Blackjack is a game that involves skill, strategy, and decision-making. One of the most crucial choices a player faces in each hand is whether to hit or stand. Knowing when to hit or stand can greatly affect your success at the table, whether you are playing online or in a physical casino. Your decisions are shaped by various factors, including the table rules, the number of decks in use, and the dealer's actions.
In this guide, we will concentrate on the classic rules of online blackjack, particularly in games that use 4, 6, or 8 decks where the dealer hits on a soft 17 (H17).
Although the fundamentals of hitting and standing are consistent in both online and physical play, each setting has its own nuances. For example, a player's position at the table can affect strategy in a live casino. Our aim is to offer a thorough understanding of when to hit or stand, focusing primarily on the online blackjack perspective.
This article will examine the concepts of hitting and standing, discuss the basic strategy and factors to consider when making these decisions, and offer practical examples along with common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will have a solid understanding of the best strategies for hitting and standing in blackjack.
Understanding Hit and Stand Decisions in Blackjack
In blackjack, understanding when to hit or stand is crucial for effective gameplay. These choices influence the outcome of each hand and are vital to any successful strategy.
What Does It Mean to Hit in Blackjack?
In blackjack, to hit means that you ask the dealer for an extra card in hopes of enhancing the total value of your hand. This action is typically taken when you feel that your current hand is insufficient to compete against the dealer's possible hand.
Basic rules: Players may choose to hit multiple times during a single turn, provided their hand total does not go over 21. Each additional card raises the risk of busting (going over 21), resulting in an automatic loss for that hand.
What Does It Mean to Stand in Blackjack?
In blackjack, to stand indicates that you are content with your current hand and do not want to draw any more cards. You believe your hand is strong enough to win against the dealer's hand or that taking additional cards could lead to a bust.
Basic rules: Once you choose to stand, your turn concludes, and the dealer will take their turn. Standing is a strategic choice aimed at maintaining your current hand value, with the hope that it will be enough to beat the dealer’s final hand.
When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack
Making the correct choice to hit or stand in blackjack involves grasping the fundamental rules and strategies of the game, along with taking into account various factors that affect your odds of winning.
Overview of Basic Blackjack Rules and Strategies
The goal is to achieve a hand total that is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without going over 21. Each card holds a value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are valued at 10, and Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11.
The game starts with each player and the dealer being dealt two cards. Players can then decide to hit (draw another card) or stand (maintain their current hand). The dealer adheres to specific rules: generally, they must hit until their hand total is at least 17. In the games we are discussing, if the dealer has a soft 17 (a hand that includes an Ace counted as 11), the dealer will hit. Players strive to make strategic choices based on their own hand and the dealer’s up card.
Key Factors for Deciding When to Hit or Stand
Hard vs. Soft Hands: Understanding the Difference
Hard hands: A hard hand either has no Ace or has an Ace counted as 1 to prevent busting. For example, a hand with a 10 and a 6 is a hard 16. Hard hands lack flexibility because there’s no Ace to adjust the total.
Soft hands: A soft hand includes an Ace counted as 11, such as an Ace and a 6 forming a soft 17. Soft hands are more flexible since the Ace can be switched to 1 if a high-value card is drawn, reducing the bust risk.
Understanding Your Hand Total
The total value of your hand plays a key role in the decision to hit or stand. With a lower hand total (e.g., 12-16), hitting is often advisable to increase your chances of getting closer to 21. However, the risk of busting grows as your total rises.
Dealer’s Up Card
The dealer’s visible card significantly affects your strategy. When the dealer shows a weaker card (2-6), they have a higher chance of busting, making it more favorable to stand on a lower total. On the other hand, if the dealer has a stronger card (7-Ace), you may need to hit to improve your hand.
Consider Additional Options: Double, Insurance, Split, Surrender
Double: Doubling down lets you double your original bet in exchange for receiving just one additional card, often used when you’re in a strong position to win with that extra card.
Insurance: Insurance is a side bet available when the dealer’s visible card is an Ace, acting as a safeguard against the dealer holding a blackjack. It’s generally not advised, as it tends to favor the house.
