Blackjack and Arithmetic

Counting is one of the basic skills being taught to us as early as possible. We count things so that we can measure how many items we have. We also count so that we can determine the chances or predict a certain outcome. In short, counting helps us in our decision making. Likewise, when we play blackjack we also apply this basic mathematical skill...

Blackjack is a card counting game, wherein most players (including the banker) hopes to get a 21, to out-value the banker but never to have a total card value of 22 or above.

Perhaps, the next question that pops up in our mind is how to determine our blackjack card value. Let us start with face cards: Jacks, Queens and Kings. These cards are worth 10 in value.

So for example, you get a Queen of Hearts and a King of Spade, your total card value is 20. In this case, we advise you to refrain from asking for another card. The chances of getting an ace are very low.

Now, let us talk about the numbered cards, in blackjack a Two is worth two, a Three is worth three, a Four is worth four so on until we reach Ten. So for example, we get a Nine of Spades and Eight of diamonds our total card value is 17. (9 + 8 = 17)

What about the aces? In blackjack an ace is counted as one or eleven. If for example we already have a card total of twenty; however, by accident we gestured for another card. Fortunately we get an ace; therefore, we win that blackjack round (20 + 1 = 21). In that case, we call the ace as a hard ace. Then our cards are referred to as a hard hand.

What if in our initial cards, we get a six of diamonds and a four of clubs. The next best thing to do is to ask the blackjack dealer for another card. Fortunately we get an ace of hearts; therefore, we win (6 + 4 + 11). This time, the ace is said to be a soft ace. Then our cards are referred to as a soft hand.

Now if in our first two cards we already have a total card value of 21 (such as a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades), we win again that blackjack round, isn't it? Furthermore, our cards are referred as soft and natural.

In basic blackjack the suites (spades, clubs, diamonds and hearts) are disregarded. However, some casinos offer side bets which the card symbols play an important role.