Best and Worst Hands In Blackjack Ranked

Whether you’re just starting out with blackjack or have been playing for a while, understanding hand values is essential. Blackjack is a game that combines both strategy and careful decision-making, where the aim is to use the information at hand to make the best possible choices at the table.

In this post, we’ll explore the best and worst hands in blackjack, helping you learn which hands can keep you in the game and which might cause difficulties when it comes to avoiding going bust.

Read on as we take a closer look at the hands that may influence your next move, helping you make informed decisions when at the table.

Blackjack Hands Explained

In blackjack, each hand consists of the initial cards dealt to you, with the objective being to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.

Each card in the deck has a value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards such as the king, queen or jack are worth 10, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on the situation.

Each blackjack hand begins with two cards, and a key aspect is knowing when to stand or hit based on their total value.

Understanding whether your hand is a “soft” or “hard” hand is another vital aspect to be aware of. A soft hand includes an ace valued as 1 or 11, whereas a hard hand either includes an ace that counts as 1 or doesn’t have an ace at all. Recognising these differences can help inform your decisions and improve your gameplay.

Best Hands In Blackjack

In blackjack, some hands provide a stronger starting position, helping you make more informed decisions, so knowing these hands can help you play more effectively.

The best hand in blackjack is an ace paired with a 10-value card, known as a “blackjack.” This hand totals 21 and typically results in a favourable outcome unless the dealer also has a blackjack, leading to a tie.

Another strong hand is a total of 20, made up of two 10-value cards, as this hand puts you in a solid position because the only total that can beat it is a 21 from the dealer.

Soft hands, where you have an ace counted as 1 or 11, such as an ace and an 8, are also beneficial, allowing you the flexibility to draw another card without an immediate risk of going bust.

Worst Blackjack Hands

While playing blackjack, encountering certain hands can place you in tricky situations, so it’s important to recognise these hands to help you manage your decisions wisely throughout the game.

A hard 16 is one of the more challenging hands, as there is a risk of going bust if you hit, yet standing may also leave you in a weaker position compared to the dealer’s hand.

Similarly, a hard 15 presents a similar challenge. With this hand, you face the dilemma of potentially going over 21 if you draw another card or hoping the dealer doesn’t have a stronger hand if you choose to stand.

Another tricky scenario is having a hand that totals a low number without an ace, as these hands may require additional cards to reach a more competitive total, which increases the risk of going bust.

What Are The Best Hands To Split?

In blackjack, splitting your cards can be a strategic move that transforms one hand into two separate hands. One of the best times to split is when you have a pair of aces, as potentially drawing a 10-value card to an ace can help you achieve a blackjack of 21.

Another pair worth considering for splitting is eights. Holding a total of 16 can be challenging, as it’s a difficult position if you draw more cards. By splitting eights, you transform one tricky hand into two new hands, providing a potentially better opportunity to improve each one separately and aim for a total closer to 21.

On the other hand, it’s generally wise to avoid splitting tens or face cards. A pair of tens totals 20, which is a solid hand to stand with against the dealer’s potential hand.

Worst Cards To Split

Splitting can be a strategic move in blackjack, but knowing when not to split is equally important, as some pairs are often better kept together to maintain a strong position at the table.

Avoid splitting tens or face cards. They total 20—a solid hand that is difficult for the dealer to beat, allowing you to stand confidently.

Another pair to keep together is fives, as splitting them can result in lower starting hands that may require more cards to improve. Instead, use those fives to reach a total of 10, which can be a strong base for your next move.

Fours are usually not ideal for splitting, as they tend to create weaker hands when separated. Together, they form an 8, which is a more solid starting point for your next move.

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_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**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.}