Best Hands In Blackjack

Blackjack is a game that blends chance, strategy, and quick decision-making. For many players, the thrill lies in knowing when to hit, stand, or double down. However, understanding which hands are statistically the best can significantly improve your odds at the table. Whether you play at a land-based casino or explore online options such as non GamStop betting platforms, recognising the strongest hands in blackjack is essential for any player aiming to make informed choices.

What Makes a Hand “Best” in Blackjack?

In blackjack, the goal 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 chance of winning, either by reaching 21 or by putting you in a strong position to outscore the dealer. The value of a hand can also depend on the dealer’s upcard and the specific rules of the table, but some hands are universally stronger than others.

Hand Rankings: The Basics

The strength of a blackjack hand is determined by its total value and the flexibility it offers. Here’s how hands are generally ranked:

  • Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card): The strongest possible hand, paying out at higher odds.
  • Hard Totals (no Ace or Ace counts as 1): These hands have less flexibility but can be strong, especially totals of 20 or 19.
  • Soft Totals (Ace counts as 11): These hands offer more options, as the Ace can switch between 1 and 11 without busting.
  • Pairs: Two cards of the same value, which can often be split for strategic advantage.

The Ultimate Hand: Blackjack

The best possible hand in the game is a natural blackjack, which is an Ace paired with any 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This hand totals 21 with just two cards.

  • Payout: Most casinos pay 3:2 for a natural blackjack, meaning a £10 bet wins £15. However, some tables may pay 6:5, which reduces the player’s advantage.
  • Dealer Tie: If both you and the dealer have blackjack, the hand is a push, and your bet is returned.
  • Insurance: When the dealer shows an Ace, you may be offered insurance. Statistically, this is rarely a good bet for the player, but it’s worth knowing how it works.

Blackjack is unbeatable unless the dealer also has blackjack, making it the most desirable starting hand.

Strong Hard Hands: Totals of 20 and 19

If you don’t have a natural blackjack, the next best hands are hard totals of 20 or 19. These hands are made up of two cards that add up to the total, without an Ace being counted as 11.

Hard 20 (10 + 10, J, Q, or K)

A hard 20 is an exceptionally strong hand. The only way to lose is if the dealer makes 21, which is relatively unlikely.

  • Strategy: Always stand with a hard 20. Splitting 10s is rarely advised, even if the table allows it, because you’re already in an excellent position.

Hard 19 (10 + 9)

A hard 19 is also a strong hand, though slightly more vulnerable than 20. Most basic strategies recommend standing, regardless of the dealer’s upcard.

Soft Hands: Flexibility and Opportunity

Soft hands contain an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace-8 (soft 19) or Ace-9 (soft 20). These hands are valuable because they offer multiple ways to improve your position without risking a bust on the next card.

Soft 20 (Ace + 9)

This is one of the strongest soft hands. Most strategies recommend standing, as there’s little benefit in taking another card.

Soft 19 (Ace + 8)

Soft 19 is a versatile hand. Depending on the dealer’s upcard, you might stand, double down, or even hit in rare cases. The flexibility of the Ace makes this hand particularly valuable.

  • Against dealer 6: Doubling down is often recommended if the table rules allow it.
  • Otherwise: Standing is usually the best move.

Pairs: When Splitting Pays Off

Pairs can be powerful when used strategically. Splitting pairs means you separate them into two new hands, each with a new bet equal to your original wager. This can turn an average hand into two potentially strong ones.

Aces

Splitting Aces is almost always the best move. Each Ace gives you a strong chance at making 21 with your next card. Most casinos will only allow one additional card per split Ace, but the potential payoff is significant.

Eights

Splitting eights is another standard strategy. A pair of eights totals 16, which is a weak hand. By splitting, you give yourself two chances to build a stronger hand, potentially reaching 18 or higher.

Tens

While you technically can split tens, most experts advise against it. A hand totaling 20 is already very strong, and splitting could result in weaker hands.

Hands to Avoid: The Worst Starting Totals

While some hands offer great opportunities, others are far less favorable. Knowing which hands are weak can help you make better decisions and manage your bankroll.

  • Hard 16: Especially against a dealer’s high upcard, this is one of the most challenging hands to play. It’s often a lose-lose situation, as hitting risks a bust and standing leaves you vulnerable to the dealer’s strong hand.
  • Hard 15: Similar to 16, this hand provides little comfort and often requires tough choices depending on the dealer’s card.
  • 12-14: These totals are not strong but can sometimes be played strategically based on the dealer’s upcard.

How Table Rules Affect Hand Value

The value of your hand can be influenced by the specific rules at the table. For example, Some tables allow doubling down on any two cards, while others restrict this option. The number of decks in play, dealer actions on soft 17, and payout ratios for blackjack all affect the overall strategy and value of certain hands.

Common Rule Variations

  • Dealer Stands or Hits on Soft 17: If the dealer must hit on soft 17, it slightly increases the house edge.
  • Number of Decks: Fewer decks generally favor the player, making strong hands more likely.
  • Blackjack Payouts: Always check whether blackjack pays 3:2 or 6:5, as the latter reduces your expected returns.

Basic Strategy: Maximising the Value of Your Best Hands

Even with strong starting hands, using basic strategy is essential to maximise your winning chances. Basic strategy charts are based on mathematical probabilities and can help you decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split, depending on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.

Key Strategy Points

  • Always stand on hard 17 or higher.
  • Double down on 11, unless the dealer shows an Ace.
  • Split Aces and eights, but never split tens or fives.
  • Use caution with soft hands-sometimes doubling down is the best move, especially against weak dealer upcards.

Understanding and applying basic strategy will help you make the most of your best hands and minimise losses on weaker ones.

Online Blackjack: Playing Your Best Hands Digitally

The rise of online casinos has made blackjack more accessible than ever. Online platforms often provide features such as strategy charts, hand history, and the ability to play multiple hands at once. This can help you practice and refine your approach to the best hands in blackjack.

Benefits of Online Play

  • Access to various rule sets and table limits.
  • Ability to play at your own pace and review previous hands.
  • Availability of live dealer games for a more authentic experience.

Whether you’re playing for fun or for real money, online blackjack offers a convenient way to develop your understanding of hand strength and strategy.

Responsible Gaming and Bankroll Management

Recognising the best hands