Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in both land-based and online casinos. Its blend of skill, strategy, and chance attracts players of all experience levels. If you’re looking to improve your game and maximise your chances of winning, understanding which blackjack hands are the best-and why they’re so valuable-is essential. This guide from readingbus.co.uk explores the best hands in blackjack, explains how to play them, and provides practical tips to help you make smarter decisions at the table. Whether you play at traditional casinos or explore options like no GamStop betting platforms, knowing the top hands gives you a real advantage.
What Makes a Hand “Best” in Blackjack?
In blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. The best hands are those that either give you an immediate win, a strong advantage, or set you up for strategic play. The value of a hand depends not only on its total but also on the cards that make it up and the dealer’s visible card.
The most desirable hands are those that offer the highest probability of winning, allow for flexible play (such as splitting or doubling down), or provide a strategic advantage based on the dealer’s position.
The Top Hands in Blackjack
Several hands stand out as the best possible combinations you can receive in blackjack. Here’s a closer look at each:
1. The Natural Blackjack (Ace + 10-Value Card)
The absolute best hand in blackjack is the “natural” or “blackjack”-an Ace paired with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King. This hand totals 21 with just two cards.
- Payout: Most casinos pay 3:2 for a natural blackjack, which is higher than a standard win.
- Advantage: This hand cannot be beaten-only tied if the dealer also has a blackjack.
- Strategy: No further action is needed; you win unless the dealer matches your hand.
A natural blackjack is rare but highly rewarding, making it the ultimate hand to receive.
2. Hard 20 (Two 10-Value Cards)
The next best hand is a hard 20, typically made with two 10s, or any combination of 10-value cards (10, Jack, Queen, King).
- Strength: Very difficult for the dealer to beat, as only a 21 can win against it.
- Strategy: Always stand on 20. Splitting 10s is almost never advised, as it often leads to weaker hands.
A hard 20 is a strong position, and the odds are in your favour unless the dealer pulls a 21.
3. Soft 21 (Ace + 10-Value Card After Split or Draw)
If you draw an Ace and a 10-value card after splitting or drawing, you still have 21, but it’s not considered a “natural blackjack.” The payout is usually just 1:1, but it’s still the best possible hand after the initial deal.
4. Soft 19 or Soft 20 (Ace + 8 or Ace + 9)
A “soft” hand contains an Ace counted as 11, giving you flexibility. For example, Ace + 8 (soft 19) or Ace + 9 (soft 20) are powerful because you can draw another card without busting.
- Soft 19: Usually a strong hand to stand on, though some strategies recommend doubling down against certain dealer upcards.
- Soft 20: Almost always stand, as you’re unlikely to improve your hand.
Soft hands offer both safety and potential, especially when the dealer shows a weak card.
5. Pairs of Aces or 8s (Best Hands for Splitting)
Certain pairs are considered the best for splitting, giving you a chance to turn a mediocre hand into two strong ones.
- Aces: Always split. Two Aces give you two chances at making 21.
- 8s: Always split. A pair of 8s (totaling 16) is a weak hand, but splitting gives you a better chance of beating the dealer.
Splitting these pairs is a cornerstone of basic blackjack strategy.
Why These Hands Are Considered the Best
The best hands in blackjack give you the greatest chance of winning or minimise your risk of losing. Here’s why the hands above are so valuable:
- High Probability of Winning: Hands like natural blackjack and hard 20 are difficult for the dealer to beat.
- Strategic Flexibility: Soft hands and pairs allow for splitting, doubling down, or drawing safely.
- Favourable Payouts: Natural blackjacks pay more than regular wins, increasing your long-term returns.
Understanding these hands helps you make better decisions during play, especially when facing tough choices.
How to Play the Best Hands in Blackjack
Knowing which hands are best is only part of the equation. You also need to know how to play them. Here’s how to handle the top hands:
Natural Blackjack
When you receive a natural blackjack, you should not take any further action. Most casinos will pay you immediately unless the dealer also has a blackjack, resulting in a push (tie).
Hard 20
Always stand. Even if you’re tempted to split two 10-value cards, the odds are not in your favour. Keep the strong hand.
Soft 19 or 20
Generally, stand on these hands. In some variations, you might double down on soft 19 against a dealer’s 6, but always check the specific house rules.
Pairs of Aces or 8s
Always split these pairs. Splitting Aces gives you a shot at two strong hands, while splitting 8s helps you escape from a weak total of 16.
Other Strong Hands and How to Play Them
While the hands above are the best, there are other strong hands that, when played correctly, can improve your odds.
- Hard 18 or 19 (No Ace): Usually stand, unless the dealer shows a particularly weak card and doubling is allowed.
- Soft 18 (Ace + 7): Stand against dealer’s 2, 7, or 8; double down against 3-6 if permitted; hit against 9, 10, or Ace.
- Pairs of 9s: Split against dealer’s 2-6 and 8-9; stand against 7, 10, or Ace.
These hands require more nuanced strategy, depending on the dealer’s upcard and house rules.
Common Mistakes with Strong Hands
Even experienced players sometimes misplay strong hands. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Splitting 10s: This is almost never a good idea, as you’re breaking up one of the strongest hands.
- Standing on Soft 17: Soft 17 (Ace + 6) is often better played by hitting or doubling down, depending on the dealer’s card.
- Not Splitting Aces or 8s: Failing to split these pairs can cost you in the long run.
Understanding when to split, stand, or double down is key to making the most of your best hands.
The Role of Dealer Upcards in Decision Making
Your actions with strong hands should always consider the dealer’s visible card. For example, Doubling down on soft hands is often best when the dealer shows a weak upcard (2-6). Conversely, when the dealer has a strong card (7-Ace), you may need to play more cautiously.
Dealer upcards influence the likelihood of the dealer busting or making a strong hand, so adapt your strategy accordingly.
Blackjack Variants and Their Impact on Best Hands
Not all blackjack games are created equal. Some variants have different rules that affect how you should play your best hands:
- Number of Decks: Fewer decks increase the chance of getting a natural blackjack.
- Payouts: Some games pay 6:5 for blackjack instead of 3:2, reducing your advantage.
- Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17: If the dealer hits on soft 17, your advantage with strong hands is slightly reduced.