What Are Good Hands in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that is played all over the world. The game involves a lot of strategy, skill and luck.

One of the most important things to understand in blackjack is what constitutes a good hand. In this article, we will explore what are good hands in blackjack.

What Is Blackjack?

Before we dive into what makes a good hand in blackjack, let’s first understand the basics of the game. Blackjack is a card game that involves players trying to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over. The dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, with one card face up and one card face down.

Players can then choose to “hit” or “stand”. Hitting means taking another card from the deck, while standing means keeping your current hand and waiting for the dealer’s turn.

What Makes A Good Hand In Blackjack?

In blackjack, the objective is to have a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Therefore, any hand that equals 21 is considered an excellent hand. This hand is called a “blackjack” or “natural”.

However, getting a blackjack isn’t always easy. In fact, it only happens about once every 20 hands on average. So how do you know if you have a good hand?

Typically speaking, any hand that has a total value of 17 or higher is considered a good hand in blackjack. This means that you are likely to beat the dealer if they have anything less than this.

Understanding Card Values

To understand why certain hands are considered good in blackjack, it’s essential to understand how cards are valued in the game.

Cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their face value (i.e., an eight of clubs is worth eight points).

Face cards (i., jacks, queens, and kings) are all worth ten points.

The ace is a unique card in blackjack as it can be worth either one or eleven points. This means that an ace can help you reach 21 or act as a low value card to avoid going over.

Examples Of Good Hands In Blackjack

Here are some examples of good hands in blackjack:

1. A hand consisting of an ace and a six (soft 17). This hand can either be valued at seven or seventeen, making it a flexible hand.

2. A hand consisting of a ten and a seven (hard 17). This is a strong hand that is difficult for the dealer to beat.

3. A hand consisting of two eights.

This hand has a total value of 16, which is not ideal. However, if you split the eights into two separate hands, you have an excellent chance of improving your situation.

The Importance Of Strategy

Ultimately, what makes a good hand in blackjack also depends on your strategy. If you are an experienced player who knows when to hit and when to stand, you may be able to turn even mediocre hands into winning ones.

Knowing when to double down or split your cards can also significantly improve your chances of winning in blackjack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, good hands in blackjack are those that have a total value of 17 or higher. However, understanding the nuances of how cards are valued and developing a solid strategy are just as important in determining whether your hand is truly good or not. Remember to always gamble responsibly and have fun!