Split: If dealt a pair, you have the option to split them into two separate hands by placing an additional, equal bet. This can be beneficial if the split hands form strong totals.
Surrender: In certain games, you can surrender your hand, giving up half of your bet to end the round. This can be a strategic move when the odds are significantly against you.
Deciding When to Hit and When to Avoid Hitting in Blackjack
When to Hit:
If your hard hand total is 8 or lower.
When you hold a hard 12-16 and the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher.
If you have a soft hand totaling 15 or less.
When to Never Hit:
If your hard hand total is 17 or higher.
When you hold a soft hand totaling 19 or more.
If the dealer shows a weak card and you have a reasonable total, such as standing on a hard 13-16 when the dealer displays 2-6.
In general, if your hand totals eight or lower, it's advisable to hit. There's no risk of busting since no additional card can exceed that value. Furthermore, with a hand value of eight, there's a strong possibility of drawing a beneficial card, given the abundance of 10-value cards in the deck. Another strategy is to hit when the dealer has a high card, like a 10, as they have a good chance of reaching a total of 20 or even 21 with their next card. You’ll likely need a strong hand to surpass them. Some players believe it's wise to hit when holding a 12 or 13 against a dealer's lower card. Although there’s a risk of busting, the right card could help you create a powerful hand that’s hard to beat.
Quick Tips:
If your total is 11 and the dealer's card is an Ace.
When you have a total of 10 and the dealer shows an Ace or 10.
If your total is 9 while the dealer holds a 2 or 7 through Ace.
When your hand is valued at five, six, seven, or eight.
When to Stand and When to Avoid Standing in Blackjack
When to Stand:
If your total is a hard 17 or higher.
When you have a soft 19 or higher.
If you have a hard total of 12-16 while the dealer shows a weak card (2-6).
When you have a pair of 10s.
When to Never Stand:
If your hard hand total is 8 or less.
When you have a soft total of 15 or less.
If the dealer displays a strong card and you have a low total (e.g., hitting on hard totals of 12-16 against a dealer showing 7-Ace).
If your hand totals 17 or higher, you should always stand. Drawing another card is likely to result in a bust. Additionally, since your hand is relatively strong, you have a good chance of winning. However, your choice will also be influenced by the dealer's face-up card. For example, if the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should always stand with a hand value of 13, 14, 15, or 16. There are various combinations based on the cards you and the dealer hold, but below are the most commonly followed strategies by seasoned players.
Quick Tips:
If you have a hand total of 17 or higher.
When your total is between 13 and 16, and the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6.
If you have a total of 12 while the dealer displays a 4, 5, or 6.
Basic Blackjack Chart: When to Hit or Stand
This chart, created for blackjack games with 4 to 8 decks where the dealer hits on soft 17, summarizes the strategies discussed earlier. It serves as a quick reference for deciding when to hit and when to stand in different situations.
Examples of Game Sequences for Hit or Stand
While knowing when to hit or stand is essential, observing these strategies in practice can be even more informative. Below are four examples of game sequences that illustrate the results of hitting and standing in various scenarios.
Example 1: Winning After a Hit
Player's hand consists of the 8 of Hearts and the 7 of Diamonds, totaling 15.
The dealer's up card is the 10 of Spades.
The player chooses to hit and draws a 6 of Clubs, raising their total to 21, which is an ideal score.
The dealer reveals their hole card, a 6 of Diamonds, bringing their total to 16. After hitting and drawing a 5 of Spades, the dealer busts with a total of 21, resulting in a win for the player.
Example 1: Winning After a Hit
Player's Hand: 9 of Hearts, 6 of Spades (Total: 15)
Dealer's Up Card: 9 of Clubs
The player chooses to hit and draws a 6 of Clubs, raising their total to 21, which is an ideal score.
The dealer reveals a 7 of Diamonds, totaling 16. After hitting and drawing an 8 of Clubs, the dealer busts with a total of 24. However, since the player busted first, the dealer wins.
