For both new and experienced gamblers, blackjack is one of the best online casino table games to play. It’s easy to learn while also offering a lot of depth, making it an appealing option to both casual and serious players.
Players who know how to play online blackjack and are looking to take their blackjack game to the next level can do so by mastering the art of playing aces. Read on to learn about blackjack strategy with aces, applicable both when playing blackjack in an online game or at a casino.
The Ace in Blackjack
What is an ace in blackjack? In the majority of blackjack variants, the ace is a special card. An ace in blackjack is the only card that has two values: 1 and 11. In blackjack, the ace value changes depending on the total value of the hand throughout the game.
For example, if a player is dealt an ace and a 4, the hand is initially considered worth 15. If they decide to hit and get a 7, the hand value doesn’t go up to 22. Instead, the ace changes to a value of 1, making the total hand value 12.
A hand with an ace is referred to as a soft hand (just one of the many examples of blackjack terminology) in blackjack, with strategies built around riskier play. It’s this ability for the value to change that makes the ace a truly special card that opens up some interesting blackjack strategies to improve odds for the player.
How to Use an Ace or Aces When Playing Blackjack
There are different ways to use the ace, depending on the context of the game. Here’s a strategy guide to three scenarios where an ace is in play.
Playing a Single Ace
How to play a single ace will depend on the total value of a player’s hand, as well as the dealer’s upcard. If the player has a soft 17 or less, they should always hit. This is because the ace gives players a safety net thanks to its ability to switch to the value of 1 if the hand value goes higher than 21, and the odds of winning go up versus standing on this hand. With a single ace in blackjack, the ace value will likely only change if a player goes bust.
Of course, the other outcome of being dealt a single ace is a natural blackjack. With both an ace and a 10 in hand, a player instantly wins with a total of 21.
Playing Two Aces
When a player is dealt two aces, they end up with a mediocre hand that is either worth 2 or 12. This starting hand is considered awkward because it’s too weak to do much on its own.
Thankfully, the rules of blackjack allow players to split any matching pair of cards, including aces. A split means that a single hand is made into two hands, and the player is dealt an additional card for each hand. Players are also required to place an additional bet when splitting to cover the cost of the second hand.
One of the classic blackjack tips for aces states that a player should always split a pair of aces. Two hands with a starting value of 11 will always be better than a single hand worth 2 or 12.
However, splitting aces in blackjack may seem off-putting to some players since they’re risking two bets. Despite this risk, players should always make this move as it offers the best odds over multiple games compared to a soft 12.
If players get another pair of aces after a split, they should split again if the casino allows it. This is known as a resplit, and the reasons for resplitting are the same as with a pair of aces in the starting hand: the odds of winning are better than with a soft 12. Note that most casinos don’t allow resplitting.
Playing Against Dealer Aces
Several rules affect the dealer when they receive an ace. First, when the dealer receives their first ace, it is always worth 11. If they receive a second ace, it is worth one.
Another important rule to keep in mind is soft 17. This rule states that if a dealer receives an ace and a six, they must stand. This doesn’t apply to other combinations that create a hand value of 17, such as a 7 and a 10 or an 8 and a 9; these are considered “hard” 17s. However, not all blackjack games use the soft 17 rule, so check if a given blackjack variant requires the dealer to stand on a soft 17 or not.
A Few Blackjack Games
With this information to add to a player’s complete guide to online blackjack, players may want to test their knowledge in online blackjack and try out new strategies when dealt an ace. Here are some great blackjack titles worth playing:
- BetMGM Blackjack Pro
- BetMGM Blackjack Xchange
- Blackjack Fortune Spinner Pro
- NHL Blackjack
- Premium Blackjack Pro
