Blackjack Card Values: How Much Is Each Card Worth In Blackjack?
In the fast-paced world of Blackjack, every card tells a story. Knowing the value of every card in your hand and waiting in the deck isn't just helpful - it's essential to success. Learning this crucial piece of knowledge is your first step to mastering this classic casino game, and can be the difference between a win or an L.
Ready to turn the Blackjack tables in your favor? This article will explore the Blackjack card values, how to determine the value of a hand, and how card values play into the iconic card counting strategy.
How Do You Find a Hand's Total Value?
In a traditional land-based casino, Blackjack is played with a conventional deck of 52 cards, where the suits and card colors don't matter, with no impact on the final outcome of the round.
Online Blackjack casinos like Rivalry tend to use multiple decks for a Blackjack game. This makes a basic strategy like counting cards difficult, although not impossible.
Tracking the card values in Blackjack is simple, as outlined below:
- Cards numbered at 2 through to 10 (10s, 9s, 8s, 7s, 6s, 5s, 4s, 3s, and 2s) all count at face value. For example, a 9 of Spades will count as 9, 2 of Hearts is a 2, etc.
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) in Blackjack all count as 10 with the same value.
- Aces are flexible and can count as 1 or an 11, depending on which value benefits the overall hand the most. If the hand is close to a Bust, the Ace will be valued as 1.
You can determine your hand's total by adding the values of your cards together. For example, you'll have a soft hand if you have an Ace and a 6 of Diamonds, totaling 17. A Jack and a Queen will make 20, as face-value cards, count as 10.
What is a Blackjack hand?
A Blackjack hand is when the point value of the two initially dealt cards total 21, also known as a natural Blackjack. This occurs when the player is dealt a card with a 10-point value (10 suit cards, Jack, King, or Queen) and an Ace of any suit.
For example:
- 10 (Diamond, Spades, Clubs, Hearts) + Ace = Blackjack
- Queen (Diamonds, Spades, Clubs, Hearts) + Ace = Blackjack
- King (Diamonds, Spades, Clubs, Hearts) + Ace = Blackjack
- Jack (Diamonds, Spades, Clubs, Hearts) + Ace = Blackjack
A player's Blackjack hand will automatically beat a Dealer's hand, even if it totals 21 in three or more cards.
Basic Blackjack Terminology
Before we get into how to play Blackjack, you'll need to know the basic terminology, as this classic game has its own language and terms used in all Blackjack games, whether you're playing online or at a casino in Las Vegas.
- Hit: The action of asking for one more card from the Dealer.
- Stand: When the player no longer wants new cards and is happy with their current hand.
- Split: An option for the player to split their hand if they hold two cards that are the same number, like two eights or two sixes, and play them as two separate hands rather than just one.
- Double: In addition to their initial bet, players can sometimes double their bet if they believe they have a strong hand.
- Bust: This is when a hand, either the players or the Dealers, goes over the sum of 21 in Blackjack. It essentially means "game over."
- Blackjack: When you hear Blackjack, a hand has reached the sum of 21, meaning they have won outright.
- Soft Hand: This means the player has a hand with an Ace, favoring their victory as they have two possible values. Aces can become an 11 or 1, depending on their current hand.
- Hard Hand: This is when the player has a hand without an Ace, meaning they have fewer combinations available to get Blackjack.
How to Play Blackjack
The ultimate goal of Blackjack is to beat the Dealer. You can do this in one of three ways: by drawing a hand value higher than the Dealer's hand, by the Dealer's hand going over 21, or by getting a natural Blackjack, aka 21, straight away with your first two cards.
There are also two ways you can lose Blackjack: your hand Busts (going over 21) or the Dealer's hand total exceeds yours at the end of the round, without them going over 21.
Here's a quick and simple step-by-step guide on how to play online Blackjack with Rivalry.
- Log in or create a Rivalry account. Make sure you get verified to use our promotions and welcome bonus. Feel free to connect a crypto wallet to start collecting NUTZ.
- Navigate to Casino.exe and find "Blackjack." You'll find it in "The Best Table Games section," or you can find it manually using the search bar at the top of the UI. You can choose from the RNG Blackjack against AI or play Live Blackjack, hosted by Evolution Gaming.
