What Are the Cards in Blackjack?

In blackjack, cards have different values. The Ace is worth 1 or 11, the King, Queen and Jack are each worth 10 and the 2 through 9 are each worth their numeric value.

The basic premise of blackjack is to get a higher score than the dealer without going over 21. The player(s) and dealer are each dealt two cards.

If the player’s first two cards equal 21 (an Ace and a 10-valued card), this is called a blackjack or natural and the player wins automatically. If the dealer also has a blackjack, it’s a push or tie and no one wins.

If the player doesn’t have a blackjack, they can choose to either hit (take another card) or stand (keep their current total). If the player hits and their total goes over 21, they bust and automatically lose.

If the player stands, it’s then the dealer’s turn to hit or stand. .

If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all players who haven’t already busted automatically win. If the dealer doesn’t bust, then whoever has the highest score under 21 wins.

If both the player(s) and dealer have the same score, it’s a push or tie and no one wins.

Face cards (kings, queens, jacks) are all worth 10 points. An ace can be worth 1 point or 11 points, depending on what’s best for your hand.

All other cards are worth their face value (2 through 10).
The object of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a total that is greater than the dealer’s hand but does not exceed 21.