Blackjack Winning Hands: Best & Worst Hands To Play

Whether you’re new to blackjack or have played a few rounds, understanding which hands might be more favourable can potentially increase your enjoyment and help you make more informed betting choices.

In this blog post, you’ll learn about the strengths of various blackjack hands and which ones are more favourable to play.

By understanding these fundamentals, you can gain more insight after every hand you play. Read on to find tips and insights that can help you make better decisions at the table.

Blackjack Winning Hands

In blackjack, certain hands can provide a favourable start. One such hand is the “blackjack” itself—a combination of an ace and a 10-value card (10, jack, queen, or king). When achieved, it often results in an immediate win unless the dealer also draws a blackjack, which results in a tie.

Winning at blackjack involves more than just holding a strong hand. Playing blackjack involves understanding your hand and making informed decisions based on the cards you are dealt.

Recognising potentially strong hands allows you to enjoy the game with a strategic mindset while also boosting your chances of winning.

Best Blackjack Hands

Understanding the best blackjack hands can potentially provide you with a strategic edge and increase your confidence during each play. Let’s take a closer look at some hands that are generally perceived as advantageous.

The standout hand in blackjack is, unsurprisingly, the “blackjack” itself. Receiving an ace alongside a 10-value card, such as a 10, jack, queen, or king, totals 21 right from the start. This hand puts you in a convenient position, requiring no further decisions—unless the dealer also draws a blackjack, resulting in a tie.

A pair of 10s, making a total of 20, is another strong hand. It can be challenging for the dealer to achieve a higher hand, which is why many players choose to stand. Standing on 20 helps minimise risk while allowing you to feel secure against the dealer’s potential hand.

Holding a total of 11 is also a promising situation, as this hand provides a good opportunity to hit for an extra card, with the aim of reaching 21.

Doubling down, on this hand, is a common practice, as it can make effective use of your bet when the circumstances seem favourable.

Worst Blackjack Hands

Not every hand in blackjack is straightforward, and recognising tricky ones can be helpful for balanced decision-making. Let’s explore some weaker hands that can complicate your strategy.

A total of 16, especially with a 10-value card and a 6, is one of the toughest hands, presenting a dilemma since both hitting and standing come with their own risks.

Hitting may lead to going over 21 while standing leaves you with a modest hand value. Your decision often depends on the dealer’s upcard—standing could potentially be sensible if the dealer shows a weaker upcard, like a 4, 5, or 6.

A pair of 8s can be equally challenging, producing the same tricky total of 16, which is why many players choose to split this pair into two separate hands. Splitting allows a fresh start with each 8, opening up the potential for two stronger hands.

Another awkward hand is a total of 12, especially against a dealer’s 7 or higher. While it might feel safe to hit, it’s essential to weigh the risks, particularly when facing stronger dealer cards.

Hard and Soft Blackjack Hands Explained

In blackjack, distinguishing between hard and soft hands plays a crucial role in shaping your strategy and informing the decisions you make during the game.

A hard hand refers to any hand without an ace or with an ace that counts as 1. The term “hard” indicates that these hands are less flexible, and since the ace in a hard hand isn’t counted as 11, there are fewer options to adjust your strategy without increasing the risk of exceeding 21, known as busting. This often means approaching hard hands with more caution, carefully deciding if hitting might lead to a bust.

Conversely, a soft hand includes an ace counted as 11. Soft hands provide more leeway because the ace can also count as 1, allowing you to draw additional cards with reduced risk. This flexibility can support better strategic decisions without the same fear of busting.

Properly identifying whether your hand is hard or soft can greatly influence your approach. Knowing this distinction assists in making informed decisions about hitting, standing, or even doubling down.

What Blackjack Hands Should You Split?

In blackjack, knowing when to split pairs can be an effective way to manage your game. Splitting involves dividing a pair into two separate hands, placing an additional bet, and making individual decisions for each hand.

A key pair to consider splitting is aces. Together, two aces total either 2 or 12, which can be limiting. Splitting them allows each ace to become the starting card of a new hand, potentially forming stronger totals.

Another pair often split is 8s. When held together, a pair of 8s equals 16, a hand that poses strategic challenges. Splitting the 8s can help form hands with potentially more favourable totals, offering an opportunity for improved outcomes compared to keeping them together.

On the other hand, many players advise against splitting 10s. A pair of 10s results in a total of 20, a very strong hand that usually benefits from being played as one.

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

**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.