Blackjack is a game where skill, strategy, and a bit of luck all play a part. One of the keys to success is knowing which hands offer the strongest position and how to play them. While the game’s objective is simple-beat the dealer without going over 21-the nuances of hand strength can make a significant difference to your long-term results. Whether you’re playing at a traditional casino or exploring online casinos not on GamStop, understanding the best hands in blackjack will help you make smarter decisions at the table.
In this article, We’ll break down the strongest starting hands, the importance of soft versus hard hands, and how to handle pairs. We’ll also touch on optimal strategies for playing these hands, giving you practical insights that can be applied whether you’re playing in person or at one of the best non GamStop casinos.
What Makes a Hand Strong in Blackjack?
The strength of a blackjack hand is determined by how close it is to 21 and your options for improving or protecting that hand. A strong hand can be one that’s hard for the dealer to beat, offers flexibility (like the ability to stand, hit, or double down), or puts you in a position to win outright.
There are two main types of hands in blackjack:
- Hard hands – Hands that do not contain an Ace, or where the Ace counts as 1 to avoid busting.
- Soft hands – Hands that include an Ace counted as 11, offering more flexibility and less risk of busting.
Let’s explore which combinations are considered the best and why.
The Ultimate Hand: Blackjack (Ace + 10-Value Card)
The undisputed best hand in blackjack is the natural “blackjack” itself-an Ace paired with any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This hand totals 21 with just two cards and is unbeatable unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case the round is a push.
Why is this hand so powerful?
- Automatic Win: In most games, a player blackjack pays out at 3:2, giving you a higher return than a standard win.
- Dealer Challenge: The only way you won’t win is if the dealer also has a blackjack, which is relatively rare.
It’s important to note that if you’re playing at UK casinos not on GamStop or other international platforms, payout ratios and rules may vary. Always check the specific game rules for blackjack payouts.
Strong Starting Hands: Hard Totals
After the natural blackjack, certain hard hands offer a strong position. These are hands without an Ace (or with an Ace counted as 1), and they typically require more careful play.
Hard 20 (Two 10-Value Cards)
A hand totaling 20, usually made up of two 10-value cards, is the next best thing after a blackjack. It’s highly unlikely the dealer will beat this hand unless they draw a 21.
Key points for playing hard 20:
- Always Stand: There’s almost never a reason to hit on 20. The risk of busting is too high.
- Don’t Split 10s: Even if you’re dealt two 10s, splitting is rarely a good idea, as 20 is such a strong hand.
Hard 19 (10 + 9 or Similar)
A hard 19 is also a strong hand and should almost always be played by standing. The dealer needs to reach 20 or 21 to beat you, which is not common.
Hard 18 (10 + 8 or Similar)
While not as powerful as 19 or 20, a hard 18 is still a solid hand. Depending on the dealer’s upcard, you’ll usually stand, but some advanced strategies may recommend hitting if the dealer shows a particularly strong card (like a 9, 10, or Ace).
The Power of Soft Hands
Soft hands are those that include an Ace counted as 11. These hands are valuable because they offer flexibility-you can hit without the risk of busting on your next card, as the Ace can revert to a value of 1 if needed.
Soft 21 (Ace + 10)
This is the natural blackjack discussed earlier. Instant win (unless the dealer matches).
Soft 20 (Ace + 9)
This hand totals 20 and is very strong. The recommended play is to stand, as the only hand that beats you is a dealer 21.
Soft 19 (Ace + 8)
Soft 19 is a versatile hand. In most cases, you’ll stand, but some strategies suggest doubling down if the dealer shows a weak upcard (like 6 or lower). This gives you a chance to increase your winnings when the dealer is more likely to bust.
Soft 18 (Ace + 7)
Soft 18 is one of the most interesting hands in blackjack. Its flexibility allows for different plays depending on the dealer’s card:
- Stand: If the dealer shows 2, 7, or 8.
- Double Down: If the dealer has 3-6, and doubling is allowed.
- Hit: If the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace.
The rationale behind these plays is based on the dealer’s likelihood of busting or making a strong hand.
Understanding Pair Hands and Splitting
Pairs can be both an opportunity and a challenge in blackjack. Splitting pairs allows you to turn one hand into two, potentially increasing your winnings if played correctly.
Aces (Pair of Aces)
A pair of Aces is one of the best starting hands. The total is either 2 or 12, but the real value comes from splitting them. By splitting, you start two hands each with an Ace, giving you a strong chance of hitting a 10-value card for a blackjack.
Key points:
- Always Split Aces: Most casinos only allow one card per split Ace, but the potential payoff is high.
Eights (Pair of 8s)
A pair of 8s totals 16, which is considered one of the weakest hands in blackjack if played as a single hand. However, splitting gives you a much better chance of making two stronger hands.
Key points:
- Always Split 8s: Turning a weak 16 into two new hands gives you a fighting chance, especially if the dealer is showing a weak upcard.
Other Pairs
The decision to split other pairs depends on the dealer’s upcard and the house rules. For example:
- Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s in certain situations, especially when the dealer shows a weak card.
- Never split 4s, 5s, or 10s. 10s make a strong 20, and 5s are better played as a hard 10, which is ideal for doubling down.
How to Play the Best Hands
Knowing which hands are strong is only part of the equation. Playing them optimally is equally important. Here’s how to approach the best hands in blackjack:
- Blackjack (Ace + 10): Stand and enjoy the payout. There’s no decision to make here.
- Hard 20: Always stand. Resist the temptation to split 10s.
- Hard 19: Stand. The odds are in your favour.
- Soft 19 or 20: Stand, unless you have the opportunity to double down against a weak dealer upcard (mainly with soft 19).
- Soft 18: Consider the dealer’s upcard. Stand on 2, 7, or 8; double down on 3-6; hit on 9, 10, or Ace.
- Pair of Aces or 8s: Always split.
Adapting your play based on the dealer’s upcard and the table rules is crucial. For example, In games where the dealer stands on soft 17, your strategy may shift slightly compared to tables where the dealer hits on soft 17.
Why Dealer Upcards Matter
Your decisions