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Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games, played everywhere from land-based casinos to online sites like LiveScore Vegas with digital and live casino variants adding new elements to gameplay.

With this in mind, knowing the different card values and how they impact play is key to getting to grips with the game.

The basics: how cards are valued

In Blackjack, numbered cards – two through ten – are worth exactly their face value. So, if you’re holding a five, that’s five points.

Face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) count as ten points each. These cards can quickly bump up your score – or land you close to that all-important 21.

Aces are where things get interesting. Unlike other cards, an Ace can be worth either one or 11, depending on what works best for your hand at the time. This flexibility gives you more options, but it might also mean you need to think a little harder about your next move.

Getting to grips with these values is important, as while it’s ultimately a game of chance, you do need to make choices throughout.

Why card values matter

In Blackjack, your goal is simple: get as close to 21 as you can, without going over. That’s where card values really come into play.

Aces are your wild cards – they adapt to your hand. Suppose you’ve got an Ace and a six. That hand can be worth seven or 17 points.

Face cards are powerful, given their value of ten. Two face cards? You’re sitting on 20, which is just one shy of 21.

But don’t forget – every hand in Blackjack depends entirely on the cards you’re dealt. No matter how much you study the deck, there’s no way to know which cards will turn up next.

How chance shapes every hand

When you play Blackjack, the randomness of the shuffle means every hand is a fresh start. The cards are always dealt at random, and what happened in the last round doesn’t change your odds in the next.

Land-based venues and live casinos online may use multiple decks at once, which can affect the odds of the game. It’s always worth checking the variation you wish to play so you’re aware of the odds and number of decks in play before you wager.

But remember, Blackjack is, and always will be, a game of chance. Nothing can guarantee a particular card or hand.

Playing responsibly

Since Blackjack is ultimately down to chance, it’s important to monitor your bankroll and play responsibly. Don’t chase losses; always decide how much you’re comfortable wagering before you start.

Many online casino sites have various helplines and limits available on the site to help you keep track and set time limits if you wish. These handy tools are available at all reputable sites, ensuring your safety is upmost priority.

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To get the most out of Blackjack, it’s worth really getting to grips with how the cards are valued. These values shape every hand you play, but since the deal is always random, there’s no way to predict how things might turn out. Always check the rules at your chosen venue or game variant and play within your limits.

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