Blackjack Hand Values Explained – Card Points & Value Guide

Getting to grips with the way blackjack cards add up can feel a bit confusing at first, especially if you’re new to the game. Understanding hand values is at the heart of playing blackjack, whether you’re playing in person or online.

Each card in the deck has its own points, and the way your cards combine decides what happens in the round. Knowing these basics can make playing smoother and more enjoyable, and help you play in line with safe gambling practices.

Game rules can vary between tables, so it might be a good idea to check the information page before you stake any money. This guide breaks down the essentials in plain English. Read on to learn more.

How Are Blackjack Hands Calculated?

Every card in blackjack has a set point value. Cards from 2 to 10 are worth their number, so a six is six points. Jacks, queens and kings all count as ten points each.

The ace is the only card that can change value. It can count as either one point or eleven points, depending on what fits your hand without going over 21. If adding eleven would push your total too high, the ace drops to one instead. With an ace and a six, for instance, your hand can be either seven or seventeen.

To work out your hand, add up the value of your cards. If the total passes 21, that hand is out of the round. On digital tables, the maths is usually shown on screen for clarity. If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose. 

What Is the Value of Face Cards in Blackjack?

In blackjack, each face card holds the same value. Jacks, queens and kings all count as 10 points, no matter the suit. A jack of hearts and a queen of spades both add ten to your total.

Face cards don’t have special powers, but they do shape totals quickly. Two face cards together make 20, which is a strong start in many situations. That leaves the ace, which works a little differently from every other card.

What Number Does an Ace Count As in Blackjack?

The ace can be worth either one or eleven. The value you use depends on what keeps your total at 21 or under. An ace with a nine counts as 20. If you then draw a five, the ace shifts to one and the total becomes 15.

With more than one ace, only one can normally be treated as eleven at a time. For example, ace plus ace is 12. Add a nine and you have 21. This flexibility is why aces can be so useful if your hand is still developing. 

How Do You Work Out the Total Value of a Hand?

In practice, your total is simply the sum of your cards, with the ace adjusted to keep the hand at 21 or under. Numbered cards are counted at face value, face cards at ten, and the ace changes between one and eleven to suit the situation.

If your total reaches 21 or less, that is the value of your hand for the round. If it goes over, the hand is out. Most online versions display both the current total and, where relevant, a soft total that includes an ace counted as eleven. 

How Does the Value of a Blackjack Differ from Other Hands?

A blackjack is a specific two-card 21: an ace plus any ten-point card dealt as your first two cards. A three-card 21, such as 7+7+7, is not a blackjack.

This distinction matters because many tables settle these hands differently. Payouts and tie rules often separate a two-card blackjack from a 21 made with three or more cards. If you are trying a new variant, the paytable or help section will usually explain how that table handles it.

What Happens When Your Hand Goes Over 21?

If the total value of your cards goes over 21, this is called going bust. The hand ends immediately for that round, and it does not matter what the dealer holds.

Going bust is more likely if you keep drawing cards with a fixed total, which is why understanding soft and hard hands can make the flow of a round easier to follow.

Soft vs Hard Hands in Blackjack

In blackjack, understanding the difference between soft and hard hands is crucial for making the right strategic decisions. While hard hands carry the risk of busting with an additional high card, soft hands offer more flexibility, allowing players to adjust their strategy without immediate danger of going over 21.

What Is a Soft Hand?

A soft hand includes an ace counted as eleven. An ace with a five is a soft 16, because the ace can drop to one if a new card would otherwise push the total over 21. That built-in adjustment gives the hand some breathing room as the round develops.

Online tables often show both totals when an ace is counted as eleven, so you can see the flexible value at a glance.

What Is a Hard Hand?

A hard hand has no ace counted as eleven. It might include no ace at all, or an ace that must be valued at one to avoid going over 21. A ten with a seven is a hard 17. Because the values cannot adjust, hard hands are fixed totals that cannot soften if another card arrives.

Does the Number of Decks Affect Card Values?

Card values do not change with deck size. A king is always ten, and an ace remains one or eleven whether the game uses one deck or several.

What does change is how often certain cards appear. With more decks, there are more aces and ten-point cards in the shoe, which can influence the flow of the game rather than the value of any single card. If you are curious about how different setups feel, the rules or help section for each table will most likely state how many decks are in play.

Play Blackjack Online at Slotzo

If you are curious about trying blackjack online, Slotzo offers classic tables alongside variations that set out their rules clearly. Each game shows how hand values are calculated and which choices are available in each round, so you can see exactly how a total is formed.

Slotzo is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The site is designed for straightforward access on desktop and mobile, with game information easy to find before you potentially commit to a stake.

If you want to revisit anything in this guide while playing, the help sections and paytables on Slotzo provide quick reminders on hand values and table rules. Explore at your own pace and use the tools available to keep play in line with your preferences and budget. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.

_{**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.}

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