Whether you’re a new or experienced gambler, blackjack is one of the best casino table games to play. It’s easy to learn while also offering a lot of depth, making it an appealing option to both casual and serious players.
If you’re looking to take your blackjack game to the next level, one of the ways you can do so is by mastering the art of playing aces. Read on to learn what you need to know about optimizing this powerful card, regardless of whether you’re playing blackjack in an online game or at a casino.
The Ace in Blackjack
The ace is a unique card in blackjack. It’s the only card that has two values: 1 and 11. In blackjack, the ace value changes depending on the total value of your hand throughout the game.
For example, if your starting hand is an ace and a 4, your hand is initially considered worth 15. If you decide to hit and you get a 7, your hand value doesn’t go up to 22. Instead, the ace changes to a value of 1, making your total hand value 12.
This means it’s up to you to decide what the card is worth unless you go bust. It’s this ability for the value to change that makes it a truly special card that opens up some interesting blackjack strategies that could help you win the game.
How To Use an Ace or Aces When Playing Blackjack
There are different ways to use the ace, depending on the context of the game. Here’s what you need to know about the ace in three scenarios.
Playing a Single Ace
How you play a single ace will depend on the total value of your hand, as well as the dealer’s upcard. If you have a soft 17 or less, you should always hit. This is because the ace gives you a safety net thanks to its ability to switch to the value of 1 if your hand value goes higher than 21, and your odds of winning go up versus standing on this hand. To further improve your odds, you should always hit on a soft 17 if the dealer’s upcard is a 7 through to ace for single-deck games or if the dealer’s upcard is a 2 or 7 through to ace for multi-deck games.
If you have a soft 18, you should only hit if the dealer’s upcard is an ace or 10. If you have a soft 19 or soft 20, it’s always a better idea to stand. And, of course, if you have an ace and a 10, enjoy your winnings since you have a natural blackjack.
Playing Two Aces
When you land two aces, you end up with a mediocre hand that is either worth 2 or 12. This starting hand is considered awkward because it’s too weak to do much on its own.
Thankfully, the rules of blackjack allow you to split any matching pair of cards, including aces. A split means that your single hand is made into two hands, and you’re dealt an additional card for each hand. You’re also required to place an additional bet when splitting to cover the cost of the second hand.
You should always split a pair of aces to give yourself the best odds of winning. Two hands with a starting value of 11 will always be better than a single hand worth 2 or 12.
However, splitting aces in blackjack may seem off-putting to some players since you’re risking two bets. Despite this risk, you should always make this play as it offers the best odds over multiple games compared to a soft 12.
If you get another pair of aces after a split, you should split again if the casino allows you to. This is known as a resplit, and the reasons for resplitting are the same as with a pair of aces in your starting hand: your odds of winning are better than with a soft 12. You should note that most casinos don’t allow resplitting.
Similarly, you should hit certain hands (hands worth less than 16, for example) after a split or resplit if allowed by the casino, but again, this is rarely allowed at most gambling establishments.
Playing Against Dealer Aces
Several rules affect the dealer when they receive an ace. First, when the dealer receives their first ace, it is always worth 11. If they receive a second ace, it is worth one.
Another important rule you might have to keep in mind is “soft” 17. This rule states that if a dealer receives an ace and a six, they must stand. This doesn’t apply to other combinations that create a hand value of 17, such as a 7 and a 10 or an 8 and a 9; these are considered “hard” 17s. However, not all blackjack games use the soft 17 rule, so ensure you check if the blackjack variant you’re playing requires the dealer to stand on a soft 17 or not.
Blackjack Games To Play at BetMGM Casino
Ready to put your new blackjack tips to the test at BetMGM Casino? Here are some of the great blackjack titles that you can enjoy:
- BetMGM Blackjack Pro
- BetMGM Blackjack Xchange
- Blackjack Fortune Spinner Pro
- NHL Blackjack
- Premium Blackjack Pro
You can also try your luck at another BetMGM Exclusive, Double Up Blackjack.
Sign Up To Play Blackjack and More at BetMGM Casino
If you’re looking for the best online casino experience, it’s time to join BetMGM Casino. This virtual casino has an incredible library of blackjack games, as well as other exciting table games like baccarat, craps, dragon tiger, and roulette. And if you like to bet on more than just table games when you play at a casino online, you’ll also be able to enjoy instant-win titles, slots, variety games, live dealer casino games (including live dealer blackjack), and other thrilling games of chance at BetMGM Casino.
You can also take advantage of the loyalty program, BetMGM Rewards. Earn points as you play that can be redeemed online or at any affiliated MGM Resorts casino or property. Register at BetMGM CA to enjoy all of the excitement of online gambling, exclusively available to players physically located in Ontario.