Example 3: Winning After a Stand
Player's Hand: 10 of Spades, 7 of Hearts (Total: 17)
Dealer's Up Card: 6 of Diamonds
The player opts to stand with a total of 17.
The dealer reveals their hole card, a 10 of Clubs, making their total 16. The dealer hits and draws a 7 of Spades, bringing their total to 23 and busting. The player wins with a total of 17.
Example 4: Losing After a Stand
Player's Hand: 10 of Diamonds, 6 of Hearts (Total: 16)
Dealer's Up Card: 10 of Hearts
The player chooses to stand with a total of 16, anticipating that the dealer will bust.
The dealer reveals their hole card, a 7 of Hearts, making their total 17. The dealer stands, and since 17 beats the player’s 16, the dealer wins.
Common Mistakes in Hitting or Standing
Even seasoned blackjack players can err in their decisions to hit or stand. Recognizing common mistakes can assist you in avoiding them and enhancing your gameplay strategy. Below are some of the most common errors players encounter:
Overlooking Basic Strategy
Mistake: Not following the basic strategy chart and making decisions based on gut feelings or hunches.
Consequence: Straying from basic strategy increases the house edge and decreases your chances of winning.
Solution: Always refer to the basic strategy chart tailored to the specific rules of the game you are playing.
Overestimating High Hands
Mistake: Standing on hands that are too low because you fear busting, such as standing on a total of 12-16 when the dealer shows a strong up card (7 through Ace).
Consequence: This often results in losing to a stronger dealer hand.
Solution: Understand that hitting on low totals, even at the risk of busting, can sometimes be the better choice based on statistical probabilities.
Underrating the Dealer’s Up Card
Mistake: Focusing too much on your hand while neglecting the dealer’s up card.
Consequence: Missing out on optimal hitting or standing decisions because you fail to consider the dealer’s potential hand strength.
Solution: Always consider the dealer’s up card when making your decision. A dealer’s weak card (2-6) often means standing on lower totals, while a strong card (7-Ace) means you may need to hit more aggressively.
Mismanaging Soft Hands
Mistake: Treating soft hands (hands containing an Ace valued as 11) the same as hard hands.
Consequence: Losing opportunities to maximize your hand potential without the risk of busting.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the optimal strategies for playing soft hands. For example, hitting on a soft 17 or doubling down on a soft 18 against the dealer’s weak card.
Neglecting Alternative Options
Mistake: Not considering options like doubling down, splitting, or surrendering when they are available.
Consequence: Missing out on opportunities to increase your winnings or minimize losses.
Solution: Learn when to use these options. For instance, doubling down when you have a total of 11 and the dealer shows a weak card can be highly profitable.
Making Decisions Based on Emotions
Mistake: Letting emotions guide your decisions, especially after a streak of losses or wins.
Consequence: Emotional decisions often lead to irrational play and increased losses.
Solution: Stick to your strategy and make decisions based on logic and statistical probability, not on previous outcomes or emotions.
Miscalculating Hand Totals
Mistake: Miscalculating your hand total or the dealer’s potential total.
Consequence: Making incorrect decisions that can lead to unnecessary busts or standing on weak hands.
Solution: Take your time to accurately count your hand and the potential dealer hand. Double-check your totals before making a decision.
Miscalculating Hand Totals
Mastering the choices of when to hit or stand in blackjack is essential for any player aiming to enhance their skills. By grasping the fundamental rules, evaluating important factors like your hand total and the dealer’s up card, and steering clear of common errors, you can make informed choices that improve your odds of winning. We recommend always referring to the basic strategy chart and maintaining discipline in your approach. Whether you're playing online or at a physical casino, adhering to a well-researched strategy and managing your emotions will provide you with a considerable advantage. Keep in mind that while luck is a factor in blackjack, consistently making wise decisions is crucial for long-term success.
One effective method for achieving better outcomes is to adhere to a basic blackjack strategy. As detailed in our guide on this topic, following a fundamental strategy significantly enhances your chances of winning.
