Blackjack Hand Rankings: What Are The Best Hands?
In blackjack, understanding which hands are the strongest can influence your approach to the game. While chance plays a role, knowing the value of different hands helps players make better decisions as they play.
Not all hands are created equal – some combinations give players a clear advantage – and understanding them may improve your overall gameplay. So, what makes a hand strong, and how should you approach them? In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the key hands that can increase your chances of success in blackjack.
Read on to learn more about the hand rankings in blackjack, as well as which ones are the best.
Blackjack Hand Ranking Breakdown
Understanding the various hand rankings in blackjack is key to making informed decisions during the game. Knowing when you have a strong hand may help guide your choices at the table and improve your overall approach. Let’s take a look at some of the key hands you might encounter.
First up is the “Natural” or “Blackjack.” This hand is made when you’re dealt an ace and any ten-value card (10, jack, queen, or king) right from the start. With just two cards, this hand totals exactly 21 and is the best possible hand you can have.
Next is a hard 20, which consists of two 10-value cards, such as two queens or a king and a jack. While this isn’t quite a blackjack, it’s still a strong hand that gives you a solid chance at winning.
A soft 18 is another important hand to know. It’s made when you have an ace and a 7. The ace here can be counted as either 1 or 11, giving you more flexibility in how you play, depending on what the dealer shows. This hand can be quite useful, as it lets you adjust your approach based on the situation.
Another hand to consider is a pair, like two 8s. If you’re dealt a pair, you have the option to split them into two separate hands, potentially increasing your chances of winning if played wisely.
Finally, hands with lower totals, especially those farther from 21, tend to be weaker. The closer your hand is to 21, the stronger it typically is, giving you a better shot at success.
What Are The Best Blackjack Hands?
In blackjack, some hands give you a clear advantage and may significantly improve your chances of winning. Recognising these hands and knowing when to play them is key to a successful approach if you plan to play. Let’s take a look at the strongest hands you may see during the game.
The “Natural” or “Blackjack” is the best hand you can get – an ace paired with any 10-value card, such as a king or queen. A natural typically wins the round outright unless the dealer also has a blackjack, which results in a tie (or “push”) where your bet is returned.
Next is a hard 20, which is made from two 10-value cards. It’s just one point away from 21, so it’s a strong hand that puts you in a good position against the dealer.
A soft 18, which consists of an ace and a 7, also offers advantages. The flexibility of the ace, which can count as either 1 or 11, gives you strategic options based on the dealer’s hand. This makes the soft 18 a useful hand to play, as it lets you adjust your strategy depending on the situation.
Another valuable strategy is splitting pairs, such as two aces or two 8s. By splitting a pair, you create two separate hands, giving you more chances to win. When done at the right time, this may work to your advantage.
Having these hands can increase your chances of success at the blackjack table. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that blackjack involves a significant element of chance and winning can never be guaranteed.
What Are The Worst Blackjack Hands?
In blackjack, players sometimes face tricky hands that can make decision-making difficult. Knowing which hands are less favourable can help players make more informed choices. Let’s take a look at some hands that tend to pose challenges.
A hard 16 is often considered one of the toughest hands to play. If it’s not made up of a pair of 8s that can be split, players are left with a tough decision: hit and potentially go bust, or stand and hope the dealer doesn’t have a stronger hand.
Similarly, a hard 12 can be tricky. It’s not strong enough to feel secure in winning, but hitting it could lead to a bust. In this case, players will have to carefully consider the dealer’s visible card when deciding how to proceed.
A pair of 5s can also be an awkward hand. While they total 10, players don’t tend to split them. Instead, they often play them as a 10 and try to build a stronger hand with a single hit.
A soft 17, like an ace and a 6, comes with its own set of challenges. The flexibility of the ace can be useful, but the hand is typically not strong enough to stand on its own, while hitting may put a player in a worse position.
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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.