Blackjack Hand Rankings: Best & Worst Blackjack Hands
If you’re curious about which blackjack hands are considered strong and which ones might give you more trouble, understanding how different hands rank can help you make more informed decisions during the game if you choose to play.
This blog post explains the best and worst starting hands, why some totals are easier to work with than others, and how the dealer’s visible cards can influence what happens next. If you’re new to blackjack, getting familiar with these basics can make the game seem more straightforward.
Read on to learn more.
What Are the Best Hands in Blackjack?
Some starting hands give you a clear advantage from the very beginning. The best of these is a hand that totals 21 right away—often called a “blackjack.” This is a rare and ideal position, as it usually beats almost any other hand.
Hands that come close to 21 also tend to be strong and manageable. These totals often include high-value cards and leave fewer chances for the dealer or other players to surpass you. Many players find these hands more comfortable to play, as they offer a better chance to stand and watch how the dealer’s cards unfold.
One card in particular plays a unique role in improving hand flexibility, giving certain totals more breathing room when another card is drawn, which we will discuss in more depth later.
Best Starting Hands in Blackjack
That strongest start mentioned earlier—a natural 21—is officially called a blackjack: an Ace paired with a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). It beats any non-blackjack hand and often results in a higher payout.
Hands totaling 20, such as two 10s or a King and a Queen, are also top-tier. These are only a step behind blackjack and are very difficult for the dealer to beat unless they also hit 21.
Earlier, a certain card was noted for its flexibility. That card is the Ace. When paired with another card, the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, creating a soft total. Hands like Ace-9 or Ace-8 are great examples. They offer both strength and adaptability—a cushion if the next card isn’t ideal.
Some hands open up extra options. Pairs, like two Aces or two 8s, can be split into two separate hands. Splitting Aces gives two chances to reach 21, and splitting 8s helps avoid being stuck with 16—a potentially problematic total we’ll discuss later.
Totals like 11 or 10 deserve attention, too. An opening total of 11 is one of the best springboards in the game: if the next card is a 10-pointer, the result is 21. Even starting on 10 offers several favorable paths, keeping the player competitive from the start.
What’s the Worst Hand You Can Get in Blackjack?
Some blackjack hands don’t offer clear choices and can leave you in a difficult position. The most challenging totals often fall into a tricky middle ground—too high to comfortably take another card, but not quite high enough to feel secure standing.
Take a hard 16 without an Ace, for example—like a 10 and a 6. If you decide to take another card, there’s a good chance you’ll go over 21. On the other hand, if you choose to stand, the dealer has several opportunities to get a higher total. This is why 16 is commonly seen as one of the less favourable hands.
A total of 15 can be similarly difficult, especially if the dealer’s visible card looks strong. It sits in that same uncertain range, where either option—hitting or standing—comes with drawbacks. Even hands with 12 or 13 can feel uncomfortable because drawing a 10-point card is common, which would push you over 21, yet these totals aren’t high enough to leave without concern.
Soft totals offer a different experience. When your hand includes an Ace, it can count as either 11 or 1, depending on what suits you best. This flexibility means you can draw another card without immediately going bust, providing more opportunities to adjust your play.
By recognising which hands can be tricky, you can approach your next move with more awareness and make more considered choices.
How Do Dealer Hands Affect Your Chances?
So far, we’ve mainly focused on the cards you’re dealt, but the dealer’s hand also plays a big part in how a round unfolds.
The card the dealer shows first—known as their upcard—can influence your next moves. If it’s a strong card, like a 10, a face card, or an Ace, you might find yourself facing a tougher situation, especially if your total is somewhere in the middle. Conversely, if the dealer reveals a lower card, such as a 4 or 5, it can shift the balance and might make even modest hands more worth holding onto.
The rules at the table also have an impact. Most dealers are required to keep drawing cards until they reach at least 17. However, in some games, the dealer must hit on a soft 17—a 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. This slight variation means the dealer could improve their hand more often, which might affect how you think about your own total.
Other differences, like whether the dealer takes their hidden card (the hole card) straight away or waits until you’ve made your decisions, can also influence how the round plays out. These details may seem minor, but they affect how frequently certain hands come out ahead.
As you’ve seen, the strength of your starting hand is only one part of the game. What the dealer shows and the specific rules being used both play important roles in shaping the choices you might make if you want to approach the game thoughtfully.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.