Blackjack is the absolute crown jewel of the casino table games pit, offering the best mathematical odds for the educated player.

To achieve this, you must understand exactly how every single card in the deck is valued and scored.

The Value of the Deck: Aces, Faces, and Numbers

All face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are universally worth exactly 10 points each.

The Ace is the most powerful and flexible card in the entire game because it has a dual value.

• Going over a total of 21 is called ‘Busting’ or ‘Breaking’; if you bust, you immediately lose your bet, even if the dealer eventually busts later
• The casino‘s entire mathematical edge comes from the fact that the player is forced to draw cards and potentially bust before the dealer ever acts
• Understanding the difference between a Hard 17 and a Soft 17 is critical, as basic strategy dictates entirely different actions for each

The Basic Player Actions: Hit, Stand, Double, Split

If you want the dealer to give you another card to improve your total, you tap the table to indicate a ‘Hit’.

If you are dealt a strong starting hand (like an 11), you can choose to ‘Double Down’.

Once you understand how the hands are scored, you can begin memorizing the mathematical charts that tell you exactly when to hit or stand.