- If you choose Live Blackjack, there are plenty of options and variants, including Lightning Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, and other lobbies in Spanish and Portuguese, each with separate rules, features, and side bets.
- The single-player RNG Blackjack game resembles a traditional experience, with a semi-circle table and various side bets available. The minimum bet amount for this game mode is $0.50, with a maximum bet of $1,000 in one round.
- Once your bets have been placed, the cards will be dealt clockwise, ending with the Dealer. One card is dealt face-up to the Dealer, while the player cards values are both face-up. If you have a natural 21 in this round, you win automatically. If not, you must decide whether to Hit, Stand, or Double based on the two cards you have.
- Once all decisions have been made, the Dealer shows their down card. If they have less than 16 points, Dealer must Hit. If the Dealer's cards are 17 or more, they Stand. Players will win if their final hand's value is closer to 21 than the virtual Dealer or if the Dealer busts.
What are Blackjack Side Bets?
When playing Blackjack, you may also notice additional side bets you can wager on. The most common types of side bets are Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Lucky Ladies. You must still place a main bet on either the Player's hand, the Dealer's hand, or a Tie before placing an optional side bet.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet refers to the cards dealt in the first round. This bet wins if the two cards form a pair (same rank).
- Mixed Pair: Different suits of different colors, like a 10 of Hearts and 10 of Spades.
- Colored Pair: Different suits of the same color, like a 2 of Hearts and 2 of Diamonds.
- Perfect Pair: Same suit, like two Aces of Spades.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet is based on your first two cards plus the Dealer's upcard combined, creating any of the following winning combinations (similar to a Poker hand).
- Flush: Non-sequential cards in the same suit, like 3, 7, and 9 of Clubs.
- Straight: A numerical sequence but different suits. For example, 2 of Spades, 3 of Hearts, 4 of Clubs.
- Three of a Kind: Same card value but different suits, like 3 of Clubs, 3 of Hearts, and 3 of Diamonds.
- Straight Flush: A numerical sequence and the same suit, like 8, 9, and 10 of Diamonds.
- Suited Trips: An identical triplet of cards, like 3 Queens of Diamonds.
Lucky Ladies
The Lucky Ladies side bet accounts for the two drawn cards, and if their total is 20 exactly.
- Unsuited 20: Two cards that total 20 but aren't the same suit, like a 10 of Spades and Queen of Diamonds.
- Suited 20: Two cards totaling 20 and are of the same suit. An example would be 10 of Spades and Queen of Spades.
- Matched 20: Two Queens of the same suit, like 2 Queens of Clubs.
Counting Cards in Blackjack
Learning the Blackjack card values is crucial to understanding the game and tracking the ratio of high-to-low cards remaining in the deck, influencing the game's final result. Understanding this concept can help you gain a deeper insight into the Blackjack cards and potentially improve your performance.
Card counting is a popular strategy for many experienced Blackjack players to gain an advantage and count cards that have already been dealt to predict ones that could be left.
The basic idea is to determine whether the deck is rich with high-value cards (10s and Aces) or low cards (2-6), which can influence if the player Hits, Stands, Doubles, or Splits.
The most common card counter strategy is the Hi-Lo system, where cards are assigned point values to help the player keep a running total.
- 2-6: These low cards are given a value of +1 points each
- 9s, 8s, and 7s: These cards are neutral with a value of 0
- 10s, Face Cards, Aces: These high cards have a value of -1
The player will keep a running count as the cards are dealt. A positive running count indicates a large proportion of lower card values have been dealt, so the deck is rich with high cards, working in the player's favor if they need to Hit.
To adjust for the number of decks in play, players convert the running count into a true count by dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining. The true count gives an accurate representation of the player's advantage.
Effects of Card Values on Blackjack House Edge
The house edge in Blackjack can be affected by the card values and their distribution in the deck. For example, when the deck has a large volume of high cards left (10s, face cards, Aces), players are more likely to get Blackjack or strong hands like a total of 20. Meanwhile, the Dealer is more likely to bust on a stiff hand (a hand with a value of 12 - 16).
