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.

Decoding the Card Values

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.

• If your starting two cards are an Ace and any 10-point card, you have achieved a ‘Blackjack’ (or a Natural 21)
• A true ‘Blackjack’ pays out a massive bonus, usually 3-to-2 on your original bet, instead of the standard 1-to-1 even money
• If both you and the dealer receive a natural Blackjack on the exact same hand, the bet is a ‘Push’ (tie), and your money is returned

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’.

Doubling down allows you to double your original bet in exchange for receiving one, and exactly one, additional card.

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