Blackjack is one of the most popular table games at casinos. So, it’s no wonder we offer a range of blackjack versions at our online casino, Wizard Slots.
One of the reasons that players tend to enjoy the game so much is because it’s one of the few where skill and game knowledge can potentially go a long way. The game’s objective is to try and beat the dealer by having a hand of at least 21 without going over and going bust.
You can potentially achieve this by having a strong starting hand. As you play, you will find that the best & worst blackjack hands exist, and we’ll discuss a few of these below.
Blackjack Hand Rankings
A blackjack hand can have 2 or more cards. The dealer deals you 2 cards when the game starts. Then, the goal is to try and get a hand worth or as close to 21 without going over. Each card has a value in blackjack.
For example, cards numbered 2 to 10 are worth their face value. Face cards, like K, Q, & J, are worth 10 points each, and Aces are the highest value card, worth 1 or 11.
Your hand could be good or bad, depending on its value.
It’s also important to remember that different versions of blackjack can come with different rules. So, it may be a good idea to read up on the game and casino rules before playing.
Best Blackjack Hands
The best hand in blackjack is a natural 21. However, the other A, 10, J, Q, & K can easily qualify as the best hand. Let’s look at a few examples.
If your first 2 cards are 10-point cards, that’s a hard 20 value. Of course, some players might split them and play each as a separate hand. But, with a strong hand like this one, that would most likely be a riskier play than holding on to them.
However, if you stand on 20, remember that the dealer can still possibly land a blackjack. Let’s say their first cards are an 8 or 9. If their next card is a 10, they must stand on 18 or 19. So, the player would win with a value of 20.
Another pair that has the potential to make a good hand is starting with cards that equal 10 or 11. It usually means it may be a good time to double down (if allowed), as the 3rd card could potentially be a 10 or Ace, which could result in a value of 20 or 21. However, remember to consider the dealer’s hand, which could form a 10 value too, which could mean they’re just as likely to have a 20 or 21.
Worst Blackjack Hands
The worst first two cards in blackjack could be a total of 16 vs a dealer’s 10 up-card. It would mean they’re more likely to land 20 or slightly under.
The next worst hand is a 16 vs a dealer’s Ace. An Ace can be equal to 1 or 11, so their hand is almost always stronger in this instance. A 16 vs 9 hand could also be one of the worst blackjack hands. The player’s hand will likely go bust, while the dealer has a better shot at potentially hitting a 21 or slightly under.
A 13 or 14 could also be a discouraging hand because you’d have to count on a hit and risk going bust. However, if the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6 as an upcard, you may choose to stand. That’s because the dealer’s 2nd card might be high, thus risking them busting if they draw a 3rd card.
Play Blackjack Online
We have a wide selection of blackjack games at Wizard Slots. You’ll need to register to play blackjack online if you want a peek at our collection. You can follow these easy steps to get started;
- Click the ‘Join Now’ button on the Wizard Slots home page.
- Key in your details.
- Make your first minimum cash deposit to register your account.
- Browse our blackjack games to play blackjack online at Wizard Slots.