When card counting and the true count is positive, players can increase their bets because their likelihood of winning increases. A negative true count indicates that the deck is rich in lower-value cards, so players can adjust their bets accordingly. Many casinos will shuffle the decks after a certain percentage of cards have been dealt to prevent players from gaining too much of an advantage through card counting. The greater the deck penetration before the reshuffle, the more effective card counting can be.
Counting cards is easier in games with only one deck, with the difficulty increasing the more decks added. Most casinos, like Rivalry, use multiple decks, making counting cards significantly harder but not impossible.
From calculating the total value of your hand to implementing strategies like card counting, mastering these concepts can elevate your Blackjack gameplay and increase your chances of winning big.
The next time you sit down at the classic Blackjack table, remember that every card you hold is a puzzle piece. Knowing its value could be the key difference between a win and a loss. Stay sharp, play smart, and let the cards work in your favor.
If you want more guides on Blackjack or any other casino game offered on Rivalry's Casino.exe platform, take a look below:
- Blackjack Odds & Probability, Explained
- How to Make Money Playing Blackjack
- The Best Blackjack Betting Strategies
- How to Play Aviator
- Lightning Baccarat Rules & How To Play
- Biggest Slot Machine Wins
- How to Win at Roulette
What are you waiting for? Create a Rivalry account today to use our welcome bonus, collect NUTZ, and bet on Blackjack! If you want a break from the Blackjack table, we have over 200 casino games to play, promising endless entertainment and fun for everyone. If you have any questions or queries, contact our 24/7 customer support team.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about card values in Blackjack.
What is the value of face cards in Blackjack?
Every face card in Blackjack (Jack, Queen, King) holds a value of ten. This means that Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Tens have the same value.
Are Jokers used in Blackjack?
No, Joker cards are not used in traditional Blackjack. This card game only uses numbered cards (2 through 10), face cards (King, Jack, and Queen), and Aces. Jokers are commonly used in card games like Rummy or Poker, but not Blackjack.
What is double deck Blackjack?
Double deck Blackjack is when the game is played with two standard 52-card decks instead of the usual six or eight decks used in many casinos. This works great for people who count cards in Blackjack, as there are fewer cards to track. This Blackjack variation also has a lower house edge because of the reduced deck size.
How many decks in online Blackjack?
The amount of decks in Blackjack games can vary depending on the casino and the provider. Evolution Gaming's live Blackjack games typically use 8 decks of cards, which is consistent on most of their live Blackjack tables. The decks are shuffled and dealt from a shoe, with the cards reshuffled peirodically to maintain fairness.
What are the card values in Blackjack card counting?
A standard Blackjack card counting strategy uses the following values for the cards:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Worth +1
- 7, 8, 9: Worth 0
- 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings: Worth -1
Blackjack Online Games in Canada | Play with Real Money & Win Big Today
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Welcome to blackjack, the famous game of 21. Online blackjack brings the thrill of this classic table game to your home (or toilet, we don't judge where you play), where you can play against a live dealer and even chat with other players while you're securing that all-important dub. Or, if you're feeling more traditional, you can try your hand against the computer, playing our RNG blackjack single-player game.
Rivalry has everything you could possible want from a legit blackjack casino: blackjack promos, great odds, instant payouts, 24/7 customer support, and multiple blackjack variations! Read on for everything you need to know about playing blackjack online.
How to Play Blackjack: Basic 101
Blackjack, or 21 as it's sometimes known, is a classic card game where the goal is to have a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. This is the universal rule for blackjack, whether you're playing at online casinos or land-based casinos.
Blackjack Card Values: What Does Your Hand Mean?
Tracking the card values in blackjack is easy, and important to know before you start playing:
- Number cards (2 - 10): Worth their face value
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): Worth 10 points each
- Ace: Worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.
Your hand's value in blackjack is basically just the total sum of your cards, where the suit of the cards doesn't matter. The trick is to know when to hit or stand based on these, which we'll get into in a second.
Playing Blackjack Online: Step-By-Step Guide
Here's how a typical blackjack game will go down, whether you're playing online or at a land-based casino.
