Ever wondered how different hands stack up against each other in blackjack? In this post, we'll guide you through the basics of understanding which hands hold the most value. Whether you are a beginner or just brushing up on your skills, knowing the best blackjack hands is key to improving your game strategy.
You'll find out which card combinations offer the best chance of beating the dealer. So, read on and get ready to discover more on the topic of blackjack rankings.
Blackjack Hand Rankings
When playing blackjack, understanding the different hand rankings can help you better navigate different situations and understand when you may be in a strong position. Let's dive into some of the key hands you'll want to keep an eye out for.
First up is the "Natural" or "Blackjack". This is when you are dealt an ace and a ten-value card straight away, forming a hand totalling 21 with only 2 cards. Remember, the aim in blackjack is to end up with a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. So, if you get a natural, it is the best possible start.
Next, a strong hand to have is a hard 20, which is any combination of two ten-value cards, like two kings or a queen and a jack. While not a blackjack, it is a solid hand that is hard to beat.
Then there’s a soft 18, like an ace with a seven. This hand is called “soft” because the ace can be counted as either 11 or 1, giving you more flexibility in deciding your next move depending on the dealer’s visible card.
Finally, pair hands, such as two eights, can be split into two separate hands. This can increase your chances of winning if played right.
Other than this, the hand rankings decrease with them decreasing in value - i.e. the further from 21 the hand is, the weaker it is.
Best Hands in Blackjack
When playing blackjack, it helps to know which hands are the best to aim for. Let's take a look at these high-value hands.
The ultimate hand is a "Natural" or "Blackjack", which is an ace paired with a ten-value card, such as a king, queen, jack, or ten. It is the best hand you can get and usually wins you the round unless the dealer also has a natural, in which case the round ends in a “push”, which is basically a tie and means your bet is returned to you in full but with no winnings.
Another strong hand is a hard 20, made with two ten-value cards. This hand gives you a solid position because it's close to 21 without going over.
A soft 18, like an ace and a seven, also offers a strategic advantage. With the ace, you can choose whether it counts as 11 or 1, allowing more options based on the dealer’s card.
Splitting pairs, such as two aces or two eights, can also put you in a strong position, as you can then play 2 separate hands with solid base values if you split in the right circumstances. It essentially offers additional opportunities.
These hands are great to have in blackjack, so when you spot them, you are on the right path.
Worst Hands in Blackjack
In blackjack, some hands can put you in a tricky spot. Therefore, knowing which hands are less favourable can help you play smarter.
A hard 16 is often considered one of the worst hands, especially if it is not formed from a pair of eights, which can be split for a more favourable situation. When you have a total of 16 that you can't adjust, you are at a high risk of going bust if you hit, but it is a value that the dealer has a decent chance of beating on their turn if you stand.
Another difficult hand is a hard 12. This hand is not strong enough to feel safe, but it also is not weak enough to hit comfortably. Knowing when to hit or stand requires keeping an eye on the dealer's face-up card.
A pair of fives can be awkward too. While they total 10, splitting them is not usually advisable as they can be combined into a stronger hand.
Finally, a soft 17, like an ace and a six, can be tough. While the ace provides flexibility, the hand is often too low to stand on with confidence but risky to improve by hitting.
Being aware of these weaker hands can help you make better decisions during the game. Stay alert and adjust your strategy as needed.
Remember, that there is no telling what cards are going to come up next or what the dealer’s hole card is, so the labelling of certain hands as better or worse is purely based on the likelihood of their success; there are no guarantees.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.