How does blackjack scoring work with aces and face cards?

In the card game of blackjack, scoring is determined by the following values:

• Face Cards: Jacks, queens, and kings are each valued at 10 points.1
• Aces: An ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which value best benefits the player's hand.21
• Numbered Cards: All other cards are counted at their face value (2 through 10).1

The primary objective is to achieve a total hand value of 21, or to reach a total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it. A "natural" or "blackjack" occurs when the first two cards dealt total 21, consisting of an ace and a 10-value card (a 10 or a face card).1