Blackjack Card Values (The Simple Version)
In blackjack, every card has a set value:
- 2–10 = face value
- J, Q, K = 10
- A = 1 or 11 (whichever helps your hand most)
That last one is the entire reason blackjack scoring can feel tricky. The Ace can change value depending on what keeps your total strongest without busting.
If you want the full beginner overview of blackjack in one place (rules, decisions, payouts, and table checklist), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. Then use this article to make hand scoring feel automatic.
What Your Hand Total Means
Your hand total is just the sum of your card values.
Examples:
- 9 + 7 = 16
- K + 5 = 15
- 10 + 8 = 18
- Q + J = 20
If your total goes above 21, you bust immediately, and the hand ends.
The Most Important Concept: Hard Hands Vs Soft Hands
This is the key to blackjack scoring.
What Is A Hard Hand?
A hard hand is a total where:
- there is no Ace, or
- an Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting
Examples:
- 10 + 6 = 16 (hard 16)
- A + 9 + 7 = 17 (Ace must count as 1, so this is hard 17)
Hard hands are less flexible. When you hit a hard hand, you have a higher chance of busting once you get into the 12–16 range.
What Is A Soft Hand?
A soft hand is any hand where an Ace is counted as 11 without busting.
Examples:
- A + 6 = 17 (soft 17)
- A + 2 = 13 (soft 13)
- A + 7 = 18 (soft 18)
Soft hands are more flexible because the Ace can change from 11 to 1 if you draw a card that would otherwise bust you.
Quick way to spot it:
If your hand contains an Ace and your total is 21 or less with that Ace counted as 11, it is a soft hand.
How A Soft Hand Changes (With Real Examples)
Soft hands can “convert” into hard hands after you hit.
Example 1:
- You have A + 6 = soft 17
- You hit and draw a 9
- A + 6 + 9 = 16
The Ace flips to 1, so the hand becomes hard 16
Example 2:
- You have A + 7 = soft 18
- You hit and draw a 3
- A + 7 + 3 = 21
Ace stays as 11, so the hand remains soft (but you are now at 21)
This is why soft hands are usually safer to hit than hard hands.
How To Score Hands With Multiple Aces
Multiple Aces are where beginners hesitate, but it is still simple.
Rule of thumb:
- Count one Ace as 11
- Count the rest as 1
- If 11 would bust you, count them all as 1
Examples:
- A + A = 12 (11 + 1)
- A + A + 9 = 21 (11 + 1 + 9)
- A + A + 9 + 5 = 16 (1 + 1 + 9 + 5)
- A + A + A = 13 (11 + 1 + 1)
If you ever see a hand with multiple Aces, the game is basically auto-adjusting your total to the best number under 21.
What Counts As A Blackjack (Natural)?
A natural blackjack is:
- Ace + a 10-value card
- as your first two cards
Examples:
- A + K = blackjack
- A + 10 = blackjack
This is different from making 21 with three or more cards:
- 7 + 7 + 7 = 21 (not a blackjack)
- A + 5 + 5 = 21 (not a blackjack)
Why it matters: a natural blackjack often pays more than a normal win, depending on table rules.
How To Read The Dealer’s Upcard Using Scoring Logic
Even before you learn basic strategy, you can understand why the dealer upcard matters.
Dealer upcards fall into two simple groups:
Dealer “Stronger” Upcards
- 7, 8, 9, 10, Ace
Why: the dealer is more likely to reach 17–21 and less likely to bust.
Dealer “Weaker” Upcards
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Why: the dealer must hit to 17, and these upcards create more bust paths.
You do not need to memorize odds yet. Just understand this scoring logic:
- When the dealer starts weak, you often win by not busting.
- When the dealer starts strong, you often need to improve your hand.
If you want the full beginner round walkthrough that shows how this plays out in real gameplay, go back to How to Play Blackjack: Rules, Hands & Gameplay Explained.
Fast Scoring Practice (So It Becomes Automatic)
If you want scoring to feel natural, practice with quick drills:
Drill 1: Add Two Cards Instantly
- 9 + 7 = 16
- K + 5 = 15
- Q + 8 = 18
Drill 2: Spot Soft Hands Quickly
- A + 6 = soft 17
- A + 2 = soft 13
- A + 7 = soft 18
Drill 3: Convert Soft To Hard
- A + 6 + 9 = hard 16
- A + 7 + 8 = hard 16
- A + 5 + 9 = hard 15
Spend five minutes doing this and you will play faster and make fewer mistakes at the table.
Mini FAQ: Beginner Questions About Blackjack Scoring
1) Is An Ace Always Worth 11 In Blackjack?
No. An Ace is worth 11 only if it does not make your hand go over 21. Otherwise, it counts as 1.
2) What Is The Difference Between “Soft 17” And “Hard 17”?
Soft 17 includes an Ace counted as 11 (A + 6). Hard 17 does not, or the Ace must count as 1 to avoid busting (10 + 7, or A + 9 + 7).
3) If I Have 21 With Three Cards, Is That A Blackjack?
No. Blackjack is only Ace + 10-value card as your first two cards. Three-card 21 is still strong, but it is not a natural blackjack.
4) How Do I Score A Hand With Two Aces?
Two Aces is always 12 (11 + 1). If you hit, the total adjusts automatically to stay under 21.
5) Why Does Scoring Matter So Much In Blackjack?
Because your best decisions depend on whether your hand is soft or hard, and how close you are to busting. Scoring is the base skill that makes strategy possible.
Where To Go Next
Now that scoring feels clearer, the next step is understanding how dealers play certain totals and why soft hands change the entire flow of the game.
Continue with Understanding Dealer Rules: Hit, Stand & Soft Totals.
