Blackjack Card Values

Blackjack is not just the name of the card game but a hand consisting of an Ace and any 10-point value card. The point total of these two cards would be 21 ... Ace is counted as an 11 and any face card would be equal to 10. Cards in Blackjack are assigned the following point values:

• Picture Cards (Jack, Queen and King) each count as 10 points.
• An Ace counts as 1 point or 11 points, whichever is better for the player of the hand.
• All other cards have their numerical face value; that is, a 2 is worth 2 points, a 3 is worth 3 points, a 4 is worth 4 points, etc.

Jokers are not used when playing Blackjack.

Blackjack is usually paid out as 3 to 2. This means that if you have placed a $10 bet, you will get paid $15 and keep your original $10 bet, but sometimes Casinos run special promotions where Blackjack pays 2 to 1. It is worth keeping an eye out for these events, as a 2 to 1 pay-out dramatically improves your odds of winning money in the long run.

If the dealer also gets a blackjack it is called a push and you will just get your own bet returned to you.

If it takes you three or more cards to get 21 or if you split cards and get 21, it is not referred to as blackjack or paid out as a blackjack. Only if you are dealt 21 points in 2 cards in the original hand do you have a blackjack.

Blackjack or 21 is the strongest hand and the highest point total.