What Is a Hard Number in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular card game played in casinos worldwide. It is also known as 21 since the objective of the game is to get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. In blackjack, each card has a value, and the player’s hand value is determined by adding up the values of all the cards in their hand.

One term that comes up often in blackjack is “hard number.” A hard number refers to a hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be valued at one. In other words, a hard number hand does not have any flexibility when it comes to the value of the Ace.

For example, if a player has a hand consisting of a 10 and a 7, their hand value would be 17. This is considered a hard number because there are no Aces in their hand to be valued at 11 and give them more flexibility with their total.

On the other hand, if a player has an Ace and a 6, they have what’s known as a “soft” 17 since they can choose whether to value the Ace at one or eleven depending on what will benefit them more in that particular situation.

It’s important for players to understand what constitutes a hard number because these hands require different strategies than soft hands. Since there is no flexibility with the value of an Ace, players must be cautious when hitting since they risk busting (going over 21) if they hit too many times and receive high-value cards.

Players should also pay attention to the dealer’s upcard when deciding how to play their hard number hands. For example, if the dealer has an upcard of six or lower, it may be advantageous for the player to stand on their hard total rather than hit and risk busting.

In addition to understanding how hard numbers work in blackjack strategy, it’s also important for players to know the values of each card. In blackjack, cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while face cards (jack, queen, and king) are worth ten. As mentioned earlier, Aces can be valued at one or eleven depending on the player’s hand.

In conclusion, a hard number in blackjack refers to a hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be valued at one. Understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is crucial for effective blackjack strategy, as it affects how players should play their hands in different situations. By paying attention to the dealer’s upcard and being cautious when hitting on hard totals, players can increase their chances of winning in this exciting casino game.