Best and Worst Hands in Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is a popular card game played in casinos around the world, as well as in many online casinos.

The objective of the game is to have a hand with a total value as close to 21 as possible without going over. While luck plays a significant role in blackjack, knowing the best and worst hands can significantly improve your chances of winning. Let’s dive right in!

Best Hands in Blackjack

Of course, the best possible hand you can get is the one where you instantly win – the blackjack. Next to it is the starting hand of 20, as it’s hard to beat.

The Blackjack

The best hand in the game is, without a doubt, the blackjack. This hand consists of an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). The reason why it’s the best hand is that it guarantees a win unless the dealer also has a blackjack. If you are fortunate enough to be dealt a blackjack, the payout is typically 3:2, which means you’ll receive one and a half times your original bet. To play this hand, simply enjoy the victory!

A Starting Hand of 20

Another fantastic hand in blackjack is when you are dealt a total of 20. This can be achieved with two 10-point cards or an Ace and a 9-point card. With a hand of 20, you have a strong chance of beating the dealer’s hand. In this situation, it’s generally best to stand and let the dealer try to catch up.

When you have a starting hand of 20, it’s important to resist the temptation to split the cards. However, with a total of 20, splitting would only diminish your chances of winning.

Worst Hands in Blackjack

If you’re dealt some of the following hands, lady luck is not on your side. Luckily, even the worst of hands can be played smartly using the ultimate blackjack strategy and possibly land you the win.

Starting Hand of 12-16

The worst hands in blackjack are those that fall within the range of 12 to 16. These hands can be pretty tricky to play since there is a risk of going over 21 if you hit. The best strategy for these hands depends on the dealer’s up card. As a general rule, if the dealer has a weak up-card, it’s advisable to stand and let the dealer potentially go bust. However, if the dealer has a strong up-card, it’s often better to hit and hope for a better hand.

Starting Hand of 5-11

While not as bad as the 12-16 range, starting hands totalling 5 to 11 can also be challenging to navigate. These hands often require you to take additional cards to improve your hand, but there is always the risk of going bust. The key here is to carefully consider the dealer’s up card and make strategic decisions based on the likelihood of improving your hand without exceeding 21.

For example, if you have a starting hand of 8 and the dealer’s up card is a 6, hitting for another card would be a wise choice. The likelihood of getting a card with a value that doesn’t bust your hand is high. On the other hand, if the dealer’s up card is a 10, hitting with a starting hand of 10 could put you at a greater risk of going over. In such cases, it may be best to stand and hope the dealer has a weaker hand.

Conclusion

Knowing the best and worst hands in blackjack can give you a significant advantage when playing the game. With practice and a solid understanding of hand values, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled blackjack player. Good luck at the tables!