What is Ace Worth in Blackjack And How to Use It

Blackjack is a game of strategy and a bit of chance. It challenges players to form a hand with a value close to or equal to 21. However, there are different ways to count the card values in this game, so you need to understand how much each card is worth and how to leverage it.

While every number card in the deck is worth its face value, the ace stands out as uniquely valuable. Unlike other cards, the ace can have two values. In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is an Ace worth in Blackjack
• How to play Aces in Blackjack
• Strategic use of Ace in Blackjack

Understanding Card Values in Blackjack

Card values in Blackjack are pretty straightforward.

• Number cards 2–10 are worth the exact same value printed on them.
• Face cards, also known as picture cards (the Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are all valued at 10.
• The Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on how you want to play it.

Here’s a quick guide for your reference:

Now that you know what is an Ace worth in Blackjack, let us tell you how to use it.

The Role of the Ace in Blackjack

The Ace is flexible, which can give you a significant strategic advantage. For instance, you have a hand A ♠ 6 ♥. Your total combination can be valued as either 7 or 17. But should you count the Ace as 1 or 11 in your blackjack hand? This depends on whether you want to draw the next card. Let’s say you increase your bet and request for the next card, which is 5 ♦. There can be two scenarios:

11 (A) + 6 + 5 = 22
Or,
1 (A) + 6 + 5 = 12

In the first scenario, the total value exceeds 21. This means your hand will go bust, or lose. So, choose A’s value as 1.

Here’s another example to help you understand Blackjack Ace value rules:

Your hand is Q ♥ 9 ♠. The next card is A ♦

10 (Q) + 9 + 1 (A) = 20
Or,
10 (Q) + 9 + 11 (A) = 30

You will go bust in the second scenario, so on this hand, it is best to count the value of Ace as 1.

Soft vs. Hard Hands

A soft hand is when you count Ace as 11 (without causing the total to exceed 21). It’s called a “soft” hand because you still have the flexibility to count it as one. Here’s how:

You draw an A ♥ and a 6 ♦. By counting Ace as 11, your total becomes a soft 17. Why soft? Because if the next card is higher, you still have room to recount Ace as 1. Let’s say, the next card is 8 ♥. Now, if you count Ace as 11, the total becomes 25, which means you lose. However, you have the option to count the total as 1+6+8=15, which means you are still in the running.

A soft hand is flexible, so you can take some risk knowing you have a buffer to fall back on. It’s especially useful when the dealer’s face-up card is strong, such as a 10 or an Ace.

In contrast, a hard hand is when it’s not possible to count A as 11. For example, you have A ♥ and 9 ♥, and the next card is 7 ♦. Here, it’s not possible to count Ace as 11 or you’ll lose your bet. So, you must count it as 1+9+7=17. The total becomes “hard” 17.

Now, if you have a hard 17 hand, avoid “hitting” or calling for the next card. That’s because there’s a high likelihood that your hand will go bust. With a hard 17, you need a card equal to or smaller than 4 to win—a low probability when you have to pick from an entire suit of A to K.

Strategic Implications of the Ace’s Value

Here’s how to make strategic use of an Ace in Blackjack:

Double Down with a Soft Hand

Let’s say you hold a soft 16 and the dealer shows a weak up-card like 4, 5, or 6. You have plenty of room to double down, where you double your bet and ask to draw one more card. Since the dealer’s hand is weak, there’s a high chance your total (counting the Ace as either 1 or 11) will beat the dealer.

Another example: Double down on a soft 18 (Ace + 7) against a dealer’s weak up-card like 2 or 3. While Soft 18 is a decent hand by itself, doubling down is more beneficial, because the highest next card can be either a 10 or 11 (A), where the total becomes A+10+7= 18, or A+A+7=19. There’s a high likelihood of winning this hand.

Splitting Aces

Players often tap their hands on the table to signal several things. A tap means “hit” or draw the next card. If a player makes a V-sign on the table with their fingers, it means they are asking to split the Aces.

A split can be made when you have two cards of the same value like 2 8s or 2 Aces. You can split the pair and play them like two separate hands.

For example, you are dealt two Aces. Without splitting, the hand total is either 2 or 12—both of which are weak. By splitting, however, you now have better chances of making a winning combination.

Dealer’s Ace

What to do if the dealer has an Ace as their up-card? Because of its flexibility, it’s a formidable card for the dealer. Here’s what you can do:

• Surrender, if you have a weak hand.
• Take an insurance bet. This means placing a side bet that the dealer will have a blackjack.
• Take even money bet. The online casino will offer you this bet when the dealer has an Ace. Instead of pushing their luck, players receive their money back 1:1.
• Stand, which means you can choose to stay with the two cards you were initially dealt. You can stand if you have two high cards like a 9 and 10.

Common Scenarios Involving the Ace

There are several ways to use Ace as 1 or 11 in Blackjack. Below, are the most common scenarios:

Player Holds an Ace and a 7 (Soft 18)

• Dealer has a weak up-card (2–6): Stand in this scenario because soft 18 is already a strong hand.
• Dealer has 7 or 8: Stand again because soft 18 is still competitive. However, there’s a chance of a tie if the dealer’s hole card (face-down card) is 10.
• Dealer has 9, 10, or Ace: Hit or double down. You still have a strong hand so increasing the bet can sweeten the pot.

Player Holds an Ace and a 6 (Soft 17)

Hit or double down regardless of the dealer card. With a soft 17, there’s still room to improve your hand.

Player Holds Two Aces

Remember this strategic rule of Blackjack—always split the Aces. Make two separate hands to increase your odds. However, you should note that most casinos limit your number of cards after the split. You will receive only one additional card per split.

Play Blackjack Responsibly

Use the chart with the Blackjack card values explained above to understand when to hit or stand during each game. While an Ace can significantly improve your odds, always remember to play safely and risk no more than 1% of your bankroll for each game.