An Ace has the potential to be one of the most powerful tools in blackjack if used correctly.
In this Wizard Slots blog post, we'll be discussing what the Aces value in blackjack is, what getting 2 Aces means and if you should split 2 Aces or not.
Continue reading this article to find out!
1 or 11 - What's The Ace's Value In Blackjack?
Forming a natural blackjack (21) tends to be one of the goals in this classic table game, and getting an Ace may help you to potentially achieve that. An Ace can hold a value of either 1 or 11, depending on which is most likely to help your hand. Of course, in most versions of blackjack, a natural blackjack wins against the dealer's hand if they don't have a 21.
If you have an Ace in hand that can be counted as 11, it's considered a soft hand because if you hit, you're unlikely to bust, as the Ace can serve as having a value of 1 instead.
For example, if you have an Ace and 4 in hand (5 or soft 15) as the first two cards, you can't bust if you draw one more card. Let's say you draw a card equaling 10 points; the Ace would then be worth 1 point for a total value of 15. Alternatively, if you draw another Ace, the hand could equal 6 or a soft 16.
What Should You Do With 2 Aces In Blackjack?
Generally, there's only one thing to do if you draw two Aces; split. The Ace can be powerful, but if drawn in twos, they only equal 2 or 12 points. Sure, drawing an extra card won't lead to a bust if you're playing the hand as having a value of 2; however, a soft 12 is usually considered a poor hand, especially if the dealer has a high point value face-up card.
In this scenario, splitting your Aces could be key to possibly achieving a better hand.
Can You Split 2 Aces In Blackjack?
Typically, in most variations of blackjack, splitting 2 Aces is allowed. However, you might want to check with the casino to make sure, as some can disallow it.
Usually, splitting Aces may allow the player to potentially land a better hand. This is because if they split, they could land a 10 point value card, taking them to a total of 21. But, some casinos may enforce a few rules to counter this. For example, if you draw a 10 after splitting Aces, it may not be considered a natural blackjack. Therefore, players wouldn't receive the 3:2 payout, but a 1:1 payout instead.
After splitting Aces, you generally can only receive 1 extra card for each Ace, and cannot hit. This could potentially be unfavourable, especially if you receive a 2 and 4, which would equal a soft 13 and 15.
It's important to remember that these blackjack rules can vary from casino to casino, with some banning splitting Aces altogether, so be sure to check.
When Should You Not Split 2 Aces In Blackjack?
Most casinos allow you to split Aces, but generally only once. So, when should you not split 2 Aces in blackjack?
Consider the dealer's face-up card before deciding whether or not to split your Aces. For example, splitting might not be a good option if the dealer has a 9, 10, or Ace. These are all high upcards. Therefore, if you split, you might end up with lower-value cards.
However, as with most casino games, nothing can ever be guaranteed. Understanding basic rules and strategy could help to potentially lower the house edge in this table game.
Conclusion
Every card has a role in blackjack, especially the Ace, so consider knowing the basic rules before you play.
Here at Wizard Slots, we offer a number of blackjack games, such as Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Live Blackjack and more!
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.