Blackjack is the absolute crown jewel of the casino table games pit, offering the best mathematical odds for the educated player.
The goal is not simply to get as close to 21 as possible; the true goal is strictly to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.
How Much is Each Card Worth in Blackjack?
Cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their exact printed face value (e.g., a 7 of Spades is worth 7 points).
An Ace can be counted as either 1 point or 11 points, depending entirely on which value helps your hand the most without busting.
- If your starting two cards are an Ace and any 10-point card, you have achieved a ‘Blackjack’ (or a Natural 21)
- A true ‘Blackjack’ pays out a massive bonus, usually 3-to-2 on your original bet, instead of the standard 1-to-1 even money
- If both you and the dealer receive a natural Blackjack on the exact same hand, the bet is a ‘Push’ (tie), and your money is returned
Understanding Your Options at the Table
If you want the dealer to give you another card to improve your total, you tap the table to indicate a ‘Hit’.
Doubling down allows you to double your original bet in exchange for receiving one, and exactly one, additional card.
| Player Action | Hand Signal | When to Use It (Basic Rule of Thumb) |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | Tap the felt | When your total is low and you risk nothing by taking a card |
| Stand | Wave hand horizontally | When your total is 17 or higher (Hard 17+) |
Blackjack rewards knowledge; learn the basics, trust the math, and the game will reward you.
