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.

An Ace can be counted as either 1 point or 11 points, depending entirely on which value helps your hand the most without busting.

• 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

How to Play Your Blackjack Hand

Once you are dealt your first two cards, you have several primary choices to make regarding how to play the hand.

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

Mastering these basic card values and hand definitions is the absolute prerequisite to becoming a profitable blackjack player.