Choosing Ace Value in Blackjack – How Can It Help You Win?

By: Olena

Posted: October 12, 2023

Updated: October 12, 2023

One of the cards holds a hidden power in the game of blackjack
Depending on your starting hand, Ace can have a different value
How to use Ace to boost your chances of beating the dealer?

One of the cards holds a hidden power in the game of blackjack. Ace can make the odds work in your favor or turn them against you. Therefore, every player must have a full picture of the Ace value in blackjack to beat the dealer. So, we’ll focus on this card to provide you with the best tips for using Ace value in blackjack Ace to make winning combinations in the classic casino game.

The Basics of Blackjack: Rules & Cards

It’s important to learn the rules, goals, and card values in blackjack to understand Ace’s place in it. The objective of this popular card game is to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. In land-based casinos and live blackjack games, players compete against the dealer, who also tries to achieve the same goal. Playing video blackjack has its pros and cons, as it is a bit different from classic dealer-player versions. At the beginning of the round, players get two face-up cards. Then, they are free to decide whether they need more cards to add to their hand or are ready to play with the existing ones. If they choose the last option, the dealer reveals his cards to see who has a total value closer to 21 and wins. How do players calculate the value of their hands? Each card in blackjack has a specific value: numbered cards’ value varies from 2 to 10, while Jack, Queen, and King are all worth 10. Ace is a special card, as it can be either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s decision. This flexibility makes Ace stand out from the rest and even be a game-changer, whether you play in casinos or at sites like King Billy.

How to Choose Ace Value in Blackjack?

As we have mentioned, Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 in blackjack. Players are the ones who decide about its value, which can give them an advantage. Let's consider the two possible values of the Ace and how to choose the right one for your hand.

If you receive Ace as one of the two initial cards, your hand becomes soft. It means that such a hand provides more flexibility to the player. For example, if you got Ace + Seven, your total value can be either 8 or 18. It’s up to you to determine which one to choose and whether you should go for the third card. When the Ace is absent in the initial hand, you have a hard hand, meaning that you have no opportunity for maneuver. For example, Two + Three means 5, Four + Jack means 14, etc. Your hand’s value is fixed, and you can’t change anything about it.

4 Blackjack Strategies for Playing with and without Ace

The Ace value in blackjack makes it a strategic powerhouse that can swing the odds in your favor… or make them work for online gambling sites in Canada. To increase your chances of beating the dealer’s hand, you can stick to one of the following strategies players use in professional blackjack games.

Soft Hand Strategy

This is the most popular strategy for players with a soft hand, i.e. with Ace being one of the two initial cards. When you have an Ace right from the start, it opens up opportunities for more aggressive play, especially if the dealer’s card is 4, 5, or 6 as the best card. Since the Ace can be counted as 1 or 11, you have the flexibility to hit for more cards without the risk of busting. However, do not forget about the Soft 17 rule, allowing the dealer to slow you down a bit. If the dealer has soft 17, he can improve his hand against your soft hand to keep the interest to the game and increase the casino’s odds in a losing position.

Doubling Down

Another strategy to consider when you choose an Ace value in blackjack is doubling down. This option allows you to multiply your initial bet x2 and receive an additional card. When you have a hand with Ace and the dealer's face-up card is weak, doubling down can be a smart move. You don’t online increase your potential winnings if you hit a strong hand, but also minimize losses if you bust. It’s a win-win strategy you can try right away at online casinos in Canada if you play against live dealers.

Splitting Hands

It can happen that you are dealt not one, but two Aces at the beginning of the round. In this case, you have the option to split them and form two separate hands.

This strategy can be very useful, as it doubles your chances to reach a high hand value and beat the dealer with at least one of them. However, keep in mind that splitting Aces usually means you can only receive one additional card for each hand. Turning your hands into two should be done smartly, considering the dealer's face-up card and the overall situation at the table.

Hard Hand Strategy

Finally, there is a strategy for those who don’t have Ace in their starting blackjack hand. If you have a hard hand, caution becomes the key. With a hand value close to 21, the risk of going bust increases. In this situation, it is generally recommended to stand, especially if the dealer's face-up card is low (2 to 6). If you stand, you minimize the risk of losing your stake and force your opponent to draw additional cards, increasing his chances of going over 21. If the dealer’s face-up card is 10, it is safe to assume that he has a hand equal to 20. This calculation of an estimated total value of the dealer's hand will help you make further decisions considering your own situation and possible risks associated with getting one more card. Check out all blackjack strategies worth trying to improve your winning odds in this casino game.