1) Create An Account. Sign up for a Rivalry account before depositing and playing. Ontario-registered players must be over 19 years old to play, no exceptions.
2) Place Bets. Before any cards are dealt, players will place their wagers. Minimum bets for online blackjack at Rivalry start at $1 (CAD).
3) The Dealer Deals (duh). Two cards are given both to the player and the dealer. The player's cards are face-up, while the dealer's hand consists of one card face-up (the 'upcard') and one more card face down (the 'hole card).
4) Player's Move. Once the cards are dealt, it's up to the player to make a decision on what to do next, based on their hand and the dealer's upcard. The most common decisions are hit or stand, but we'll outline them below.
- Hit: Taking another card from the deck to get closer to 21.
- Stand: Stick with the current hand and end the turn.
- Double Down: Double the initial bet, but take only one card.
- Split: If your two cards have the same value, they can be split into two hands.
5) Dealer's Turn. The dealer's second card is revealed. The dealer will then follow preset rules, typically hitting until their hand is at least 17.
6) Who Won? If the player's hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's cards, they win by default. If the dealer exceeds 21 and busts, players can also win that way. However, if the dealer's hand is closer to 21 than the player (e.g. if the player has 18 and the dealer has 20), the dealer wins.
Play Online Blackjack with Rivalry Today!
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You want your hard-fought winnings straight in your account ASAP—why wouldn't you? That's why ensure deposits and withdrawals are quick and hassle-free, offering a wide range of accredited payment options to choose from.
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While deposits may show up in your account instantly, withdrawals can sometimes take longer depending on which method you've gone for. For a faster payout, we recommend using the same method you used to deposit.
We understand that this might not always be possible, though. If this occurs, our customer support team will assist you in finding a suitable alternative for your account and region.
Online Blackjack Bonuses
To reward the players who choose us over other online casinos, we have exciting casino bonuses and promotions, extending your playtime even longer. Here are some of the exclusive bonuses we have on offer:
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Head over to our promotions page for more details, including the terms and conditions. Pay attention to factors like qualifying games and minimum deposits so you know exactly how to qualify for your promotions.
Daily Casino Tournaments & Missions
Want free money for extra gamba? Rivalry offers daily casino tournaments and missions, where you can either complete preset 'quests' or compete against other players and climb the leaderboards to earn bonus funds.
These tournaments shed light on popular games like blackjack, as well as some unsung heroes, so you get the best of both worlds and may even discover a new favorite game!
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Our award-winning customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, whether you're having issues withdrawing or setting up your account. You can reach out through the following channels:
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Alternatively, if it's a quick fix, you can check out our dedicated FAQ Help Center for commonly asked questions about Rivalry and our features.
Blackjack & Casino Game Strategy Guides
Unlike some other blackjack casinos that are in it for the cash, not the glory, Rivalry wants our players to succeed and win big alongside us—whether you're playing online slots or other table games.
That's why our blog page features strategy guides to help you win real money when playing casino games, including blackjack.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find:
- Tips and Tricks for Playing Aviator Crash Game
- How to Win Playing Roulette Games
- How to Win Playing Slot Machines
- Biggest Blackjack Wins in History
- Slot Volatility & Why It Matters
- What Does RTP Mean in Slots?
- Top 12 Best Christmas Slots
- Top 8 Best Halloween Slots
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How to Win Online Blackjack: Strategies & Tips
Blackjack is a pretty simple card game compared to other games like poker. As the old saying goes: practice makes perfect. The best way to learn is through trial, error, and practice.
To speed things up, here are some of our top tips for blackjack to minimize the house edge, whether you're playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Blackjack Odds & RTP
In games like blackjack, skill and strategy are crucial—every decision you make can either boost or reduce the house edge. If you play your cards right, blackjack can give you an edge as low 0.5%. But without a strong strategy and game plan, you're giving the casino a significant advantage.
Understanding blackjack probabilities can help you make the right decision. For example:
- The dealer has around a 28% chance of busting if their face-up card is a 5 or 6.
- If your hand totals 16, hitting gives you around a 60% chance of improving your hand without busting, meaning a win is almost guaranteed.
