Aces are the most powerful cards in blackjack. They help you get a natural 21, build strong hands, and give you the flexibility to adjust your strategy based on what the dealer has. Knowing how to use aces—alone or as a pair—can boost your chances of winning.
Why Aces Are So Important in Blackjack
Most cards in blackjack have one set value, but aces can be worth 1 or 11. This makes them special because they help you create strong hands and avoid busting.
For example, if you have an Ace and a 6 (A-6), your total can be either 7 or 17. If you hit and get a 10, your ace automatically switches to 1, so you don’t go over 21. Instead, you now have a solid 17.
The Best Way to Play a Single Ace
If you start with an ace and another card, your best move depends on what the dealer shows. Here’s how to handle different situations:
- Ace + 6 (Soft 17) – If the dealer has a weak card (4, 5, or 6), double down. If doubling isn’t an option, hit instead of standing.
- Ace + 7 (Soft 18) – This is a tricky hand. If the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace, hit to improve your total. Otherwise, stand.
- Ace + 8 or Ace + 9 – These are strong hands. Keep the ace as 11 and stand.
- Ace + 10 (Blackjack!) – You win unless the dealer also has blackjack.
When to Split Aces
If you’re dealt two aces, always split them. Here’s why:
- Aces together give you 12 (A-11 + A-1) or 2, which are weak hands.
- Splitting gives you two separate hands, each starting with an ace, which means you have a great shot at hitting a 10 and making 21.
- Some casinos only let you take one extra card per split ace, but it’s still a good move in the long run.
Can the Dealer Split Aces?
No, the dealer can’t split aces. If they get two aces, they must play them as a soft 12 (A-11 + A-1) and follow the table’s rules for drawing more cards.
Final Thoughts on Aces in Blackjack
Learning how to play aces the right way can help you win more. The key is to use their flexibility, pay attention to the dealer’s hand, and take advantage of doubling down or splitting when it makes sense.
Make smart choices with your aces, and you’ll improve your blackjack skills and increase your chances of winning!
FAQ
Is the Ace in Blackjack 1 or 11?
The Ace is a special card in blackjack because it can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what works best for your hand. For example, if you have a 6 and an Ace, the Ace will count as 11, giving you a total of 17.
Is a 10 and an Ace a Blackjack?
Yes, when you have an Ace and any 10, Jack, Queen, or King, it’s called a “Blackjack.” If you get a Blackjack, the dealer will pay you one-and-a-half times your bet, unless the dealer also has a Blackjack. In that case, it’s a “push,” and no one wins.
Can an Ace be a 1 or 10?
In most games, the Ace is either a 1 (like in cribbage) or an 11 (like in blackjack). In some card games like rummy, the Ace can be high or low, depending on the order of the cards.
