BLACKJACK STRATEGY: WHEN TO HIT OR STAND

Making the correct decisions is key when to hit or stand it comes to doing well in blackjack games. In fact, this is why basic blackjack strategy charts are so common.

In this post, we’ll help you formulate a basic strategy that will help you play blackjack effectively without going bust too frequently.

Understanding the Basics of Blackjack Rules

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games out there. Luckily for beginners, the game is played in a very simple format.

Playing blackjack becomes a breeze once you nail down how the basics work.

1. Card Values: In blackjack, the number cards (two to 10) are worth their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10, and an ace can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on your choice.
2. Starting the Game: The game begins with each side (players and the dealer) are dealt cards. The player is dealt the first two cards, whereas the dealer is dealt two as well. However, the dealer’s hand is dealt differently. The dealer is dealt a face-up card and a hole card (face down).
3. Player’s Turn: Each player plays their hand in turn, trying to improve their hand’s total value. Players have several options:
   • Hit: Take an additional card from the dealer.
   • Stand: Keep the current hand without taking other cards.
   • Double Down: Double the initial bet and take only one more card. This is only available if the Reno rule is active: where doubling down is only allowed on hard totals of nine, 10 or 11.
   • Split: If the player has a pair, they can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
4. Dealer’s Turn: After all the players have finished their turns, it’s the dealer’s turn to play. The dealer shows their hole card, and they must follow a specific rule called the “dealer’s rule” or “house rule.” Typically, the dealer continues to hit until their hand value reaches 17 or higher.
5. Winning and Losing: After the dealer reveals their hole card and plays their hand, the outcome is determined. If the player’s hand value exceeds 21, they bust and automatically lose. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players who didn’t bust win. If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the higher hand value wins. If the player’s hand value is equal to the dealer’s, it’s a tie or “push,” and the player’s bet is returned.
6. Blackjack: If a player’s initial two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), they have a blackjack. A blackjack usually pays out at a higher rate than a regular win, often 3:2.

Importance of Knowing When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack

As we’ve mentioned above, knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack is very important when it comes to making strategic decisions that impact your chances of winning.

Hitting allows you to improve your hand’s value and get closer to the desired total of 21. However, hitting too many times can lead to exceeding 21 and losing instantly.

On the other hand, standing is a good move when your hand is strong enough to compete with the dealer’s hand or when the dealer’s face-up card suggests a higher probability of them busting.

Making the right choices based on the value of your hand, the dealer’s face-up card, and basic strategy can help you optimise your gameplay and improve your overall success in blackjack.

Blackjack: When to hit

Should you hit, stand or double down?

Whether you’re playing online blackjack or at a land-based casino, you definitely need to know when to hit or stand, so let’s get cracking!

Generally, you should be looking when to hit:

• When your hand value is 11 or lower, as it is impossible to bust with another card.
• When your hand value is 12 to 16 and the dealer’s face-up card is seven or higher, indicating a strong chance that the dealer has a high-vale hand.
• When you have a soft hand (containing an Ace) and the value is 17 or lower. Hitting can improve your hand without the risk of busting.
• When you have a pair of Aces or 8s, it is often recommended to split them. However, hitting is an alternative option if splitting is not allowed or seems unfavourable.
• When counting cards (if legal at your casino) and the count indicates a higher probability of favourable cards remaining in the deck.

Blackjack: When to stand

Here are some quick tips to help you know when to stand:

• When your hand value is 17 or higher, as it is generally considered a strong hand.
• When you have a hard hand (a hand without an Ace) and the total value is 12 to 16, while the dealer’s upcard is two to six. The likelihood of the dealer busting is higher in this scenario, so standing is the best option.
• When you have a pair of 10-value cards (for example, a pair of 10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings), it is generally recommended to stand, as a total value of 20 is already strong.
• When using card counting strategies and the count indicates a higher probability of unfavourable cards remaining in the deck.

