Ever wondered which hands in Blackjack give you a better chance at winning and which ones might be less helpful? You're in the right place.
In this brief blog at Slot Sites UK casino, we'll walk you through some of the best and worst hands in Blackjack, hoping to give you a clearer understanding to navigate your game more effectively.
Remember, while Blackjack involves some strategy, outcomes can't be predicted - it's all about making informed choices during play. Let's dive in and explore these rankings together.
Hand Rankings In Blackjack
In Blackjack, the value of your hand is the total sum of the card values you hold. Understanding these rankings can help you make better decisions during play.
The best possible hand you can receive is a 'Blackjack', which is an Ace paired with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King. This hand beats all others and is your most favourable outcome.
Following Blackjack, hands of 21 made up of three or more cards are also strong, but rank below a natural Blackjack. For example, having cards that total to 21 from a 9, an 8, and a 4 still puts you in a powerful position, but doesn't outdo a two-card Blackjack.
On the flip side, one of the least favourable hands is a total of 16, where the dealer shows a card 7 or stronger. This position is tricky because standing could lead to a loss, and hitting risks a bust.
Hands totalling between 12 to 16 are often called 'stiff' hands. These combinations are usually less desirable because they have a high chance of busting if you decide to take another card.
Remember, each game of Blackjack is unique, and while knowing hand rankings can help, outcomes are unpredictable. Make choices that you're comfortable with and keep play enjoyable.
What Are The Best Blackjack Hands?
In the world of Blackjack, some hands are indeed more favourable than others.
At the top of the list, a 'Blackjack' is the best starting hand you can have. This is when you're dealt an Ace alongside a 10, Jack, Queen, or King as your first two cards. This combo beats all other hands, providing a strong start.
Following closely are hands that total 20, made up from different card combinations like two 10s, or a 10 and a Queen. These hands put you in a very secure position and are among the most promising that you can have without hitting Blackjack right away.
Another strong starting point is an 11. This gives you the flexibility to possibly 'double down', meaning you can double your bet based on the strength of your hand, and receive one additional card with hopes of reaching 21. However, not all Blackjack games or casinos may allow this rule, so you may want to check before playing.
Remember, while these hands are favourable, outcomes in Blackjack aren't guaranteed.
What Are The Worst Blackjack Hands?
In the realm of Blackjack, not all hands are created equal, and some are indeed less favourable, making the game a bit more challenging.
One of the toughest spots to find yourself in is holding a hand valued at 16, especially if the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher. It's a precarious position because hitting could lead to going over 21, and standing might not be enough to win.
Similarly, a total of 15 against a dealer's strong upcard feels like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. The risk of busting if you hit is high, and standing often doesn't fare much better in terms of winning potential.
Hands valued at 12 to 14 also sit in what's often considered the danger zone. They are far from the comfort of a strong position and have a significant risk of busting with one more card, yet they offer little assurance if you decide to stand.
It's important to remember, in Blackjack, each game is a new opportunity. Even with these challenging hands, thoughtful play and decision-making can lead to surprising turns. Keep in mind, the game's unpredictability is part of what makes it entertaining. Stay informed, make decisions at your own pace, and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Play Blackjack Games Online
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.