Blackjack Hand Values & Rules: Card Combinations Explained

Understanding blackjack starts with knowing the hand values and the basic rules. Whether you play online or at a casino table, knowing how different card combinations work can help you make more informed decisions.

This Ivy Casino blog post explains hand values, how cards are counted, and why aces play a key role. You will also learn about the highest possible total and what happens if a hand goes over that amount.

We also cover soft and hard hands, provide clear examples, and outline the main rules that guide each round, from dealing to player options. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Blackjack Hand Values?

In blackjack, a hand’s value is the total of all the cards dealt to a player. The goal is to reach a total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.

Number cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value. Face cards—jacks, queens, and kings—are each worth 10 points. The ace is unique because it can count as either 1 or 11, depending on what works best for the hand.

A two-card hand consisting of an ace and any 10-point card is called blackjack. It is the strongest possible starting hand.

How Are Card Values Calculated in Blackjack?

In blackjack, most cards are fairly straightforward to count: number cards are worth their face value, and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points. Aces are a special case, as they can be worth more than one value depending on the situation.

To calculate a hand’s total, each card’s value is added up. Some hands may shift slightly in value during play—especially those involving aces—in order to avoid going over 21.

Understanding the Role of Aces in Blackjack Hands

Aces are unique because they can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more without causing it to bust.

At the start of a round, an ace combined with any 10-point card forms a blackjack—the strongest possible opening hand. In other situations, aces allow for flexibility. If the hand total stays at 21 or under with the ace counted as 11, that value is used. But if counting the ace as 11 would push the total over 21, it automatically shifts to 1 instead.

When multiple aces are in a hand, typically only one is treated as 11 to avoid exceeding the limit. For instance, a hand with ace, ace, and 9 can total 11 + 1 + 9 = 21.

Hands where an ace is actively being counted as 11 are called soft hands. These hands offer more flexibility since drawing an additional card won’t immediately result in a bust. We’ll explore the differences between soft and hard hands later on.

What Is the Highest Hand Value You Can Get in Blackjack?

The highest possible hand value is 21. This can be achieved with an ace and a 10-point card in two cards, which is blackjack, or with three or more cards that total 21.

A two-card blackjack is treated differently from a multi-card 21, but in both cases, 21 is the target to aim for during a round. Any total above 21 immediately ends the round for that hand.

Blackjack Hand Value Examples

Looking at examples may help make it easier to understand how totals are formed. Here are a few typical combinations:

• Example 1: A hand with a 9 and a 7 totals 16 points (9 + 7 = 16).
• Example 2: A hand with a king and a 6 totals 16 points (10 + 6 = 16).
• Example 3: A hand with an ace and a 7 totals 18 (11 + 7 = 18). If a 9 is drawn next, the ace can switch to 1, making the total 17 (1 + 7 + 9).
• Example 4: A hand with an ace, a 5, and a 3 totals 19 (11 + 5 + 3). If another high card is drawn, the ace can switch to 1 to keep the hand valid.

This brings us to an important distinction between soft and hard hands.

How Do Soft and Hard Hands Work?

Hands are described as either soft or hard based on whether an ace is currently counted as 11.

• Soft hand: Includes an ace counted as 11. For example, an ace and a 6 make a soft 17. Because the ace can change to 1 if needed, soft hands allow more flexibility for taking another card without ending the round immediately.
• Hard hand: Has no ace, or the ace must be counted as 1 to avoid exceeding 21. For example, a 10 and a 7 is a hard 17, as is a hand like ace, 9, and 7 where the ace cannot be counted as 11 without exceeding 21.
  
  

What Happens If You Go Over 21?

If the total value of a hand goes above 21, the hand busts and the round ends immediately for that player. The stake on that hand is lost regardless of what the dealer draws afterwards.

Only the cards in the player’s own hand affect this outcome. Other players’ or the dealer’s cards do not change whether the hand goes over 21.

Keeping track of the total before deciding to take another card helps avoid this outcome.

Blackjack Rules Every Player Should Know

Card Dealing and Turn Order

A round begins with each player receiving two cards, usually face up. The dealer also receives two cards, with one face down, so its value is not shown at first. Players act in turn from one side of the table to the other, making their choices before the dealer completes their own hand.

Once all players have finished, the dealer reveals the facedown card and draws more cards according to house rules. Typically, the dealer must draw until reaching at least 17 and then stand. Some tables require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, so it is worth checking the table rules in advance if you’re considering playing.

When You Can Hit, Stand, Split, or Double

Players have a few options on their turn:

• Hit: Ask for another card to add to the hand.
• Stand: Keep the current total and end the turn.
• Split: If dealt two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands by placing a second bet. House rules may set limits, such as how aces are split or how many times a hand can be split.
• Double: Double the original bet and receive just one more card, usually only on the first two cards and sometimes restricted to certain totals.

These choices help shape the flow of every round and give structure to how a hand develops.

If you choose to play blackjack, it’s important to do so with responsible gambling practices in mind. Set clear limits on both the time and money you spend playing, and never stake more than you are prepared to lose. Treat the game as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.

Blackjack outcomes are based on chance, and there is no way to influence the result of any hand. Staying within your personal boundaries helps keep your experience enjoyable and prevents gambling from becoming a source of stress or harm.

If at any point you feel that gambling is becoming difficult to manage or affecting other areas of your life, help is available. You can visit BeGambleAware.org for free advice, self-assessment tools, and confidential support services.

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Feel free to visit Ivy Casino to explore the range of blackjack games we have available in a secure environment.

_{**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.}