 10
A starting hand of 16 against a dealer’s 10 upcard is widely considered the worst Blackjack hands.
Statistically, this hand has a negative expectation of 0.5398%, meaning that for every $100 wagered in this scenario, the player can expect to lose an average of $53.98 over time.
Although there are instances where a player might draw a low card and the dealer might bust, the overall expectation remains unfavorable. The more frequently this situation occurs, the closer the losses will align with this average.
The 16 vs. Dealer’s Ace
Facing a dealer’s Ace with a player total of 16 is one of the worst starting hands in Blackjack.
This scenario gives the player a negative expectation of 0.5171%, meaning for every $100 wagered, the player can expect to lose about $51.71 over time.
The hand offers limited options for improvement, while the dealer’s Ace presents multiple opportunities for forming a strong hand.
This combination makes it particularly challenging for the player to win, underscoring the disadvantage of this starting hand.
The 16 vs. Dealer’s 19
When holding a total of 16 against a dealer’s 9 upcard, you’re facing one of the most unfavorable starting hands in Blackjack.
This situation carries a negative expectation of 0.5093%, meaning you can expect to lose about $50.93 for every $100 wagered in this scenario.
The dealer’s 9 is strong, especially given the likelihood of a 10-value card being the hole card, potentially bringing the dealer’s total to 19. With limited options to improve your hand, this combination often results in significant losses for the player.
A hard 16 is considered the worst starting hand in Blackjack. (Source: Internet)
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Blackjack hands: FAQs
Q: What are Blackjack hands?
A: A Blackjack hands are the total value of the cards dealt. The goal is to reach a value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The strategy can shift if an Ace is involved, due to its flexible value of 1 or 11.
Q: What are the ideal hands in Blackjack?
A: The best hand is a natural Blackjack—an Ace paired with a 10-value card, such as a Ten, Jack, Queen, or King. This combination is powerful against any dealer card that’s not a 10 or Ace.
Q: What is the hardest hand to play in Blackjack?
A: A 16 against a dealer’s 10 is one of the most challenging hands, with a win rate of only about 23%. This makes it one of the most difficult situations to navigate.
Q: What is the unluckiest hands in Blackjack?
A: A pair of eights totaling 16 is often seen as the most troublesome hand. It forces difficult decisions, making it one of the worst hands to hold.
Q: What are the Blackjack hands gestures?
A: Non-verbal cues in Blackjack are essential. Hand gestures like waving over cards to signal a bust, tapping the table to stand, or specific motions for doubling down or splitting pairs add to the game’s experience.
Dealer’s hand signals on the Blackjack table. (Source: Internet)
Conclusion
On the whole, mastering Blackjack hands is an important aspect. By understanding the different types of hands and making informed decisions, you can lower the house edge and enhance your gameplay.
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