Blackjack Cheat Sheets
A basic blackjack strategy chart, or cheat sheet, outlines the optimal move for every possible hand combination. These charts are developed through mathematical analysis, designed to minimize blackjack's house edge and help with decision-making, like when to hit, stand, split, or double down.
Here’s a quick rundown of the ideas you can expect to see in a typical blackjack cheat sheet:
When To Hit or Stand
- Hit: When hand is below 11
- Stand: If hand is below 17
- Hit: If dealer shows 7 - 10 and your hand is 12 - 16
When to Double Down
- Always on 11 unless the dealer's upcard is an Ace
- On 10 if the dealer shows 9 or less
- On 9 if the dealer shows 3 - 6
When to Split
- Always split on Aces and 8s
- Never split on 10s, 5s, or 4s
Avoid These Mistakes
- Never take the insurance bet
- Don't hit on hard 17+
Bankroll Management
Take care of yourself (and your wallet) by managing your bankroll and setting a budget before betting. Decide how much excess money you can afford to lose without disrupting your daily life. For example, if you allocate $200 to use for betting, make sure this amount fits comfortably within your disposable income.
You can also set win/loss limits either in-game or through Rivalry's responsible gambling tools. This will prevent you from chasing any losses or impulsively increasing bet sizes when things don't go your way.
Try to avoid emotional betting and chasing losses where possible, and if you're getting stressed, take a break. Online casinos never close, so the blackjack table will always be there if, or when, you decide to come back and play again. Remember that blackjack is designed to be fun, so always play for entertainment, rather than with the goal of making money.
Counting Cards
Card counting is one of the best blackjack strategies when playing with physical decks, but how does it compare to playing online? When playing online, it’s significantly harder to count cards, though not impossible. Several decks may be used and shuffled with CSMs (Continuous Shuffling Machines), making it harder to track.
Regardless, card counting involves tracking the ratios of high-to-low cards left in the deck, and using this information to influence your decisions like hitting or standing. High cards (10s, face cards, and Aces) benefit the player the most, while low cards (2-6) favor the dealer more.
The most common method of counting cards is the "Hi-Lo" system. You start with a running count, adjusting based on each card dealt. "High cards" are worth +1, "low cards" are worth -1, and neutrals (7, 8, and 9) are worth 0.
- Positive count = More high cards left (advantage to the player).
- Negative count = More low cards left (advantage to the dealer).
For multiple decks, you divide the running count by the number of decks remaining. For example, if your running count is +4 and 2 decks are left, your true count is +2 and still in your favor.
- True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining
Ready To Play?
Are you ready to make money playing blackjack? Create a Rivalry account today (19+ only) and deposit some cash into your account to get started, and don't forget to use our welcome bonus! The Rivalry casino never closes, and a seat is always waiting for you at the blackjack table.
Always play responsibly: GL HF, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Keep reading for our FAQs about online blackjack and playing at Rivalry.
Online Blackjack FAQs
Do I need to download anything to play blackjack online?
No, Rivalry's blackjack games are available to play on desktop or mobile (iOS and Android), thanks to our fully optimized website. You don’t need to download any additional apps.
Is online blackjack rigged?
No, online blackjack games are not rigged. They either rely on RNG (random number generators), or live hosts in the case of live dealer games, to determine outcomes without being fixed.
Are there free online blackjack games on Rivalry?
Unfortunately, since most of our blackjack games are hosted by live dealers, you cannot play demo mode or free blackjack. However, you can sit back and watch the cards play out to get a feel for the game before betting any money.
What online blackjack games are available?
Rivalry offers a wide variety of blackjack variations available, including:
- European Blackjack
- Lightning Blackjack
- Power Blackjack
- Infinite Blackjack
- And many more!
Does Rivalry offer blackjack bonuses?
Yes! For new users, you can use Rivalry's generous welcome bonus (which matches your first deposit up to $100). Feel free to use it on blackjack, or any other casino game you fancy.
Can you count cards in online Blackjack?
While it is theoretically possible, card counting in live blackjack is much harder than at a land-based casino. This is because live blackjack games tend to involve an undisclosed number of decks, making it difficult to know how many cards are in play.