Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, celebrated for its blend of skill, strategy, and luck. Whether you’re playing at a physical casino or exploring gambling sites which bypass GamStop, understanding what constitutes the best hands in blackjack can significantly enhance your chances of winning. This article delves into the top blackjack hands, explains why they’re so valuable, and offers practical advice on how to play them for maximum advantage.
What Makes a Hand “Best” in Blackjack?
In blackjack, the objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it. The best hands are those that give you the highest probability of winning, either by hitting 21 directly or by providing flexibility for strategic play. Unlike games of pure chance, blackjack rewards players who can recognise strong starting hands and make the right decisions based on the cards dealt.
Card Values and Hand Rankings
To understand the best hands, it’s important to review how cards are valued in blackjack:
- Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) each count as 10.
- Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand most.
The flexibility of the Ace makes it a crucial card in forming the best hands.
The Ultimate Hand: Blackjack (Ace and 10-Value Card)
The strongest possible starting hand in blackjack is known as a “natural” or simply “blackjack.” This hand consists of an Ace paired with any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). Its total is 21, and it usually wins automatically unless the dealer also has a blackjack, resulting in a push (tie).
Why Blackjack Is the Best
Blackjack pays out at 3:2 in most casinos, meaning you receive £15 for every £10 bet, rather than the even money payout for standard wins. Achieving a blackjack not only offers the highest payout but also eliminates the risk of busting, as no further cards are needed.
What Happens If the Dealer Also Has Blackjack?
If both you and the dealer have blackjack, the round results in a push, and your bet is returned. If only the dealer has blackjack and you do not, you lose the round.
Strong Starting Hands: Aces with High Cards
While a natural blackjack is unbeatable, several other hands are considered very strong, especially when they include an Ace. These hands are called “soft” hands because the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, giving you more options.
Soft 20 (Ace and 9)
A hand consisting of an Ace and a 9 is known as a “soft 20.” It’s a powerful hand, as it totals 20-a value that is rarely beaten. It’s almost always best to stand with this hand, as hitting risks busting or worsening your position.
Soft 19 (Ace and 8)
A “soft 19” (Ace and 8) is another strong hand. While it’s not as robust as soft 20, it still gives you a good chance of winning. Depending on the dealer’s upcard, some basic strategies recommend doubling down against a dealer’s 6, but in most cases, standing is the best option.
Pairs and Splitting: Turning Good Hands into Great Ones
Blackjack allows players to split pairs-if you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Some pairs are particularly valuable when split, creating opportunities for higher returns.
Pair of Aces
A pair of Aces is one of the best starting hands to split. By splitting, you give yourself two chances to make a natural blackjack, as each Ace can be paired with a 10-value card. Most casinos restrict drawing more than one card to each Ace after splitting, but the potential payoff is still significant.
Pair of Eights
Splitting eights is a classic blackjack strategy. Two eights total 16, which is a weak hand. By splitting, you transform a poor starting hand into two hands with a better chance of improving, especially if you draw a 10-value card to either eight.
Hard Hands: High Totals Without Aces
Not all strong hands include an Ace. “Hard” hands are those without an Ace or where the Ace can only count as 1 without busting the hand.
Hard 20 (10 and 10, or Face Cards)
A pair of 10s or face cards gives you a hard 20, an exceptionally strong hand. Standing is almost always the best choice, as the chances of improving are minimal and the risk of busting is high.
Hard 19 (10 and 9)
A hard 19 is another solid hand, though slightly less secure than 20. Most strategies advise standing, as hitting could easily result in busting.
Hands to Be Cautious With
While the above hands are among the best in blackjack, it’s also important to recognise hands that may look appealing but require careful play.
Soft 17 (Ace and 6)
Soft 17 is a tricky hand. Some casinos require dealers to hit on soft 17, which can impact your strategy. For players, soft 17 is not as strong as it seems, and basic strategy often recommends hitting or doubling down against certain dealer upcards.
Hard 16 (Various Combinations)
A hard 16 is considered one of the worst hands, as it’s too low to stand confidently but risky to hit. Knowing when to hit or stand with 16 often depends on the dealer’s upcard and requires careful consideration of the odds.
How to Play the Best Blackjack Hands
Simply being dealt a strong hand isn’t enough-knowing how to play it is crucial. Here are some practical guidelines for making the most of the best blackjack hands:
- Always stand on a natural blackjack. There’s no need to take further action, as you’ve already achieved the best possible result.
- Stand on hard 20 and hard 19. The risk of busting outweighs any potential benefit from hitting.
- Split Aces and eights. This increases your chances of building strong hands from a mediocre or risky starting point.
- Be strategic with soft hands. With soft 19 or 20, standing is usually best. With soft 17 or 18, consider the dealer’s upcard before deciding to hit, stand, or double down.
Understanding basic strategy charts can further help you decide the optimal play for each hand, taking into account the dealer’s upcard and the specific rules of the table or online platform.
Influence of Table Rules on Hand Strength
Table rules can subtly alter the value of different hands. For example, Some tables pay 6:5 on blackjack rather than the traditional 3:2, reducing the payout for the best hand. Other rules, such as whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, can also impact your strategy. When playing online or at gambling sites which bypass GamStop, always check the specific rules before you start, as these can affect how you should play your hands.
Best Hands and Side Bets
Some blackjack tables offer side bets, such as “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3,” that reward specific card combinations. While these can be entertaining, they typically have a higher house edge than standard blackjack play. The best hands for side bets are often pairs or suited combinations, but these are rare and should be approached as a fun extra rather than a core strategy.
Online Blackjack: Adapting to Digital Play
The rise of online blackjack has made it easier than ever to practice and refine your strategy. Many sites offer free demo versions of blackjack, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the best hands and their optimal plays without risking real money. Additionally, Online platforms may feature variations such as multi-hand blackjack or games with unique side bets, which can influence the value of certain hands.
Mobile Compatibility and User Experience
Modern online casinos and betting platforms are optimised for mobile play, so you can access your favourite blackjack games from your smartphone or tablet. This convenience allows you to practice and play on the go, making it easier to internalise basic strategies for the best hands.
Security and Fair Play Considerations
When playing blackjack online, especially at sites outside standard regulatory frameworks, it’s important to ensure the platform is reputable and secure. Look for sites that use certified random number generators (RNGs) and display licensing information clearly. Responsible gambling tools and transparent customer support can further enhance your experience and peace of mind.