From the bustling casino floors in Las Vegas to the virtual tables at online casinos, Blackjack remains a favourite amongst seasoned players and novices alike. A hand in Blackjack refers to the set of cards held by a player or the dealer. The goal in Blackjack is to have a hand that is closer to 21 points than the dealer's hand, without exceeding 21.
Understanding the best and worst hands in Blackjack can go a long way in helping you make decisions.
Blackjack Hands Ranking
In Blackjack, a hand consists of two or more cards, with the primary objective being to attain a total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Each card in the deck holds a specific value, with number cards (2-10) being worth their face value, face cards (K, Q, J) holding a value of 10 each, and Aces having a dual value of either 1 or 11, depending on the player's choice.
A hand containing an Ace is known as a 'soft' hand for as long as the Ace can count as an 11 without the player going bust (i.e. the Ace can still be either a 1 or an 11). If counting the Ace as 11 results in a total of over 21, then it will be counted as a 1; this gives the hand a fixed value. Any hand with a fixed value is known as a 'hard' hand.
Best Hands In Blackjack
Possessing the right cards at the start can significantly boost your winning chances. Here are the three most favourable starting hands in Blackjack:
A 'Blackjack'
The best hand in Blackjack comprises an Ace and a 10-point card (10, J, Q, or K), giving the player a perfect score of 21 right off the bat. This hand could see you win 150% of your bet in a traditional 3:2 payoff Blackjack game unless the dealer also has a Blackjack, resulting in a push or tie.
Hard 20
A Hard 20, formed by two 10-point cards, is a strong hand in Blackjack. It is most beneficial if the dealer is showing an 8 on their up-card, where the player wins approximately 79.18% of hands in this instance.
A Total of 11
A starting hand with a total of 11 presents a promising scenario, as drawing a 10-point card will give you 21. Remember, with slightly over 30% of the deck being 10-point cards, your chances of hitting 21 are not bad.
Worst Hands In Blackjack
Just as there are favourable hands, certain starting hands can put you in a tight spot. Here are three of the least desirable starting hands in Blackjack:
16 vs. 10
A player total of 16 against the dealer's 10 up card is arguably the worst starting hand you can have, yielding a negative expectation of 0.5398%.
16 vs. Ace
A total of 16 against a dealer's Ace is another challenging hand, offering a negative expectation of 0.5171%.
16 vs. 9
A player total of 16 vs. the dealer's 9 up card is another poor starting hand, yielding a negative expectation of 0.5093%.
Playing Blackjack Online
With the rise of online casinos like Easy Slots, playing Blackjack online from the comfort of your home has never been easier. We offer a plethora of Blackjack variations with varying betting limits, making them suitable for all types of players.
Whether you're a seasoned player aiming to refine your strategy or a novice looking to grasp the basics, understanding the best and worst hands in Blackjack is an integral part of your journey towards becoming a proficient player.
Please remember that although there is an element of strategy in Blackjack, it is still a game of chance with a house edge, so winning is never guaranteed. Please gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.