When to Hit or stand in Blackjack ?

Blackjack is a game of skill, strategy, and decision-making. One of the most critical decisions a player must make in every hand is whether to hit or stand. Understanding when to hit or stand can significantly impact your success at the table, whether you're playing online or in a real casino. The choices you make are influenced by a variety of factors, including the table rules, the number of decks in play, and the dealer's actions.

In this guide, we will focus on the classic rules of online blackjack, specifically games with 4, 6, or 8 decks where the dealer hits on a soft 17 (H17).

While the principles of hitting and standing remain consistent across both online and real-world play, there are nuances unique to each setting. For instance, the position of the player at the table can influence strategy in a physical casino. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of when to hit or stand, primarily from an online blackjack perspective.

This article will delve into the meaning of hitting and standing, explore the basic strategy and factors to consider when making these decisions and provide practical examples and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the optimal strategies for hitting and standing in blackjack.

Meaning of Hit and Stand Player Decisions

In blackjack, knowing when to hit or stand is fundamental to playing the game well. These decisions determine the outcome of each hand and are essential for any successful strategy.

What is a Hit in Blackjack?

A hit in blackjack means that you request an additional card from the dealer in an attempt to improve your hand’s total value. This action is taken when you believe your current hand is too low to compete with the dealer's potential hand.

Basic Rules: Players can choose to hit multiple times in a single turn, as long as their hand total does not exceed 21. Each new card increases the risk of busting (exceeding a total of 21), which results in an automatic loss for that hand.

What is a Stand in Blackjack?

A stand in blackjack means that you are satisfied with your current hand and do not wish to take any more cards. You believe your hand is strong enough to beat the dealer’s hand or that taking additional cards might result in busting.

Basic Rules: Once you decide to stand, your turn ends, and the dealer will proceed with their turn. Standing is a strategic decision to preserve your current hand value, hoping it will be sufficient to win against the dealer’s final hand.

When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack

Making the right decision to hit or stand in blackjack requires understanding the basic rules and strategy of the game, as well as considering various factors that influence your chances of winning.

Reminder of the Basic Blackjack Rules & Strategy

The objective is to have a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding 21. Each card has a value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10, and Aces can be worth 1 or 11.

The game begins with each player and the dealer receiving two cards. Players can then choose to hit (take another card) or stand (keep their current hand). The dealer follows a set of rules: typically, they must hit until their hand total is at least 17. If the dealer has a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace valued at 11), the dealer hits in the games we are considering. Players aim to make strategic decisions based on their hand and the dealer’s up card.

Read our article on the rules of blackjack to learn more.

Factors to Consider When Deciding When to Hit or Stand

Hard vs Soft Hands: What’s the Difference?

Hard Hands: A hard hand is one without an Ace, or where the Ace counts as 1 to avoid busting. For example, a hand with a 10 and a 6 is a hard 16. Hard hands are less flexible because there's no Ace to adjust the total.
Soft Hands: A soft hand contains an Ace valued at 11. For instance, an Ace and a 6 form a soft 17. Soft hands are more flexible since the Ace can be counted as 1 if a high-value card is drawn, reducing the risk of busting.

Read our article on the difference between hard hands and soft hands if you want to explore this topic further.

Your Hand Total

The total value of your hand is crucial in deciding whether to hit or stand. A lower hand total (e.g., 12-16) often necessitates hitting to improve your chances of getting closer to 21. However, the risk of busting increases as your total gets higher.

Dealer’s Up Card

The dealer’s visible card greatly influences your strategy. If the dealer shows a weak card (2-6), they are more likely to bust, so standing on a lower total can be a better option. Conversely, if the dealer shows a strong card (7-Ace), you may need to hit to improve your hand.

Don’t Forget Other Options: Double, Insurance, Split, Surrender

Double: Doubling down allows you to double your initial bet in exchange for one additional card. This is typically done when you have a strong chance to win with one more card.
Insurance: Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace, protecting against the dealer having a blackjack. It’s generally not recommended as it favours the house.
Split: When dealt a pair, you can split them into two separate hands, placing an additional bet equal to the original. This can be advantageous if you split into two strong hands.
Surrender: Some games allow you to surrender your hand, forfeiting half your bet and ending your turn. This can be a strategic choice when the odds are strongly against you.

When to Hit and When Should You Never Hit in Blackjack?

When to Hit:
- When you have a hard hand total of 8 or less.
- When you have a hard 12-16 and the dealer shows a 7 or higher.
- When you have a soft 15 or less.

When to Never Hit:
- When you have a hard 17 or higher.
- When you have a soft 19 or higher.
- When the dealer shows a weak card and you have a reasonable total (e.g., standing on a hard 13-16 when the dealer shows 2-6).

