In fact, the value 16 is said to be the worst hand one can have in blackjack. Since sixteen of the other fifty cards have a value of 10 and four have a value of 11, there is a strong chance of getting at least an 18 with either or both split cards. A hand totaling 18 or 19 is much stronger than having a 16.

In blackjack, the cards that are better for the player are the high cards, specifically the 10, J, Q, K, and A. This is because these cards increase the probability of getting a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), which pays out at a higher rate.