When playing blackjack, one of the most important things to know is what hands are good. Knowing what hands to aim for can help increase your chances of winning at the game. In this article, we will take a closer look at what hands are good in blackjack and why they are so important.
The Basics of Blackjack
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Before we dive into the specifics of what makes a good hand in blackjack, let’s go over some basic rules of the game. Blackjack is a card game that is played with a deck of 52 cards. The goal of the game is to have a hand that is worth more points than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21 points.
Each card in blackjack has a point value. Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, while face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 10 points each and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points depending on what works best for your hand.
What Hands Are Good in Blackjack?
Now that we know how to play blackjack and understand the point values for each card, let’s take a look at what hands are considered good in this game.
1. Blackjack – A blackjack is the best possible hand you can get in blackjack.
It consists of an Ace and any card worth 10 points (10, Jacks, Queens or Kings). This hand gives you an automatic win unless the dealer also has blackjack.
2. Hard Hand – A hard hand is any hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as one point.
For example, a hard 17 would consist of a seven and a ten-point card. While these hands can be difficult to play since there is no flexibility with how you use your Ace(s), they still have potential to win if played correctly.
3. Soft Hand – A soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as 11 points without going over 21.
For example, an Ace and a six-point card would be considered a soft 17. Soft hands are generally easier to play since you have more flexibility with how you use your Ace(s).
4. Pair – A pair is any two cards of the same value, such as two Kings or two Fours. Pairs can be split into two separate hands, which gives you more opportunities to win.
5. Five-Card Charlie – A Five-Card Charlie is when you have a hand of five cards that total less than 21 points. This hand automatically wins against any other hand except for a blackjack.
Why Are These Hands Important?
Knowing what hands are good in blackjack is important because it helps you make better decisions during gameplay. For example, if you have a pair of Aces, splitting them into two separate hands can increase your chances of winning since Aces are powerful cards in blackjack.
Similarly, knowing the value of each card in your hand can help you determine whether to hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current hand). If you have a soft hand with an Ace, hitting may be more beneficial since it gives you more opportunities to improve your hand without going over 21.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what hands are good in blackjack is crucial for anyone who wants to excel at this game. Whether it’s aiming for a blackjack or trying to split pairs, knowing what moves to make based on your hand can greatly increase your chances of winning. So the next time you sit down at the blackjack table, keep these tips in mind and see how they can help improve your gameplay!