Common Blackjack Strategies for Hitting and Standing

Paying attention to probability theory is key when trying to identify which of the two options is a good strategy.

For hitting, a common strategy is to hit when your hand value is 11 or lower. Additionally, hitting is often recommended when you have a hand value of 12 to 16 and the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher. Soft totals, where an Ace can be counted as 11 without busting, also present opportunities for hitting to improve the hand.

When it comes to standing, a general strategy is to stand when your hand value is 17 or higher. It is also recommended to stand when you have a hard hand totalling 12 to 16 and the dealer’s upcard is two to six since the dealer has a higher chance of busting in this situation. Additionally, standing is commonly advised when you have a pair of 10-value cards (20 total), as it is a strong hand that does not require further improvement.

When to double down or split in blackjack?

When playing blackjack, choosing to double down or split can make a big difference.

Doubling down is typically recommended when you have a strong hand and the dealer’s card (face-up) is weak (two to six). This is usually done with a hand value of nine, 10, or 11 since the chances of drawing a 10-value card are high, resulting in a potentially strong total.

Splitting is an option when you are dealt a pair of cards with the same rank (for example, two aces). In fact, splitting two aces allows you to potentially form two hands with the value of 11.

Hard Hands vs. Soft Hands: When to Hit or Stand

When you have a hard hand, the decision to hit or stand depends on your hand value and the dealer’s upcard.

As a general rule, you should hit when your hand value is 11 or lower, and you should stand when your hand value is 17 or higher. For hand values of 12 to 16, consider the dealer’s upcard: you should stand if the dealer has a weak upcard (two to six).

With a soft hand, hitting is usually the go-to strategy. You can hit to improve your hand value without the risk of busting. However, if you have a soft 18 or higher, it is generally recommended to stand, as the hand is already strong enough.

Learning How to Read a Blackjack Strategy Chart

While playing your favourite blackjack game, it would be a good idea to keep a blackjack strategy chart by your side. This way, you can consult it whenever you’re not sure about your upcoming choice of action.

Here are the basics to read such a chart:

1. Hand Value: The vertical axis of the chart usually represents your hand value. It typically ranges from five to 21.
2. Dealer’s Upcard: The horizontal axis of the chart represents the dealer’s upcard, showing values from two to ace.
3. Colour Codes: Most charts use different colour codes to indicate the recommended action for each hand combination
4. Matching Hand and Upcard: Find the cell on the chart that corresponds to your hand value and the dealer’s upcard. The recommended action shown in the cell is the strategy you should follow.

Blackjack hit or stand chart

This is a good example of a blackjack chart that you could use:

CHART

How to Practise Your Blackjack “Hit or Stand” Strategy

Practising your “hit or stand” strategy is important to reduce the chances of going bust, reducing the house edge and, in turn, seeing more money come your way.

Firest off, find reputable websites or mobile apps that offer free blackjack games. The HotSlots casino offers many online blackjack casino games that include a demo mode. Once you get some practice in, you’ll be able to try your hand at not only single-deck blackjack but even other games with different blackjack rules.

Also, whether you’re practising online or with friends, try to review your decisions and analsze your results. Identify any mistakes or areas for improvement and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Blackjack Casino Game

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing single-deck blackjack, European blackjack or any other variant, avoiding some common mistakes is important when it comes to preserving your bankroll.

Here are some quick tips on mistakes to avoid:

• Disregarding the strategy chart we mentioned above (as well as other strategies that are well-reviewed) will only increase the house edge and reduce your chances of winning. The only exception would be if you’re already a blackjack pro!
• Making Insurance bets is statistically not a wise decision. It significantly increases the house edge and should generally be avoided.
• Playing for too long at a blackjack table (or any other casino game) isn’t recommended since your decision-making decisions will gradually worsen over time. If you’re tired or mentally exhausted, avoid playing at a blackjack table.
• Staying at the blackjack table to chase a good hand. Don’t wait around too long for that high-value card to come around and make a natural. Respect your bankroll and don’t bet more than you first planned to.