Many new blackjack players notice that aces have a special role, but the details are not always clear. Two aces in a player’s hand can be especially confusing when it comes to counting and choosing what to do next.
This article explains how an ace is valued, what two aces add up to, and the choices available when they appear. It also looks at the rules around splitting aces, which cards might follow a split, and how payouts are handled.
Common misunderstandings are cleared up along the way so every decision at the table feels more informed.
How Does An Ace Count In Blackjack?
In blackjack, an ace is the only card that can count as either 1 or 11. The value adjusts to the rest of the hand so the total stays at 21 or below.
For example, an ace with a six can be 7 or 17. If counting an ace as 11 would push the total over 21, it switches to 1 instead. This flexibility makes aces powerful because they can adapt as more cards are dealt, though the final outcome still depends on how the full hand develops.
With that in mind, what changes when the hand contains two aces?
What Total Do Two Aces Make?
Two aces cannot both be counted as 11 at the same time. The possible totals are:
- 12, with one ace counted as 11 and the other as 1
- 2, with both aces counted as 1
A total of 22 is not allowed because only one ace may take the value of 11. Two aces are therefore a flexible start rather than a made hand, and most tables offer the option to split them into two separate hands.
So, what are the practical choices when those two aces land?
What Are Your Options With Two Aces?
When dealt two aces, players typically have two main options, subject to table rules.
Splitting is the common route. Each ace becomes the first card of a new hand, and a second wager equal to the original is placed on the new hand. From there, each hand is played on its own. Some tables allow re-splitting if another ace arrives, while others cap it at one split.
Keeping both aces together is usually less attractive, because totals of 12 or 2 are weak starting points. It can still appear in games that limit splitting or where a player prefers to avoid increasing the stake.
Because the fine print matters, it helps to know how split aces are usually handled next.
How Do Split Aces Work In Casinos?
After splitting aces, many blackjack games permit only one additional card to be dealt to each new hand. In these versions, there is no option to take further hits on those hands, and re-splitting aces is often restricted or not allowed. Some tables do allow hits or re-splits, but this is less common and should be confirmed before play.
Rules on doubling after a split also vary. It is frequently not allowed on split aces, though some games make exceptions. These differences affect how much value a player can extract from a strong follow-up card.
What Cards Can You Receive After Splitting Aces?
If a 10-value card lands on a split ace, the hand totals 21. This is typically treated as a standard 21 rather than a “blackjack,” so it will not receive the enhanced payout that a natural blackjack earns. Other follow-up cards produce familiar totals: a 9 makes 20, an 8 makes 19, and so on.
In versions where only one card is dealt to each split ace, the decision-making ends there. Where extra hits are permitted, the ace can still adjust between 1 and 11 as additional cards arrive, helping the hand stay in play.
This naturally raises a key point about what counts as a blackjack.
Can Two Aces Be Considered A Blackjack?
No. A blackjack is defined as an ace plus a 10-value card as the very first two cards of the hand. Two aces do not meet that definition.
The same applies after a split: an ace followed by a 10-value card totals 21, but it is not a natural blackjack. As a result, it does not receive the higher payout that a true blackjack would.
Understanding that distinction helps when weighing up potential outcomes and payouts.
How Do Two Aces Affect Your Bet And Payout?
Splitting aces requires placing an additional bet equal to the original stake. Each new hand is then settled separately, which means one can win while the other loses, or both can win, lose, or push, depending on how the cards and dealer’s final total play out.
If a 10-value card falls on a split ace, the hand is usually paid at 1:1 for a total of 21 rather than at the higher natural-blackjack rate. If the aces are kept together, the combined totals of 12 or 2 leave the hand needing help from later cards, so the upside mainly comes from what follows.
House rules decide important details such as whether you can re-split, hit after splitting, or double on split aces. Checking those conditions in advance gives a clearer view of the possible results.
Common Misconceptions About Two Aces
Two aces are not an automatic win and are not counted as 22. Only one ace can take the value of 11 at any time, which is why the starting totals are 12 or 2.
Splitting aces does not guarantee a better payout than keeping them together. The value depends on the next cards, how the dealer’s hand resolves, and the table’s rules on hitting, re-splitting, and doubling.
A 10-value card on a split ace is not a natural blackjack. It is a standard 21 and is paid accordingly.
If you choose to play, set sensible limits, keep stakes within your budget, and take breaks. If gambling is affecting your finances or well-being, support is available from independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware, which offer free, confidential help.
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**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.