Aces can be counted as 1 or 11, player's choice. To eliminate confusion during the heat of the action, try this technique. Always count the ace as a 1, add up all your cards and then add 10. For example you have an ace, three, ace, four. The math says you have 1+3+1+4=9. You would then add 10, for a total of 19. Using the 11 in your count will only confuse you. If you go over 21 after adding the 10, just drop it. This method of counting aces will accelerate totaling you hand to inadvertently hitting a soft 19, 20 or even a soft 21 by mistake.