Blackjack is one of the best games for casino novices: the rules, objective, and setup are all fairly straightforward. But understanding a few of the essential elements can help you get more out of blackjack, whether you play a few games online or at a brick-and-mortar casino.
And the ace card is a key part of blackjack, as it can mean all the difference between reaching (or getting close to) 21 or busting out.
How? Keep reading our guide on the ace in blackjack to find out.
What is Ace’s Value in Blackjack?
One of the first questions a total newcomer may ask when they sit across from a dealer, ready to play, is “what does an ace equal in blackjack?”. It’s a common question as, unlike some of the other cards, it has no visible numerical value.
But the answer may surprise novices: the ace card value in blackjack can change depending on the hand you’re dealt and the position you find yourself in: it may be 1 or 11.
That makes it unique in blackjack. Other cards carry the value shown, while the king, queen, and jack are worth 10.
How to Use Ace in Your Blackjack Games?
What is an ace in blackjack supposed to do to help you build a better hand?
Let’s use an example. You’re sitting at a blackjack table, just you and the dealer. They deal your two starting cards: an ace and a 7. That could be an 8 or a soft 18 (the term “soft” in blackjack refers to an ace as an 11).
You could stick with the 17, but that would give the dealer room to get nearer to 21. However, if you take the ace as a 1, your hand would equal 8 — and you could hit again without fear of going bust. It’s a fantastic way to see what the next card is worth without putting yourself at risk.
With that in mind, deciding when to make your ace a 1 or an 11 can be tough, so always pay attention to the dealer’s upcard. If they start with a 10, it’s possible that their next card is a 10 or an ace, bringing them a winning hand.
But if they start with a much lower card, such as a 3 or 4, they’ll need to draw more cards to get closer to 21. That could cause them to go bust.
Blackjack Pair Of Ace
What is Splitting Aces in Blackjack?
What happens if you have two aces in your starting hand? Does that make things easier or complicated?
Well, that depends on how the rest of the round plays out. Two aces will, as you’ve no doubt already guessed, create a hand value of 2 or 12. While the 2 value comes from counting both cards as 1s and adding them together, the 12 results from using an ace as a 1 and the other as an 11. We don’t take them both as 11 because that would create 22 and leave you bust.
However, you can split your aces instead. That puts you in a stronger position than just holding a 12.
Splitting aces means separating your current hand in two, both of which could lead to blackjack. You’ll have a better likelihood of winning, and if you can draw a 10 card, you’ll win instantly.
But when you split your aces in blackjack, you can only draw one more card for each hand. Make sure you’re comfortable with that before you split your aces, otherwise you may prefer to keep them as a 2 or soft 12 instead.
Whether you play blackjack online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, check the rules regarding splitting aces before you join a table. Some casinos may stipulate that players can’t split aces because it creates too much of an advantage, and insist that you keep two aces as one hand instead. That can be frustrating, and if you feel that could have a negative impact on your experience, look for alternatives.
Blackjack Ace Hand
What Happens When Two Aces are Drawn?
It’s possible that a dealer could draw two aces. That can be an intimidating moment for you and other players. Can the dealer split their aces, form two hands, and increase their chances of achieving blackjack?
Fortunately, no — dealers can’t split their aces when they draw two. Instead, they will typically count the first as 11 (unless it causes them to bust) and the second as 1, creating a soft 12. From that point, they can draw again to try to bring their hand closer to 21.
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Ace in Blackjack Conclusion
Blackjack is a fun, accessible casino game available in different variations online and in brick-and-mortar venues.
The ace is always a key card across variations, as its value can vary based on the other cards you hold in blackjack. Is an ace 1 or 11? That depends on the other cards in your hand and how close you want to be to 21 before you stand.
Whichever value you assign to your ace in blackjack, it could create a winning hand or save you from busting out.
We hope this guide has provided you with the answers and insight to make informed decisions at the blackjack table. Check out Gambling Zone’s other blog posts for more on your favourite casino games.