Generally, if your hand has a value of eight or lower, you should hit. There is no chance of busting as no additional card has a high enough value. Also, if you have a value of eight, there is a good chance of getting a decent hand. That is because there are so many 10-value cards in the deck. Another tip is to hit when you see the dealer holding a high card, such as a 10. That means the dealer has a good chance of hitting 20 or even 21 with his next card. You are likely to need a good hand to beat him. Some players think it is good to hit when holding a 12 or 13 when the dealer has a lower-value card. There is a chance of busting, but with the right card, you can make a strong hand that is difficult to beat.

Quick Tips:

Aim to hit if you have 11 and the dealer’s card is an ace.
Aim to hit if you have a 10 and the dealer is holding an ace or 10.
Aim to hit with a 9 when the dealer has a 2 or 7 to ace.
Aim to hit if your hand is valued at five, six, seven, or eight.

When to Stand and When Should You Never Stand in Blackjack?

When to Stand:
- When you have a hard 17 or higher.
- When you have a soft 19 or higher.
- When you have a hard 12-16 and the dealer shows a weak card (2-6).
- When you have a pair of 10.
When to Never Stand:
- When you have a hard hand total of 8 or less.
- When you have a soft 15 or less.
- When the dealer shows a strong card and you have a low total (e.g., hitting on a hard 12-16 when the dealer shows 7-Ace).

If you have a hand value of 17 or higher, always stand. Taking another card is likely to bust you. Besides, as your hand is fairly strong, you stand a chance of winning. Again, your decision will also depend on the face-up card of the dealer. For instance, if the dealer is holding 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should always stand if your hand is 13, 14, 15, or 16. There are other permutations depending on the cards you and the dealer have but below are the most commonly used by experienced players.

Quick Tips:

Aim to stand with a hand of 17+.
Aim to stand with 13 through 16, and the dealer is showing a 2 through 6.
Aim to stand with 12 if the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6.

Basic Blackjack Chart: When to Hit or Stand?

This chart, designed for blackjack games with 4 to 8 decks where the dealer hits on soft 17, encapsulates the previously discussed strategies. It offers a concise reference for determining when to hit and when to stand in various scenarios.

Examples of Game Sequences with a Hit or Stand

Understanding when to hit or stand is critical, but seeing these strategies in action can be even more enlightening. Here are four examples of game sequences that demonstrate the outcomes of hitting and standing in different situations.

Example 1: Win After a Hit

Player’s Hand: 8 of Hearts, 7 of Diamonds (Total: 15)
Dealer’s Up Card: 10 of Spades

The player decides to hit, drawing a 6 of Clubs. This brings their total to 21, a perfect score.

Outcome: The dealer reveals their hole card, a 6 of Diamonds, making their total 16. The dealer hits and draws a 5 of Spades, busting with a total of 21. The player wins.

Example 2: Lose After a Hit

Player’s Hand: 9 of Hearts, 6 of Spades (Total: 15)
Dealer’s Up Card: 9 of Clubs

The player decides to hit, drawing a 10 of Diamonds, which brings their total to 25, resulting in a bust.

Outcome: The dealer reveals their hole card, a 7 of Diamonds, making their total 16. The dealer hits and draws 8 Clubs, bringing their total to 24, which also busts. However, since the player busted first, the dealer wins.

Example 3: Win After a Stand

Player’s Hand: 10 of Spades, 7 of Hearts (Total: 17)
Dealer’s Up Card: 6 of Diamonds

The player decides to stand with a total of 17.

Outcome: 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: Lose After a Stand

Player’s Hand: 10 of Diamonds, 6 of Hearts (Total: 16)
Dealer’s Up Card: 10 of Hearts

The player decides to stand with a total of 16, hoping the dealer will bust.

Outcome: 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 When Hitting or Standing

Even experienced blackjack players can make mistakes when deciding whether to hit or stand. Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your game strategy. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes players make:

Ignoring 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.

Overvaluing 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.

Undervaluing 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.

Mis-Playing Blackjack Soft Hands

Mistake: Treat soft hands (hands containing an Ace valued at 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.

Forgetting Other 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.

Emotional Decision-Making

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.

Misjudging 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's hand. Double-check your totals before making a decision.

Our opinion on hit & stand in Blackjack:

Mastering decisions of when to hit or stand in blackjack is crucial for any player looking to improve their game. By understanding the basic rules, analyzing key factors such as your hand total and the dealer’s up card, and avoiding common mistakes, you can make informed decisions that enhance your chances of winning. Our advice is to always rely on the basic strategy chart and remain disciplined in your approach. Whether you're playing online or in a real casino, following a well-researched strategy and keeping your emotions in check will give you a significant edge. Remember, while luck plays a part in blackjack, consistently making smart decisions is the key to long-term success.

Another way to ensure better results is to stick to a basic blackjack strategy. As you will see in our guide on the subject, following a basic strategy greatly improves your chances of success.