Blackjack When To Hit And Stand? 4 Scenarios To Help You Play Better

There is a very good reason that Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is one of the easiest games to play.

There is always a house edge, but you will have relatively good odds if you stick to our simple rules.

Knowing when to hit, stand, split and double down your hand will cut the house edge by half.

Following our Blackjack strategy will not guarantee a win but will certainly provide a good insight into the game. And hopefully, you play a lot better with it.

Although it’s easy to become good at Blackjack very quickly – don’t get carried away and stick to the basics.

The Basics

Blackjack is a card game where you compete against the dealer to achieve a hand total closest to 21 without going over.

You starts with two cards and can choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep your current hand).

Face cards are worth 10, Aces can be 1 or 11, and other cards are worth their face value.

If your hand exceeds 21, you “bust” and lose instantly. The dealer must hit until their hand is 17 or higher.

You win in Blackjack by having a higher hand than the dealer without busting.

Blackjack When To Hit?

If you’ve got the basics of the game down, which is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, the bigger questions are when to hit and when to stand.

Whether you should hit depends on the total value of your hand compared to the dealer’s visible card.

Here Is What We Suggest:

Always hit if your hand total is 11 or less. You cannot bust, so it’s safe to take another card.

Consider the dealer’s card:

• If the dealer shows a 7 or higher, you should typically hit until your hand is at least 17.
• If the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, these are considered weak cards for the dealer, so you might stop hitting once your hand is 12 or higher to avoid busting.
• If the dealer shows a 2 or 3, you should consider hitting until your hand is at least 13 or higher.

With a soft hand (a hand with an Ace counted as 11), you have more flexibility since the Ace can convert to a 1 if a later card you take pushes you over 21.

For example, with a soft 17 (Ace and 6), you might choose to hit to improve your hand, since you cannot bust with a single additional card.

Specific scenarios of when to hit in Blackjack

There one specific scenarios when you should hit in blackjack and it is…

With a total of 12 to 16, hit if the dealer shows a 7 or higher, but stand if the dealer shows a 2 through 6.

If you have a hand with a total of 17 or higher, you typically stand, as the risk of busting is much higher.

We have added a handy guide below that will take you through all the options of whether to stick or hit depending on which cards you hold.

Blackjack Guide

• Check the dealer’s up card – The Dealers up card will make a huge difference to your choices.
• Don’t sit in the first base seat – It is a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to check your hand against the dealer’s up card. So sit further down the table.
• Start Small – Always work out how the dealer is playing, and once you have worked this out, you can adjust your game.
• It is just you against the Dealer – Stay focused on the game and not what the other players on the table are doing. You are only playing against the dealer.
• Don’t get burned – Always know what your limit is. Set a cap on what you can lose and no limit on what you can win.
• If you’re on a losing streak, move on – Numerous surveys over the years have found that 75 percent of players in a casino will be winning at some point, but only 4 percent go home a winner.

Blackjack ‘Hit’ and ‘Stand’ Guide

Below is a simple Blackjack ‘Hit’ and ‘Stand’ guide. You can print this out and keep it on your computer if you’re playing blackjack online or even playing at the casinos.

It shows the correct play for every type of hand you might encounter when playing Blackjack.

We also have other guides to playing Blackjack. Why not try our ‘Card Counting‘ guide and our free guide to the basics of good Blackjack play?

The Game Hunter Guide to Blackjack

Blackjack Basics

The Split

Blackjack – Doubling Down

Five Top Tips

Blackjack Basics Instructional Video

The video below is a few years old, but Blackjack doesn’t change, so it’s still very relevant today.

It’s so popular that over 3.1 million people have watched it.

Steve Bourie is the author of the American Casino Guide. Here, he interviews Michael “Wizard of Odds” Shackleford about blackjack.

Mike answers some of the most common questions that players have about the game.

Plus, he gives tips on how players can choose the best games, use the proper strategies and take advantage of the casino comping system.

If you want to start playing Blackjack for real, there are plenty of reputable and trustworthy online casinos with great tables. Check out Betfred Casino for a great new customer welcome offer today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking Insurance
Taking insurance is a side bet that players can make if the dealer’s upcard is an ace.

While taking insurance may seem like a good idea, it is actually a bad bet in the long run, as the odds are not in the player’s favour.

Playing Based on Intuition
Playing based on intuition or hunches is not a good strategy in blackjack.

Instead, players should make decisions based on the mathematical probabilities of each outcome.

Chasing Losses
Chasing losses is a common mistake players make in all types of gambling. It is important to that luck plays a significant role in blackjack, and it is not always possible to win.

Chasing losses can lead to even greater losses, and it is best to walk away from the game if you find yourself in a losing streak.

Hit & Stand Blackjack Guide: FAQ

Q: Can I count cards in blackjack?
A: While card counting is not illegal, it is frowned upon by casinos and can result in being asked to leave the premises.

Q: What is the best strategy for blackjack?
A: The best strategy for blackjack is to make decisions based on the mathematical probabilities of each outcome.

Q: How can I practice my blackjack skills?
A: There are many online resources and mobile apps that allow you to practice playing blackjack for free.

Q: How do I know when to split in blackjack?
A: Players typically choose to split when they have a pair of aces or a pair of 8s, and the dealer’s upcard is weak.

Q: What should I do if the dealer’s upcard is an ace?
A: If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, players can choose to take insurance or not. However, taking insurance is generally not a good bet in the long run.

Q: How do I know when to double down in blackjack?
A: Players typically choose to double down when their hand value is 9, 10, or 11, and the dealer’s upcard is weak.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that allows players to use strategy to improve their chances of winning.

Knowing when to hit, stand, split, or double down can make a big difference in the game’s outcome.

By following the strategies outlined in this Hit & Stand Blackjack Guide, you can improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.

to avoid common mistakes like taking insurance or playing based on intuition, and always make decisions based on the mathematical probabilities of each outcome.

With practice and patience, you can become a skilled blackjack player and potentially win big at the casino. So, get ready to hit and stand your way to a winning hand!