Blackjack compares each player with the dealer without exceeding 21. Number cards retain their values, picture cards count ten, and an ace can count one or eleven. Hit, stand and eligible doubles or splits change the hand or stake.
Card Values, Soft Hands and Busts
Blackjack compares each player’s hand with the dealer’s hand. Number cards count at face value, face cards count ten, and an ace counts one or eleven as appropriate. The aim is to beat the dealer without exceeding 21. Exceeding 21 is a bust, even if the dealer later also busts under the usual rules.
An ace and six form a soft 17 because the ace can be reduced from eleven to one without busting. Ten and seven form a hard 17 because there is no such flexible ace. Adding a ten to ace-six changes the ace’s value and leaves a hard 17. A two-card ace plus ten-value card is a natural blackjack, while a three-card total of 21 is not a natural. The difference can affect settlement and the advertised blackjack payout.