Casino & Table Games
King value in blackjack
In blackjack, a king is a picture card that adds 10 to the hand total, matching the value of a jack or queen.
Key points
- A king is always worth 10, so a king and a 10 gives 20, and a king and an ace gives blackjack (21).1
- In Hi-Lo card counting, a king is a high card that reduces the running count by 1.2
- Some side bets, like KK Blackjack, pay based on the number or suit of kings in the hand.3
Where this term is used
Not the same as
- Blackjack rules card values — a broader topic covering the point values of all cards, not just the king
- Value of queen in blackjack — identical in point value (10) but a different card rank
Related terms
Casino games
Blackjack
The main page for the card game, covering rules and gameplay.
Casino games
Insurance blackjack
A side bet offered when the dealer shows an ace, protecting against a dealer blackjack.
Casino games
Basic strategy blackjack
The mathematically optimal way to play every hand based on your total and the dealer's upcard.
Casino games
Blackjack strategy card
A reference card that shows the correct basic strategy decision for every possible hand.
Casino games
Blackjack rules dealer
The fixed rules that govern how the dealer must play their hand, typically hitting on 16 or less.
Casino games
Blackjack 21
Another name for the game, emphasising the goal of reaching 21 without busting.
Sources
- Blackjack en.wikipedia.org Establishes the king's point value of 10 in blackjack.
- Card counting en.wikipedia.org Provides the Hi-Lo card counting value for a king.
- JJ, QQ and KK Blackjack Side Bets wizardofodds.com Details the payouts for the KK Blackjack side bet involving kings.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.