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What is an Ace in Blackjack?
The most popular casino card game in the world is also one of the most misunderstood. The goal of Blackjack isn’t to get as close to 21 as possible; it’s to get closer to 21 than the dealer. And the best thing about Blackjack? The game itself takes a matter of minutes to learn; with cards 2-10 being worth their face value in points and face cards all being worth 10 points.
Then there’s the Ace, the most dynamic and powerful card in ace blackjack. Why? Well, we’re going to tell you. So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and come along with us as we break down the infamous “Ace” in blackjack.
What Is an Ace in Blackjack?
There are few cards in any card game as important as the blackjack ace. The Ace in Blackjack stands out from the other cards for 2 reasons:
- Ace worth in blackjack can either be worth 1 or 11 points.
- The only way to get what’s called a “true blackjack” is by having an ace in blackjack worth either a 10 or face card (A + 10 =21).
The Ace is flexible, meaning, in most cases, you can choose whether it’s worth 1 point or 11.
How Much Is an Ace Worth in Blackjack?
As mentioned above, the Ace can be worth 1 or 11 points. It’s the only card in ace blackjack that has what is referred to as having “mathematical flexibility.” Because of this, the player can choose the ace in blackjack worth.
Is an Ace Worth 1 or 11 in Blackjack?.
So, is a blackjack ace 1 or 11? There’s only one rule when it comes to whether an Ace is worth 1 or 11 points. An ace in ace blackjack can only be worth 11 points if the total amount of the cards in a player’s hand is less than 21. We’ll break it down a bit further down.
Can the Ace’s Value Change During a Hand?
Because of the mathematical flexibility of an Ace, it can switch its value between 1 point or 11 in a single hand—the ace value in blackjack being dependent upon the total number of points of the hand. Here’s how it works:
- If the player only has 2 cards, the Ace is automatically assumed to be worth 11 points. For example, A + 8 = 19.
- If the player decides to hit (take an additional card), the Ace can turn into 1 point to avoid going over 21 total points. For example, A + 8 + 3 = 13 instead of A + 8 + 3 = 22, which would lead to a bust and the automatic loss of the hand.
Whether your Ace is a 1 or 11 greatly depends on the other cards you have in your hand.
How Aces Work in Blackjack Hands
If it’s the start of a hand, and you only have 2 cards, always remember these rules:
- If you have a single Ace and another card, the Ace is always worth 11 points. (A + 2 = 13) or (A + 9 = 20).
- If you “hit” and take another card, the Ace can either be a 1 or 11, depending on the total ace value in blackjack (A + 8 + 10 = 19) or (A + 2 + 2 = 15). It really just depends on whether you want to hit again.
- If you hit and take another card and the total point number becomes more than 21, the Ace automatically becomes worth 1 point to keep the total under 21.
To see this in action, be sure to play free online blackjack games.
How to Play a Single Ace
It’s always a good general rule to assume the dealer’s face-down card is a 10. Because of this, there are several rules to playing a single Ace:
- If you have just 2 cards below A + 6, the general rule is to hit. As you may receive a low card. If you receive a card worth 10 points, your hand becomes a 17.
- If you have any 2 cards above A + 7, the general rule is to stand.
These are just a couple of basic rules any beginner should follow. For expert players, read our blog for additional articles on ace blackjack.
What It Means to Be Dealt Two Aces
Being dealt 2 aces in blackjack is always worth 12 points. It’s a very powerful hand because it gives you several options:
- Hit and take another card. In which case, you can use the cards as a 1 and an 11 or two 1s.
- The most recommended way to play 2 Aces is to split them.
Here’s how to split 2 aces in blackjack and what that means.
When Should You Split Aces?
Splitting 2 aces in blackjack is always recommended. What splitting Aces means:
- The dealer turns each Ace into an individual hand.
- You have to place the same bet on the second Ace as you have on the first Ace.
- The dealer then treats each Ace as a separate hand. They will give you another card for each Ace.
In most places, you will only ever receive 1 additional card for each Ace. This is something important to keep in mind.
Blackjack Strategy with Aces
The Ace is the strongest card in ace blackjack. You’ll want to memorize the following strategies on how to play your Aces.
When to Hit or Stand with an Ace
Remember, in most casinos, a dealer must stand on a 17. So, the general rule of hitting and standing with an Ace is as follows:
- A + 2 to A + 4: Always hit.
- A + 5 to A + 7: Always hit if the dealer has a 7 or higher.
- A + 8 to A + 10: Always stand.
Follow those three simple strategies and you’ll increase your chances of winning.
Doubling Down with an Ace
Doubling down means you have to double your bet and are forced to receive only 1 additional card. Keep in mind:
- It’s recommended when you have A + 6 and the dealer has a 5 showing.
- Avoid doubling if the dealer has 7 or more points showing.
Most casinos do not allow you to double down after you have already hit a hand or after you have split your hand. Be sure to ask the specific rules before playing.
Splitting Aces – Best Practices
As we’ve mentioned, it’s always best to split Aces. This will increase your chances of an ace blackjack. The only time it’s not recommended is if you’ve bet more than your normal amount on the first hand and don’t have the money to double that bet.
Dealer’s Ace in Blackjack
The blackjack dealer ace rules say that a dealer must always check for a blackjack ace. If they have a blackjack, you lose. If not, the game resumes in the normal fashion. Remember, the Ace for the dealer follows the same 1 or 11 points. This actually happens more than you think. Play Blackjack Games Online and see for yourself.
Should You Take Insurance?
If the dealer has an Ace showing, you can buy insurance. This will help prevent losing all of the money you bet. You will need to spend half of your original bet. If the dealer has blackjack, you are paid double the insurance bet and lose your original bet, causing you to break even. If there is no blackjack ace, you lose the insurance bet. It is generally not recommended to buy insurance.
Dealer Ace vs Player Strategy
If the dealer has an ace, use caution and avoid doubling down. You’ll want to play carefully as the dealer now has flexibility and is more likely to end up with a better hand.
How Blackjack Aces Work in Online Casinos
Generally speaking, the blackjack rules and strategies are the same for live and online casinos. However, online casinos may have a variety of different blackjack ace rules. So, it’s best to read the rules of any individual game before playing. Be sure to test everything you’ve learned at an online casino.
FAQ – Aces in Blackjack
An ace value in blackjack is either worth 1 or 11 points. However, when the hand is dealt, it’s always considered an 11. Unless you have 2 Aces, in which case, the Aces are 1 and 11.
Being dealt 2 Aces always equals 12 points. This is an excellent and recommended time to split. These are always the blackjack ace rules.
No. Two Aces only equals 12. You’ll need to hit or split the aces to try to get a blackjack.
A soft hand is a hand that pairs an Ace with any card worth less than 10 points. If you need to hit to get a blackjack ace, it’s a soft hand.
A general blackjack dealer ace rule is to hit if you have anything less than an Ace + 4 and stand on anything more than an Ace + 6.
Yes. You should always split aces, as this will give you the best chance at hitting a blackjack.
No. The blackjack dealer ace rules say that if a dealer also has an Ace + 10 or face card, the hand is considered a push. You neither win nor lose.
It really depends on the blackjack dealer ace rules. Blackjacks (A + 10) pay 1.5x. However, after splitting Aces, most casinos don’t consider that a true blackjack. So it will only pay 1x.
If the dealer has an Ace, the player will have an opportunity to buy insurance to help protect their original investment. If the dealer has Blackjack, the player breaks even. If not, the player loses the insurance bet.
