When playing blackjack, players have the option to hit or stand. If they decide to hit, they will receive an additional card in order to try and improve their hand. They can also double their bet and try to improve their hand even further. Then, when they are finished with their turn, they will have to wait for the dealer to finish his or hers and then compare hands to see who has won.
While hitting and standing are the two options available to a player, what is considered to be the worst hand in blackjack depends on a variety of factors. A player’s starting hand may be weak or it may have a high probability of busting. Knowing what the best and worst hands are will help a player make the right decision on their next move.
The best hand in blackjack is a natural, which is an Ace paired with a 10-value card (e.g. a 10, Jack, Queen or King). This hand beats all other hand totals and can only be defeated by a dealer’s non-ten or Ace up card. However, this hand is not available to every player and it is extremely rare.
Other than a natural, the strongest starting hand in blackjack is a hard 20 (Ace and a pair of 10s). This hand is incredibly difficult for the dealer to beat and will win about 80% of the time. However, it can still be beaten if the dealer has a low up-card, such as a six, five or four.
In terms of a player’s starting hand, the worst hands in blackjack are a 16 and a 15. This is because these totals will be very likely to lose when compared with the dealer’s up-card. When dealing with these types of hands, it is highly recommended to stand and not hit, as there will be a high chance that the dealer will bust.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that players always split aces and eights. This is because aces and 8s have an excellent chance of winning, which will more than compensate for the fact that these cards are unlikely to improve into a 21. It is also recommended that players never split tens, fours or fives. These hands are incredibly strong and will more than likely beat any other starting hands, regardless of the dealer’s up-card.