Black Jack.py

"""Functions to help play and score a game of blackjack.
 
How to play blackjack:    https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/blackjack/
"Standard" playing cards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_52-card_deck
"""
def value_of_card(card):
    """Determine the scoring value of a card.
 
    :param card: str - given card.
    :return: int - value of a given card.  See below for values.
 
    1.  'J', 'Q', or 'K' (otherwise known as "face cards") = 10
    2.  'A' (ace card) = 1
    3.  '2' - '10' = numerical value.
    """
    if card == "J" or card == "Q" or card == "K":
        return 10
    if card == "A":
        return 1
    return int(card)
def higher_card(card_one, card_two):
    """Determine which card has a higher value in the hand.
 
    :param card_one, card_two: str - cards dealt in hand.  See below for values.
    :return: str or tuple - resulting Tuple contains both cards if they are of equal value.
 
    1.  'J', 'Q', or 'K' (otherwise known as "face cards") = 10
    2.  'A' (ace card) = 1
    3.  '2' - '10' = numerical value.
    """
    value_card1 = value_of_card(card_one)
    value_card2 = value_of_card(card_two) 
    
    if card_one == card_two or value_card1 == value_card2:
        return (card_one, card_two)
    if value_card1 > value_card2:
        return card_one
    return card_two
def value_of_ace(card_one, card_two):
    """Calculate the most advantageous value for the ace card.
 
    :param card_one, card_two: str - card dealt. See below for values.
    :return: int - either 1 or 11 value of the upcoming ace card.
 
    1.  'J', 'Q', or 'K' (otherwise known as "face cards") = 10
    2.  'A' (ace card) = 11 (if already in hand)
    3.  '2' - '10' = numerical value.
    """
    value_card1 = value_of_card(card_one)
    value_card2 = value_of_card(card_two) 
    if card_one == "A" or card_two == "A":
        return 1
    if value_card1 + value_card2 > 10:
        return 1
    return 11    
def is_blackjack(card_one, card_two):
    """Determine if the hand is a 'natural' or 'blackjack'.
 
    :param card_one, card_two: str - card dealt. See below for values.
    :return: bool - is the hand is a blackjack (two cards worth 21).
 
    1.  'J', 'Q', or 'K' (otherwise known as "face cards") = 10
    2.  'A' (ace card) = 11 (if already in hand)
    3.  '2' - '10' = numerical value.
    """
    if (card_one == "A" and value_of_card(card_two) == 10) or (card_two == "A" and value_of_card(card_one) == 10):
        return True
    return False
def can_split_pairs(card_one, card_two):
    """Determine if a player can split their hand into two hands.
 
    :param card_one, card_two: str - cards dealt.
    :return: bool - can the hand be split into two pairs? (i.e. cards are of the same value).
    """
    if value_of_card(card_one) == value_of_card(card_two):
        return True
    return False
def can_double_down(card_one, card_two):
    """Determine if a blackjack player can place a double down bet.
 
    :param card_one, card_two: str - first and second cards in hand.
    :return: bool - can the hand can be doubled down? (i.e. totals 9, 10 or 11 points).
    """
    if value_of_card(card_one) + value_of_card(card_two) in [9, 10, 11]:
        return True
    return False