Face Cards Explained for Blackjack Players

Face cards play a key role in blackjack and are usually among the first cards that new players come across. Knowing what counts as a face card—and how these cards are valued—can help make the rules easier to follow if you choose to play.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what face cards are, how they work in blackjack, and how they might shape your hand during play. If you’re new to the game, this will help you get familiar with the basics and better understand the rhythm of each round.

Read on to learn more.

Face Card Types in a Deck

In a standard deck of cards, face cards are the Jacks, Queens, and Kings. These are easy to spot thanks to their distinctive royal illustrations and are often among the most recognisable cards in the game.

Each suit—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades—includes one of each face card, giving you a total of 12 face cards in a full 52-card deck.

While the artwork differs between suits, all face cards follow the same rules in blackjack, so if you choose to play, you don’t need to worry about which suit they belong to when calculating your hand.

Blackjack Face Card Role

In blackjack, face cards—whether it’s a Jack, Queen, or King—all have the same value: 10 points. This doesn’t change based on the suit, so they’re treated the same during gameplay.

Because they’re worth 10, face cards can quickly boost a player’s hand and bring them closer to 21, which is the target number in blackjack. For example, if a player is dealt an Ace and any face card, they’ve got a “blackjack”—the strongest hand in the game.

Rules About Splitting Similar Face Cards

If you choose to play blackjack, during the game, you have the option to split your hand if you’re dealt two cards of the same value. Since Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all worth 10 points, you may be able to split a pair—even if the cards are different face types, like a King and a Queen.

At many tables, splitting any two cards with a value of 10 is allowed, but this isn’t always the case—so it’s a good idea to check the table rules before you start playing. If you do choose to split, each card becomes the first card in a new hand, and you’ll need to place a separate bet on the second hand.

Some tables also have limits on how many times you can split, whether you can re-split, or if doubling down after a split is permitted.

If you’re thinking about splitting, it’s best to weigh it up thoughtfully and stick to any betting limits you’ve set for yourself. Like any blackjack decision, choosing to split should be part of a balanced and mindful approach to play.

Playing Live and Online Blackjack with Face Cards

Whether you choose to play live or online blackjack, the role of face cards stays exactly the same—Jacks, Queens, and Kings always count as 10 points. The way the cards are dealt may vary, but the rules around face cards remain consistent no matter the version or casino.

In live dealer games, you’ll see the action unfold in real time with a human dealer, while online versions use computer software to deal cards instantly. The pace might feel different, but if you’re familiar with how face cards work, switching between formats should feel straightforward.

If you choose to play at a UK-licensed site, you’ll also have access to responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options. These features are in place to support responsible play across both live and digital tables.

Knowing how face cards fit into the game, alongside making use of the tools available, can help you approach blackjack with a better understanding of the game’s mechanics.

If you choose to play blackjack, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose.

_{**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.}