Blackjack is one of the most iconic casino table games out there, with a long and exciting history. If you have ever played blackjack online, then you know that choosing whether to hit or stand is the most integral part of the game. It is a decision that directly affects your chances of winning the round.
Your choice could mean the difference between winning and losing with every hand you are dealt. To increase your chances of success today's article will explore the times when it is better to hit or stand in blackjack.
Blackjack Basics
Even if you have never played a casino game before, you will find the rules of blackjack very easy to understand. Two cards are dealt to you, the dealer, and any other players—real or virtual—at the table. The objective is to obtain a hand that is more valuable than the dealer's while also coming as close as possible to a score of 21.
You must choose whether to "hit" or "stand" once your first two cards are dealt. Standing, commonly referred to as "staying," indicates that you are happy with the cards you were dealt and do not wish to draw any more. To hit is to attempt to improve your hand by drawing one or more more cards.
It all boils down to knowing the value of each card in your hand and being aware of the basic rules of blackjack. Numbered cards give that particular numerical value; however, face cards (jack, queen, and king) have the same value as tens, which is ten points. Depending on which number is better for your hand (i.e., which can get you closer to 21), an ace can be worth 1 or 10 points.
Players at an online casino can take this action by selecting the "hit" or "stand" button on their displays. In the meanwhile, patrons of a land-based casino can indicate their intentions to the dealer with various hand gestures.
When to Hit in Blackjack?
In general, you should always hit to increase your chances of beating the dealer if the sum of your hand is 11 or less. This is due to the fact that there is a greater chance of drawing an ace and making a blackjack with 11 points than there is of receiving a card that will allow your total to exceed 11.
You should only hit if the dealer's card is a 7 or higher if your total is between 12 and 16. Before choosing to hit, you need also to take into account how "soft" or "hard" your hand is. A hard hand only has points in set values; on the other hand, a soft hand has at least one ace, which can be counted as one or eleven points.
When to Stand in Blackjack?
It is important to know when to hit and when to stand. Generally speaking, you should stand if your hand total is 17 or greater. Take into account the dealer's up-card while determining whether to hit or stand if your total is between 13 and 16.
Never forget that the object of the game is to go as close to 21 as possible without going over without the dealer. Thus, in order to avoid busting, it might be advisable for you to stand on any total of more than 12 if the dealer is showing an Ace and could potentially have a blackjack.
When you hold a soft hand—that is, a hand that has an Ace in it—standing might also be advantageous. For instance, if you have an Ace and a 6, the total is 17, but since the Ace is soft, there is less chance that you will bust if you draw another card. To improve your odds of having a higher total than the dealer's hand, you should hit if the dealer is showing a 6 or lower.
Blackjack Dealer
Blackjack Strategy Chart
An internet search will yield the blackjack strategy chart, which can be of great use to you when playing the game. Often called a "blackjack hit table," it has a straightforward layout that displays the dealer's and player's potential hands along with the course of action you should take.
During gameplay, you will only see one of the dealer's cards; the other is only shown until everything has been resolved and winning wagers have been settled. On the other hand, you can use the blackjack hit table to guide your decision. The strategy chart is based on probability theory, which helps you increase your chances of winning but does not ensure a victory.
In addition, you can use calculators to help you check probability and other winning tactics. But keep in mind that some tactics, like card counting, are not recommended and may even result in your expulsion from a physical casino. Additionally, this method is ineffective online since each round's cards are shuffled by an automated shoe that is controlled by random number generator (RNG) software.
Common Blackjack Strategy Mistakes to Consider
There are also some common strategy mistakes to avoid when playing blackjack which may cause you to hit or stand incorrectly.
Table Minimum Bet
In order to increase the winning possibility while minimising any potential losses as you learn the game, it is best to consider the minimum bet of the table before you begin and search for the lowest minimum stake to play with.
Blackjack Winner
Hand Signals
You just cannot say to the dealer, "Hit me," or "I stand," as you may see in certain films and TV shows. Instead to avoid any confusion and misunderstandings, specific hand symbols are used instead.
These are the gestures you should be aware of:
- To hit: Use your index finger to make a scratch on the table.
- To Stand: Waving your hand over your cards indicates standing.
- To double down: Place an additional wager (no more than your initial wager) and display the No. 1 hand signal.
- To split: Match your initial wager exactly and form a V with your first two fingers.
Ace Value
You must take into account the fact that the ace has two values—one and 11—when deciding whether to hit or stand. The ace is responsible for whether your hand is considered ‘hard’ or ‘soft’.
Conclusion
While at the end of the day, blackjack is a complete game of chance, knowing the right time to hit and the right time to stand will dramatically impact your chances of success. Before playing blackjack, take the time to learn which option is best and when and use guides like a strategy chart to help you. As always, when gambling online or in person you should always gamble responsibly, and never wager more than you can either afford or be willing to lose.
