Blackjack is a popular casino game that combines chance and strategy. Knowing when to hit (ask for another card) or stand (end your turn keeping your current cards) is key to improving your chances of winning.
In this simple guide, we'll cover the basics to help you make better-informed decisions in different situations.
Whether you're a complete beginner or just need a refresher, these tips can be helpful and may give you the confidence to play smarter. Let's dive in and learn about hitting and standing in blackjack.
Blackjack Hit Or Stand Meaning
In blackjack, the terms "hit" and "stand" are basic actions you can take when it's your turn.
Hit means you want to be dealt another card. You might choose this if you think an extra card will get you closer to a total of 21 without going over.
Stand means you don't want any more cards. You might choose this if you feel your hand is strong enough to win or you think taking another card would make you go over 21. Choosing to stand ends your turn, leaving you with the hand you hold to go against the dealer's.
Understanding when to hit or stand is crucial. It's all about weighing the risks to make the best decision with the information available.
In the next sections, we'll go through some simple tips to help you know when to hit or stand.
When Should I Hit Or Stand In Blackjack?
Deciding when to hit or stand in blackjack depends on your cards and the dealer's visible card. Basic blackjack strategy offers the best moves to make statistically based on your hand and the dealer's visible card (upcard).
Here are some basic guidelines of when it may be more advantageous to hit or stand:
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Hit if your hand totals 8 or less. You need to improve your hand, and there's no risk of going over 21 by taking another card.
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Stand if you have 17 or more. Your chances of busting (going over 21) with an additional card are high, plus you have a strong hand to go against the dealer if you have 17 or more.
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Hit if you have a total of 12-16 and the dealer has a 7 or higher. The dealer is likely to end up with a better hand, so you should try to improve yours.
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Stand if you have a total of 12-16 and the dealer has 2-6. The dealer has a higher chance of busting, so it's safer to keep your current hand.
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Always hit on a "soft 17" (an Ace and a 6). With a soft hand, aces can be worth 1 or 11, giving you more flexibility without the risk of busting.
These basic guidelines can help you make statistically better decisions than playing without any strategy.
However, it's important to remember that there is no telling what card is going to appear next or what the dealer's hole card (face-down) is; that's the element of chance in blackjack. So, although these are smart moves to make in theory, there is no guarantee of winning.
Is 17 In Blackjack a Hit Or Stand?
Whether to hit or stand on 17 in blackjack depends on the type of 17 you have.
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Hard 17 (no Ace or Ace counts as 1): You should always stand. With a hard 17, the risk of busting with another card is high, plus this is a fairly strong hand as is.
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Soft 17 (includes an Ace counted as 11): You should generally hit. A soft 17 can be improved with little risk since the Ace can change to a value of 1.
Keep these guidelines in mind to make the best choice if you have 17 in blackjack. This small tip can help you improve your blackjack strategy and potentially enjoy the game more.
However, again, there's no telling what the dealer has until their turn or what card is going to appear next; anything can happen. Do your own research into basic blackjack strategy to learn more, but remember that winning can never be guaranteed.
Remember to always play responsibly and keep realistic expectations. Set a budget, stick to it, and know when it may be time to walk away.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.