Blackjack is one of the most beloved and exciting card games in casinos around the globe, celebrated for its mix of luck, skill, and strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking fresh tips to refine your latest game, grasping the crucial decision of when to hit or stand can significantly impact your winning potential. In this article, we’ll explore the essential principles of hitting and standing in blackjack, empowering you to make wiser choices at the table.
What Does It Mean to Hit or Stand in Blackjack?
In blackjack, your main goal is to get as close to 21 as you can without going over. When it’s your turn, you have two main choices:
- Hit: Ask the dealer for another card to boost your hand’s total.
- Stand: Stick with your current hand and end your turn, hoping it beats the dealer’s hand.
Deciding whether to hit or stand isn’t just a random choice—it’s a strategic move based on your hand total and the dealer’s visible card.
The Basics: When to Hit
When you’re in a game of blackjack, it’s generally a smart move to hit if your hand total is low and there’s a decent chance that drawing another card could improve your hand without busting.
While knowing when to hit is crucial, it’s also important to grasp when to split in blackjack, as that decision can significantly affect your odds. Here are some common scenarios where hitting might be the way to go:
- Hand total 8 or less: Always hit. You can’t bust with just one more card here.
- Hand total 9: Hit if the dealer’s face-up card is between 3 and 6, since those are weak cards for the dealer, but otherwise, consider doubling down.
- Hand total 10 or 11: These are often great candidates for doubling down, but if that’s not an option, hit to aim for a strong total like 20 or 21.
- Hand total 12-16: This range can be tricky. Hit if the dealer shows a strong card (7 through Ace), as they’re likely to reach a high total, and your current hand isn’t strong enough.
- Soft hands: If you have an Ace counted as 11 (like Ace + 6 = soft 17), hit because you can’t bust by taking another card.
The Basics: When to Stand
Standing is usually the safer bet when your hand is strong enough to win or when hitting could lead to busting. Here’s when you should consider standing:
- Hand total of 17 or more: It’s generally a good idea to stand on 17 and above to avoid going bust.
- Hand total of 13-16 against the dealer’s weak cards (2 through 6): Since the dealer is more likely to bust, it’s wise to stand and let them take the risk.
- Soft 18 (Ace + 7): Stand if the dealer shows a 2, 7, or 8. If the dealer has stronger cards, you might want to hit or double down.
- When the dealer’s upcard is strong (7 through Ace) and you have a stiff hand (12-16): Sometimes you’ll need to hit, but if your hand is already strong enough (17+), it’s better to stand.
Why Does the Dealer’s Upcard Matter?
In blackjack, the dealer’s upcard is visible and plays a huge role in your decision-making. A dealer showing a 2 through 6 is considered “bust-prone” because they have a higher chance of exceeding 21. When the dealer has a weak upcard, players are generally encouraged to stand on lower totals, allowing the dealer to take the risk.
On the flip side, if the dealer shows a 7 or higher, they’re more likely to end up with a strong hand. In these situations, players often need to hit more aggressively to boost their chances of winning.
Using Basic Blackjack Strategy Charts
When it comes to using Basic Blackjack Strategy Charts, many experienced players swear by them. These charts, created through computer simulations, guide you on the statistically best move—whether to hit or stand—based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Keeping a chart handy or memorizing it can really boost your game.
Final Tips to Keep in Mind
- Stay calm and avoid emotional decisions; stick to your strategy.
- Practice online or with friends to get comfortable with hit or stand situations.
- Always take a good look at the dealer’s upcard before making your choice.
- Don’t forget that blackjack offers other options like doubling down and splitting, but hitting and standing are the core of the game.
Maximizing Your Winning Chances
Knowing when to hit or stand is key to upping your chances of winning in blackjack. By grasping the basic rules and considering the dealer’s upcard, you can make smarter, more strategic choices at the table. With a bit of practice and patience, these decisions will become second nature, allowing you to enjoy the game while boosting your odds of walking away a winner.
