Blackjack Card Values
Blackjack is a popular casino card table game where the main objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. You determine the value of your hand by counting the value of the individual cards. Gameplay starts with each card, and the dealer receives two cards. One of the dealer's cards will be dealt face down, while the other will be face up. Players' cards are dealt face-up. Players then have the option to "hit" or take another card, to "stand," or to keep the hand as it is, or to take other actions, such as doubling down or splitting. Knowing blackjack card values and the betting options helps players choose the next best step.Understanding Card Values in Blackjack
In blackjack, each card has a specific value contributing to the total hand value. You must know these values well to quickly make decisions about your hand that will best position you to win. Here is a chart identifying the blackjack card values for easy reference:| Card | Vaue |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 10 | 10 |
| Jack | 10 |
| Queen | 10 |
| King | 10 |
Number Card Values (2-9)
Cards numbered 2 through 9 are valued at the number shown on the card. The suit does not impact the value of the card. For example, a 5 of hearts is worth 5 points, and an 8 of clubs is worth 8 points.Picture Card Values (King, Queen, Jack)
The King, Queen, and Jack are known as picture cards, or face cards, and are each valued at 10 points. No matter which face card you are dealt, they all contribute 10 points to your hand. The suit does not have an impact on the value of the card.Value of Ace (1 or 11)
The Ace is the most versatile card in blackjack. It can count as either 1 or 11, depending on what benefits the player's hand. For instance, if your hand includes a 6 and an Ace, the Ace will count as 11, giving you a total hand value of 17. However, if counting the Ace as 11 would cause your hand to exceed 21 (bust), such as if you already have cards totaling 12 in your hand, the Ace will automatically be counted as 1 to keep you in the game.Are Card Values Consistent Across All Blackjack Variants?
Blackjack card values remain consistent across most variants, whether you're playing classic blackjack, European blackjack, or other variations. Number cards from 2 to 9 hold their face value, the picture cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are each valued at 10 points, and the Ace is always flexible, counting as either 1 or 11. However, while blackjack card values remain the same, rules regarding payouts, number of decks, and dealer actions may vary depending on the variant you are playing.
How to Calculate Your Total Hand Value in Blackjack
While calculating your hand value in blackjack seems straightforward, understanding how blackjack card values contribute to the total is required. Here's how you can calculate the total value of your hand:- Example 1: Simple Hand Calculation
If you are dealt a 7 and a 9, your total hand value is 7 + 9 = 16. - Example 2: Hand with a Face Card
If your hand consists of a Queen and a 5, the total hand value is 10 (Queen) + 5 = 15. - Example 3: Hand with an Ace
If you have an Ace and a 6, the Ace can count as either 1 or 11. In this case, you would count the Ace as 11, making your total hand value 11 + 6 = 17. However, if you later hit and receive a 7, bringing your total to 24, the Ace would revert to a value of 1, making your new hand value 14.
Named Hands in Blackjack
Hands in blackjack can be categorized based on how the cards combine and the strategies used to manage the hand. The three most common types of hands are "Blackjack," "Soft Hand," and "Hard Hand." Understanding these distinctions can help players make better decisions during the game.Blackjack Hand
A Blackjack Hand is the highest-ranking hand in the game. It consists of an Ace and a 10-point card (either a 10, Jack, Queen, or King), giving the player a total hand value of 21 with just two cards. If you hit blackjack, you typically receive a payout of 3:2 unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case it's a push.Soft Hand
A Soft Hand is any hand that includes an Ace that can still be counted as 11 without busting. Soft hands give players more flexibility because if you hit and receive a card that would push your hand over 21, the Ace will automatically count as 1, allowing you to stay in the game. For example, you have an Ace and 7 for a soft hand, totaling 18. If you decide to hit and get a 4, your hand would total 22. Then your Ace would automatically revert to a 1, giving you a hard 12.Hard Hand
A Hard Hand is any hand that either doesn't contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as 1 without busting. Hard hands are less flexible than soft hands, leaving no room for adjusting the Ace's value once the total gets closer to 21. An example of a hard hand without an Ace is a 10 and an 8, which totals 18. An example of a hard hand with an Ace is an Ace, 5, and 10, which totals 16.Bust
A Bust occurs when your total hand value exceeds 21. If you bust, you automatically lose the round, regardless of the dealer's hand. Managing your cards and knowing when to stop hitting is key to avoiding a bust. For example, if you have a 10 and 9 and decide to hit, drawing a 5 would bring your total to 24, resulting in a bust.
What Happens in a Push Scenario?
A push occurs in blackjack when both the player and the dealer end up with hands of the same value, typically 17 or higher. In a push scenario, no one wins or loses. The player's original bet is returned, and the round is considered a tie. This outcome happens most frequently when both the player and dealer have hands totaling 21, but it can also occur with any hand where the blackjack card values are identical.Blackjack Rules at Cache Creek Casino
At Cache Creek Casino Resort, the blackjack rules follow standard regulations, with a few specific features to enhance your gaming experience. Here's a summary of the key rules:- Number of Decks: Games are typically played with a six-deck shoe, double deck, or single deck.
- Dealer Stands on 17: At Cache Creek, the dealer is required to stand when their hand totals 17. With that knowledge, players may decide to hit on their own 16, taking one last chance to get a good card and win the hand.
- Blackjack Pays 3:2: If you are dealt a natural blackjack (Ace + a 10-point card), you'll receive a 3:2 payout unless the dealer also has blackjack, resulting in a push.
- Doubling Down: You can double down on any two cards, doubling your bet after receiving your initial two cards and drawing only one additional card.
- Splitting Pairs: Players can split pairs, allowing them to create two separate hands. At Cache Creek Casino, you can split up to four times, including Aces. A separate, matching bet is required for each hand. In games with only a single or double deck, players can split only once.
- Surrender Option: Surrender is not available.
- Insurance: If the dealer shows an Ace, you can take insurance for up to half of your original bet. Insurance is a bet that the dealer has a blackjack. The insurance payout is 2:1 if the dealer reveals a blackjack.
Cache Creek Casino's blackjack games provide an exciting mix of rules that offer players flexibility and fair opportunities to win.