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 helps guide your choices at the table.
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 of winning.
A soft 18 is another important hand to know. It’s made when you have an ace and a 7. The ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, giving you flexibility depending on what the dealer shows.
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 success 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 and the better your prospects against the dealer.
What Are the Best Blackjack Hands?
In blackjack, some hands give you a clear advantage and can significantly improve your chances of winning. Recognising these hands and knowing how to play them is important if you plan to play.
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, made from two 10-value cards. It is just one point away from 21, so it is 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 depending on the dealer’s upcard.
Splitting pairs such as two aces or two 8s is another valuable strategy. By splitting a pair, you create two separate hands, giving you more chances to win when used at the right time.
Having these hands and using the right plays can increase your chances of success at the blackjack table. That said, blackjack involves a significant element of chance and winning can never be guaranteed.
What Are the Worst Blackjack Hands?
In blackjack, certain hands create difficult choices and increase the chance of losing. Recognising these hands helps players make better-informed decisions at the table.
A hard 16 is widely regarded as one of the toughest hands to play. If it is not a pair of 8s that can be split, the player must choose between hitting and risking a bust or standing and hoping the dealer has a weaker hand.
A hard 12 is similarly awkward. It is not strong enough to be safe, yet hitting it risks busting, so the correct play often depends on the dealer’s upcard.
A pair of 5s totals 10 but splitting is usually not advised. Players commonly treat this as a single 10 and take one hit to try to build a stronger hand.
A soft 17, for example ace and 6, is flexible but problematic. The ace gives room to hit without immediate busting, yet the total is typically too low to stand on confidently, and hitting can still lead to an unfavourable 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.