Are you new to blackjack and wondering what those picture cards in the deck are worth? Understanding face card values is a key step in learning the game, and it’s simpler than you might think.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the UK. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and offers plenty of excitement. But before you start playing, it’s important to know how different cards affect your hand.
Face cards play a big role in blackjack, and knowing their values can help you make more informed blackjack betting decisions. Whether you’re playing at a casino or online, this knowledge will give you a stronger foundation.
In this blog post, we'll explain what face cards are worth and how they can potentially impact your gameplay.
What Are Face Cards In Blackjack?
In a game of blackjack, face cards are the cards with pictures on them: the king, queen, and jack. These are the cards that have faces, which is why they're called face cards.
Face cards are important because they hold a consistent value across all suits, which makes it easier to remember their worth, no matter if they're hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades. Every face card is valued equally in blackjack, so once you know their value, it applies to all of them in any hand you play.
Alongside the face cards, you'll also have number cards and aces, which you'll need to understand separately for a complete grasp of the game.
Once you're familiar with face card values, you're well on your way to getting the hang of blackjack. By knowing the worth of these cards, you can make quicker decisions and enjoy the game with a bit more confidence.
Face cards can strongly influence your strategy and could potentially swing the game in your favour if you know how to use them wisely. Now that you know what face cards are, you're ready to move on and learn how much they're worth in your game of blackjack.
How Many Face Cards In a Deck of Cards?
In a standard deck of playing cards, you'll find a total of 12 face cards. These are split across the four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit has three face cards: the king, queen, and jack.
To understand how this works, let’s break it down. Each suit in a deck comprises 13 cards, including both number cards and face cards. The face cards are distinctive because they have pictures of royalty, making them easy to spot.
So, if four suits each contain a king, queen, and jack—you multiply 3 face cards per suit by 4 suits, leading to a total of 12 face cards.
It’s useful to remember that face cards are different from number cards or aces. Number cards range from 2 to 10, and aces can vary in value depending on the game, especially in blackjack.
Knowing the number of face cards can provide you with a strategic edge. It helps you better understand the deck’s composition, allowing you to gauge the likelihood of certain cards being dealt during your game of blackjack.
What Are Face Cards Worth In Blackjack?
In blackjack, understanding the value of face cards is straightforward. All face cards—kings, queens, and jacks—are each worth 10 points. This value is consistent across all the suits, whether they're hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades.
Knowing the face card value is a key part of planning your moves during the game. Since they make up a significant portion of the deck, getting a good number of them in your hand can quickly get you close to 21, which is your goal in blackjack.
Face cards, along with number cards and aces, form the foundation of the game's point system. Having multiple face cards or pairing them with an ace can potentially improve your chances of winning significantly, making it important to remember their value as you play.
Once you have a grip on the face card values, you'll find it easier to calculate your hand's total and decide whether to hit, stand, or take another action. This basic knowledge will help build your confidence as you develop your blackjack strategy.
Should You Ever Split Face Cards In Blackjack?
When playing blackjack, you may wonder if you should split a pair of face cards. In most situations, it's not recommended to split face cards, like two kings, queens, or jacks, because together they total 20 points.
A total of 20 is one of the strongest hands you can have in blackjack, just behind a perfect 21. By keeping the pair together, you maximise your chances of winning the hand against the dealer.
Splitting face cards would mean you separate a strong hand into two new hands, each starting with a 10 value card. This can lead to hands that are weaker than a solid 20 and more likely to lose overall compared to keeping them as a pair.
While there may be exceptions depending on the table rules or specific strategies, for beginners, sticking with a pair of 20 is generally the safest and most advantageous play. As you gain more experience, you might explore different strategies, but for now, trust in the solid value of those 20 points.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable blackjack experience. Ensure your blackjack experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.