{"id":16166,"date":"2025-07-23T14:00:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T11:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=16166"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:55:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T07:55:00","slug":"what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Values of Picture Cards in Blackjack?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, known for its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay. If you\u2019re learning how to play, one of the first things to understand is how cards are valued &#8211; especially the picture cards, also called face cards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what are the values of picture cards in blackjack? In short, all face cards &#8211; kings, queens, and jacks &#8211; are worth 10 points each. This makes them some of the most valuable cards in the game, often helping players build strong hands quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll explain the role of picture cards in blackjack, how they interact with other cards, and why they\u2019re key to basic strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Blackjack Card Values<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In blackjack, the goal is to get a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each card has a specific point value:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Card Type<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Value<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number Cards (2\u201310)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face value<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face Cards (J, Q, K)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 or 11 points<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means kings, queens, and jacks all carry the same value of 10 points, regardless of their suit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Why Are Picture Cards Worth 10 Points?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The value of face cards dates back to the origins of blackjack and its European predecessor, vingt-et-un (twenty-one). Assigning 10 points to picture cards simplifies scoring and balances the deck:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each deck has <\/span><b>16 face cards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (4 kings, 4 queens, 4 jacks, across 4 suits).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combined with the four 10 cards, this means <\/span><b>30.7% of a deck<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consists of cards worth 10 points.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This high proportion of 10-value cards influences gameplay decisions and is central to blackjack strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Picture Cards and Aces: Building a Blackjack<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A \u201cblackjack\u201d (also called a natural 21) is achieved when your first two cards are an ace and a 10-point card. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace + King<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace + Queen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace + Jack<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace + 10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This hand automatically wins unless the dealer also has a blackjack, resulting in a push.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Examples of Picture Card Hands<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example 1: King + 7<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your hand total: 17 (King = 10, 7 = 7)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example 2: Jack + 5 + 6<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your hand total: 21 (Jack = 10, 5 + 6 = 11)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example 3: Queen + Ace<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blackjack! Total = 21 (Queen = 10, Ace = 11)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Strategy Considerations for Picture Cards<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because picture cards have a fixed value, they simplify certain decisions but also require awareness of the dealer\u2019s upcard.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>When to Stand<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holding a picture card with a 7, 8, or 9 (total 17\u201319) is usually strong enough to stand.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to Split<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two face cards (like King-King) add up to 20, which is already a strong hand. Splitting is not advised.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to Double Down<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a total of 11 (like 6-5) and know 10-value cards are common in the deck, doubling down can be a smart move.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Picture Cards in Multi-Deck and Single-Deck Games<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In older single-deck blackjack games, some players believed tracking the number of 10-point cards could give them an advantage. However, in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">modern casino<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> environments, card counting is not a recommended or practical strategy for several reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multiple Decks in Play<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Most online and live blackjack games now use six or more decks, which are shuffled frequently, making it impossible to track specific cards effectively.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Automatic Shuffling Machines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Continuous shuffling ensures the deck order changes after each round, removing any chance to count remaining cards.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Casino Rules<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many casinos prohibit card counting, and online platforms have built-in systems to prevent it.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fair Play Standards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Licensed sites use regulated software that randomises each deal, ensuring fair and unpredictable outcomes for all players.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, players should focus on understanding basic blackjack strategy rather than attempting card counting techniques that are not suitable for online or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/live-casino\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live dealer games<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At 7bet, our live blackjack tables use multiple decks, ensuring a fair and unpredictable game every time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Do Picture Cards Have Different Values in Variants?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In traditional blackjack, all face cards are worth 10 points. However, some variants introduce slight differences:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spanish 21<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Face cards still worth 10, but 10 cards are removed from the deck.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pontoon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Same face card values but uses different terminology.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any version offered at 7bet, face cards consistently hold their standard 10-point value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Playing Blackjack Online<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When playing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/live-casino\/blackjack\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blackjack online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or at a live dealer table, the software automatically calculates your hand total. However, knowing that picture cards are worth 10 points helps you anticipate your options and understand the decisions being presented.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore a range of blackjack games and other table classics at the 7bet homepage or dive into immersive live dealer action for a more authentic experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All picture cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth <\/span><b>10 points<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in blackjack.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Picture cards, combined with aces, create a natural 21 (blackjack).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With 30% of a deck made up of 10-value cards, they heavily influence strategy.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face cards hold the same value across all blackjack variants.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, known for its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay. If you\u2019re<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":16167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[501],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blackjack"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Are the Values of Picture Cards in Blackjack?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are the values of picture cards in blackjack? 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Discover how face cards are scored and how they impact your blackjack strategy.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Are the Values of Picture Cards in Blackjack?","og_description":"What are the values of picture cards in blackjack? Discover how face cards are scored and how they impact your blackjack strategy.","og_url":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/","og_site_name":"7bet blog","article_published_time":"2025-07-23T11:00:35+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-21T07:55:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sam-tan-Wfe_gWCpciU-unsplash-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Rutuja Dumbre","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rutuja Dumbre","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/"},"author":{"name":"Rutuja Dumbre","@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fad7a737fbb90f8cc73b7ffae87d0aee"},"headline":"What Are the Values of Picture Cards in Blackjack?","datePublished":"2025-07-23T11:00:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-21T07:55:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/"},"wordCount":784,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sam-tan-Wfe_gWCpciU-unsplash-1.jpg","articleSection":["Blackjack"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/","url":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/","name":"What Are the Values of Picture Cards in Blackjack?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-the-values-of-picture-cards-in-blackjack\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sam-tan-Wfe_gWCpciU-unsplash-1.jpg","datePublished":"2025-07-23T11:00:35+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-21T07:55:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fad7a737fbb90f8cc73b7ffae87d0aee"},"description":"What are the values of picture cards in blackjack? 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