When To Hit and When To Stand In Blackjack
Table of Contents
A Game Of 21 Anyone?
You’re probably asking yourself, “Why should I try blackjack?” Millions of people who play and win cannot be wrong, right? You’re also probably thinking to yourself that it’s a high roller game that costs a fortune. That’s a common blackjack misconception because when you try your luck at our casino on any of our table games, you’ll see that we have different betting options to suit your budget. Now, let’s talk about how to play blackjack.
As you already know, the objective of the game is getting to 21, or as close to it as possible before the dealer does. If your hand goes over 21, you bust. Therefore, knowing the blackjack card values is vital. These are the three main categories of cards in blackjack: aces, faces, and number cards. Aces can count as either 1 or 11 which you get to decide on. Faces refers to Kings, Queens, and Jacks – these are all worth 10. All the other remaining cards are worth their numerical value, be it 4 of spades, 5 of diamonds, 6 of hearts, etc.
Understanding Hit and Stand
Depending on which version you play, once you’ve made your wager, you will either get one or two cards face up dealt to you, while the dealer also gets one or two cards. Let’s say you get an ace and a 2. Then your total could either be 3 or 13 – you decide.
This is where knowing when to hit and stand is important. Hit is when you want an additional card to get to that golden 21 number. Stand, also known as ‘stay’, is when you keep the cards you already have. As both options could help or hurt your game, here’s a few tips on when to do either.
When One Should Hit In Blackjack
Holding cards 5, 6, 7 or 8, it’s best you hit as you need to up those numbers. Always check what cards the dealer has. If they have a 7, 8, or 9, then hit because they could easily get to 21 with the amount of 10 cards in the deck. Same goes for if you have an 8 as you’re just as likely to make it to 21.
The dealer having an ace and you having an 11 is definitely a hit. If the dealer shows an ace, 2, or a 7, and you have a 9, hit. An ace or 10 held by the dealer and you holding a 10 is also a reason for you to hit.
Should your hand add up to 12 or even 13, the dealer having a lower value also works in your favor. So go for another hit.
When One Should Stand In Blackjack
Soft and hard hands. No, we’re not talking about how supple or not your hands are. A soft hand is one that has an ace due to the fact that the flexibility of deciding if it’s a 1 or 11 is up to you. A hard hand is one where no ace is present and you’re holding a range of different cards.
Holding a total of 17, 18, 19 or 20, is without a doubt the prime opportunity to stand. Any more cards and you’re sure to get that dreaded bust! A 2 up to a 6 on the dealer’s side while you have a total of 13 up to 16 is also cause to stand. You should also stand if you have a 12 and the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6.
There are also certain blackjack rules the dealer has to follow. When they have a soft 17, they have to stand, whereas if they have a 16 or below, they have to take another card. However, there’s a chance of the house getting a 0,2 edge because in some versions of blackjack, the dealer has to hit on 17.
Hit and Stand Blackjack In Different Variations
There are a number of different blackjack options to play, such as Vegas Strip Blackjack, European Blackjack, and Single Deck Blackjack. In each, the rules on hitting and standing may vary depending on the game.
In Atlantic City Blackjack for example, there’s a 22% advantage you’ll get because in this game, the dealer not only has to stand on a soft 17, but a hard 17 too.
Even certain rules vary in blackjack in different forms. Such as In European Blackjack where the dealer gets just one card, which is face up while you get two face down cards. Only after you have played a hand, will the dealer then get his second card.
The amount of hands in blackjack also differs from 1 to 3. This means you can split your cards and play numerous hands at once, like 3 Seat Vegas Strip Blackjack, or 3 Seat European Blackjack. With multiple hands, you can place a 50% bet on both hands which really increases your winning potential tremendously per hour.
When To Hit/Stand – Basic Chart
Take a look at the table below and try to memorize it so you can be sure as to when you should hit and when you should stand.
Let The Blackjack Game Begin At ZAR Casino!
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