Black Jack scoring program

[mwg47x]

I am trying to figure out how to handle the input for a program that will score a black jack hand.
I am pretty lost here, having never programmed before.

The book I have suggests using a char for input.

Should I use a "for" statement with a "switch" nested inside of it, and then case identifiers for 2 thru 10 and J, Q, K, A?
How do I assign the int values needed for each card?
This is where I really get messed up. How do I keep each card value separate?
Perhaps my basic thinking is wrong and I shouldn't have this in a loop at all?

I am not asking for someone to give me code or write this for me.
I just need a nudge in the right direction.
I am pretty darned confused right now.

EDIT:
I think I might have it figured out.
Here is where I am headed, in case anyone would like to comment.

int main()
{
    int number_of_cards(0), deuce(0), three(0),
        four(0), five(0), six(0), seven(0),
        eight(0), nine(0), ten(0), jack(0)
        queen(0), king(0), ace(0)
    char card;
    do
    {
      cout << "How many cards are in your hand?\n"
          << "Enter a number between 2 and 5\n";
      cin >> number_of_cards;
      cout << "When entering card values, enter\n"
           << "them in the following manner:\n"
           << "For 2 thru 10 enter that number.\n"
           << "For face cards and Aces enter the first letter.\n"
           << "For instance, enter J for a jack or A for an ace.\n";
        if ((number_of_cards < 2) || (number_of_cards > 5)
        {
           cout << "Illegal number of cards!\n"; //I have a problem here that needs to be resolved
        }
        for (int count = number_of_cards; count <= 5; count++)
        {
            cout << "Enter a card value.\n"
            cin >> card;
            switch (card)
            {
               case '2':
                    deuce = (deuce + 1);
                    break;
               case '3':
                    three = (three + 3);
                    break;

I still have a feeling I am missing something really basic here...

[dolorx]

This code might help you manage the value of each card but your going to have to handle the exception that an ace can be a 1 or 11.

#include <cstdlib>
#include <iostream>

#define MAX_CARDS  13

using namespace std;

int getCardValue( string s );

int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
    string userInput = "";

    cin >> userInput;
    cout << getCardValue(userInput) << endl;

    system("PAUSE");
    return EXIT_SUCCESS;
}


int getCardValue( string s )
{
    int value = 0;

    string names[] = {"2","3","4","5","6","7","8",
                      "9","10","J","Q","K","A"};
    int values[] =   {2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,10,10,10,1};
    
    for( int i = 0; i < MAX_CARDS; i++)
    {
         if( s == names[i])
         {
             value = values[i];
         }
    }    
    return value;
}

[mwg47x]

I got it sorted.
Thanks for the help.
I didn't use any of your code as I am in a beginner C++ class.
We haven't covered that stuff yet.
I got it working well though, on my own, and I sure did learn a lot today.
I have a major headache now, but it was worth it. (grin)
I'm still not sure I skinned the cat in the best way possible.
I'm sure that my instructor will have some comments for me.

My main problem is the fact that the pre-req for this course was waived in my case.
I don't know why they told me I didn't need it, but I am really wishing I had taken it now.

For several reasons, it's too late for that, and I am stuck with this situation.
I'll just keep bulling my way through this stuff!

I'm sure I will be back for some nudges in the right direction.
As I said before, I don't want people to write my code for me.
I just need some guidance at times.

[dolorx]

Thats cool, there are many ways to solve one problems some maybe more elegant than others but when you start out I believe getting the program to work and understanding it would be your first concern.