How to Play Double Aces in Blackjack: Strategy and Tips

Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino and that can really work in players’ favor, whether playing in a live casino or online at a platform like Lucky Block. Being dealt two aces in blackjack puts players in a strong position to score two nice winning hands. 

Some key strategic plays offer players the chance to get ahead and seeing double aces is definitely one of those scenarios. Two aces in blackjack allows players a nice split with the potential at some extra winnings. Keep reading to learn more about this powerful hand.

What Happens When You Get Two Aces in Blackjack?

In blackjack, numbered cards count for that numeric value and face cards count as 10. Aces are more flexible and can count as 1 or 11. This means when a player is dealt an initial ace, receiving a 10-value card gives the player blackjack. This is the game’s premium hand and pays out at 3 to 2 or 6 to 5, depending on the casino’s house rules.

When players are dealt two of the same cards, they can add a second wager equal to the initial bet and split those cards into two separate hands. Whether to split should be based on basic strategy, which offers players the best mathematical play depending on their own cards versus the dealer’s upcard.

When a player is dealt two aces, they have a value of 2, 13, or 22. This hand isn’t blackjack, as some new players might mistakenly believe. An ace and 10-value card is the only hand that’s called a blackjack.

Obviously a player wouldn’t want to use them as 22 because that means the hand has busted. Using the hand as 13 means a player could also easily bust when drawing additional cards. Using the hand as a 2 means a player may have to draw numerous cards and bust in the process anyway.

So what’s the correct play when you are dealt two aces in blackjack? Keep reading the next section to find out.

How to Play Two Aces in Blackjack

It’s not always the correct play to split two of the same cards except for one instance – when you are dealt two aces in blackjack. When you receive AA, based on basic strategy a player will split them no matter what the dealer’s upcard is.

Why is this the case? Because you now have two great chances to draw a blackjack or at least a solid hand when receiving cards like 9 for a 20 or even an 8 for a 19 or 7 for an 18. There are numerous cards that can now deliver you a winning hand on both cards.

When splitting aces, however, players will receive only one card for each ace. Even lower values can then win if the dealer busts. Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons when splitting two aces in blackjack.

PROS	CONS
The chance to make big hands with the best play according to basic strategy.	Players only receive one card on each ace.
The opportunity to double the wager and win both hands.	Splitting requires an additional wager.
Potential blackjacks pay out more.	Some casinos allow limited splits of aces.

Is Two Aces a Blackjack?

As noted, two aces doesn’t not count as a blackjack but is a powerful that has the potential of drawing two 10-value cards to make a pair of blackjacks. Splitting is always the best option when dealt two aces in blackjack and offers the best chance at profiting.

Unlike splitting most hands, you’ll receive only one card on each ace after splitting. Make use of these strong hands to help secure some extra winning and hopefully a positive session.

Strategies for Playing Double Aces in Blackjack

There’s no major strategy decision when it comes to seeing double aces – simply add an additional wager and tell the dealer you’d like to split. Not splitting this hand is definitely a missed opportunity and actually has the potential to lose.

Splitting aces maximizes your chances of winning. Making use of basic strategy for all other hands, including splitting other hands, is also a good plan and there are numerous strategy charts online to practice.

When the dealer has weak upcards, such as 2 through 6, a pair of aces may be even stronger as the dealer has a good chance at busting when drawing cards. That’s a plus as each split ace will receive only a single additional card.

But whether you become an expert in basic strategy or not, when dealt a pair of aces it’s always wise to split – and hopefully reap some rewards. 

Conclusion

New players may be confused when dealt a pair of aces. Aces count as 1 or 11, so splitting them gives each ace a chance at hitting blackjack when dealt a 10-value card. Other high cards also allow these aces to score other big totals as well with some winnings coming your way.

Splitting is always the best option when dealt two aces in blackjack, no matter what the dealer is showing.

Looking to test your own blackjack skills? Head to Lucky Block Casino for some great options including the chance to play against a live dealer like at a real casino. Signing up and getting in the action only takes a few minutes and you’ll be glad you gave it a shot. Just remember to split those aces!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a pair of aces good in blackjack?

You can split these into two hands and have a potential to draw two blackjacks or other strong hands. Aces count as 1 or 11, so splitting gives a player two 11s  – meaning high potential for blackjacks.

How many cards do you get when splitting aces?

Each ace will receive only one card, unlike when splitting other hands with the same cards. However, this is a powerful option because there are so many positive results possible.

Are two aces a blackjack?

No, only an ace and 10-value card (such as A-K) qualifies as a blackjack. Two aces is still a powerful hand and should always be split.