Playing blackjack need not be complicated. But ace blackjack could be a powerful tool to lord it over your opponents at the table. This guide provides useful strategy tips, helps you make the most of your bets, and understand blackjack side bets.
What is an ace in blackjack?
The ace carries the most weight in a single deck game. The objective of vingt et un (21) is to reach 21 without going bust.
When gambling, an ace will have two values (worth 1 or 11 points), and those who usually have an ace, may win more games than they lose when they don’t have this card.
The key with blackjack hands, and particularly the ace, is to use it wisely, so you can improve your chances of landing twenty one and beating what the dealer shows.
Blackjack ace value
As mentioned before, the ace has a dual value in blackjack. The ace can count as 1 or 11, and it can be a very powerful tool for blackjack players if used correctly.
The advantage of this is that you can have two possible lines of attack when playing blackjack. Splitting aces can also be a natural blackjack strategy. For example, you could have a soft hand worth 17. With a soft 17, you could have an Ace or 6, which could also be a combination worth seven points.
Instead of folding or going bust if you valued your cards as 17 and took an extra card, you could improve your chances of winning games by valuing the above blackjack hand as being seven. Then you could double down if you split aces after your ace card.
Generally, more experienced players will not be afraid to go hard after their original bet. They will try to split aces, and this is a good basic strategy to have in place.
How to use an ace with starting hand
Using an ace with a starting bet may not be familiar to some players. However, in card games, it can be effectively used, and give some players an advantage.
Take note of the dealer’s upcard
Firstly, you should pay attention to and make note of the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer’s hand is weak, then is there a strong chance that he is more likely to go bust rather than hitting 21.
As mentioned before, if you have a good set of cards such as an Ace and a 6 or an Ace and a 7, then you should double down and make the most of your cards to improve your chances of winning.
Ultimately, the odds will be in your favour if you double down when gambling with an Ace and a 6 that is worth 7 as an example. The odds will be much longer if you deem your blackjack hand to be worth it, then your chances of getting blackjack with 17 is more remote, as you are unlikely to always hit with more cards.
If you can appreciate the value of aces in blackjack, and can play separate hands, then you can make your original wager count, and be a formidable opponent when visiting casinos.
Splitting aces in blackjack
For those that wish to split aces, this is certainly a worthwhile side bet that can be applied to blackjack.
Having a pair of aces is the best starting poker hand for Texas Hold’Em, but this isn’t necessarily the same when playing blackjack. The point of splitting aces playing blackjack, is that you can end up splitting, but the value of the blackjack wouldn’t be the same after hitting 21 following a soft 17.
Therefore, the money you will receive in return will be smaller compared to if you landed a natural blackjack of say an Ace and a 10 or an ace card along with a picture card, such as a Jack.
That said, splitting aces at the table isn’t all that bad. If you choose to hit with the right two cards, then you can gain more money from the table. However, there can also be a catch when you play and split aces as the level of the payout you will receive at casinos will be lower.
Summary
Aces in blackjack are a common feature of the game, but there are still a few subtleties to blackjack compared to other card games. Essentially, the starting hand in blackjack can go a long way to determining how a player will perform with a certain bet in the game.
Of course, having two separate hands in a game can be used to your advantage, and you can appreciate where you stand and fully understand the value of all the cards in the deck.
Having aces in blackjack can be your best friend, but you have to make all the cards count right from the deal and it is at the player’s discretion as to what they choose to do. Whether you have played the game more casually or are more experience, you can certainly learn a lot from using your aces in blackjack.
If you have been inspired by what you have read in this guide, then you should visit local casinos, and try out blackjack. You ought to put your newfound skills to the test, and hopefully you will be able to win more money in the process.
⭐ What Happens When a Player Has Two Aces?
If a player has two aces, then it can be problematic for players at many casinos. A pair of aces will give players a value of 2 or what is known as a soft 12. With this starting hand, it is advised to split your aces as you will double your chances of getting blackjack. But when you split aces, you can only add one other card. You must also wager the same amount for your second hand as your first hand when you play. You should be aware of the rules and understand the value of each card from the deck before proceeding, otherwise, it is easy to go bust.
⭐ What Happens If the Dealer Has Two Aces?
In any given blackjack game, the rules are that if a dealer has two aces, then their first ace will always be worth 11, unless this risks making him or her go bust. If the dealer has two aces in blackjack, the second ace and any further or subsequent ace will be worth 1.
⭐ Is ace high or low in blackjack?
An ace can be high or low in blackjack. However, it can be different things for the player or the dealer. Aces can be valued at 1 or 11, but the point when you play, is that you should think carefully about the deck and make your cards count before choosing whether to split or to hit. Each tactic comes with its own rewards.
⭐ Can you change the value of an ace in blackjack?
Yes, you can change the value of your ace in blackjack depending on what you draw or have been allocated by the dealer. As mentioned, an ace can be worth 1 or 11. If you want to improve your chances of getting blackjack, then you can treat your ace as a 1, but remember, that if you land 21 with your third card, then this won't be treated as a natural blackjack. Indeed, a natural blackjack will be considered as 21 when you draw an ace and a 10 as opposed to a soft 17 and a four.
⭐ Can you put an ace on a ten in blackjack?
Yes, of course. Aces with a 10 is a prime example of blackjack. As mentioned before an ace can be worth 1 or 11. But if you treat it as 1 when you are dealt it as your first card, then you should double down and gain other cards to improve your chances of getting a blackjack rather than go bust if you value your ace as 11. Nevertheless, if you get an ace and a 10 from the deck, this will trump other cards that have been dealt. An ace worth 11 has by far greater significance in the game.
⭐ What is a soft ace in blackjack?
A soft ace for blackjack can be very beneficial as you adjust the total of your original bet when you play. Therefore, you can change the value of your ace at any time. Knowing that you can't surpass 21, for example, and lose your bet is one of the various reasons why many players hope they are dealt a soft ace, so they can choose whether to stand or take the next card. Of course, taking the next card can sometimes backfire. But the onus of taking the next card is at the discretion of the player.
⭐ What does ace insurance mean in blackjack?
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that is offered to the player if the dealer's up card is an ace. This is a type of insurance against the dealer's hand being a bet equal to a blackjack. With blackjack insurance, the odds pay out at 2/1, and the player has a chance to break even on the hand in the eventuality that the dealer has the blackjack with the cards they have. Insurance will be offered before a player checks in their hole card.