Without a doubt, blackjack is one of the most loved casino games. Although it is a simple game, it is packed with strategy. Knowing when to hit in blackjack or when to stand is part of perfecting your blackjack strategy, and can significantly impact the house edge. This article will discuss what hitting, standing and doubling down means in blackjack and which move the player should make under specific conditions.
Without a doubt, blackjack is one of the most loved casino games. Although it is a simple game, it is packed with strategy. Knowing when to hit in blackjack or when to stand is part of perfecting your blackjack strategy, and can significantly impact the house edge. This article will discuss what hitting, standing and doubling down means in blackjack and which move the player should make under specific conditions.
What Does Hitting Mean in Blackjack?
The player’s main objective in blackjack is to get a hand value close to 21 without going over (busting). After the initial two cards have been dealt, the player will be presented with several choices, two of which are Hit and Stand. Standing means that the player wishes to play the hand as s, without drawing any additional cards. Hitting, as you may have guessed, signifies that you wish to draw an additional card with the goal to build a better hand.
When playing at an online casino, players make the decision by clicking on the ‘Hit’ and ‘Stand’ buttons that are available when the dealer calls for action. Hitting will be available as long as your total point value is under 21, but keep in mind that if you draw a card that pushes your total over 21, then the hand loses.
You may be wondering that, given mathematical probability, there may be optimal conditions for hitting. And you are absolutely right! The main factors in this decision are the dealer’s upcard and whether or not the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17. These tables will be labelled H17 and S17, respectively. At online casinos, you can find out whether you’re playing H17 or S17 by viewing the game’s rules.
When to Hit In Blackjack
Most online blackjack tables are played with an eight-deck shoe, and the dealer stands on a soft 17; thus, we will cover the optimal hitting conditions on S17 with 4-8 decks of cards. Another factor to consider is whether your hand is hard (no ace) or soft (has an ace). The presence or absence of an ace directly impacts the strategy, since this card can take a value of one or 11, depending on which is more advantageous to the player’s hand.
Hard Hand
- On four to eight — Always hit, regardless of the dealer’s upcard.
- On nine — Hit if the dealer shows two or seven through ace.
- On 10 — Double down if allowed when the dealer shows two through nine, otherwise hit.
- On 11 — Double down if allowed when the dealer shows two through ten, hit on an ace.
- On 12 — Hit on two, three and seven through ace. Stand on four through six.
- On 13 and 14 — Stand on two through six, otherwise hit.
- On 15 — Stand on two through six, hit on seven, eight, nine and ace. Surrender on 10 (if allowed); otherwise, hit.
- On 16 — Stand on two through six, hit on seven and eight. Surrender on nine, ten and ace (if allowed); otherwise, hit.
- On 17+ — Always stand.
Soft Hand
- On 13 and 14 — Hit on two through four and seven through ace. Double down on five and six if allowed, otherwise hit.
- On 15 and 16 — Hit on two, three and seven through ace. Double down on four, five and six if allowed, otherwise hit.
- On 17 — Hit on two and seven through ace. Double down, if possible, on three through six; otherwise, hit.
- On 18 — Stand on two, seven and eight. Hit on nine through ace. Double down on three through six, if allowed; otherwise, stand.
- On 19+ — Always stand.
When Not To Hit In Blackjack
As per the breakdown above, players generally shouldn’t hit when their hand total is nearing 21. This is because the likelihood of a player drawing a card that would result in a bust is greater than the probability of improving the hand.
Splits
Don’t forget that splitting pairs also affects whether you should hit in certain conditions. We recommend that you read up on when to split in blackjack before learning more about when to hit on split pairs. Hitting, standing or splitting pairs will also depend on whether or not the table permits doubling down after splitting.
Using Blackjack Strategy Chart
A good way to improve your blackjack gameplay is by using a blackjack strategy chart. These charts are widely available online and are designed to help you throughout the game. You will find blackjack charts for hitting, splitting, doubling down, etc. Keep these charts handy during your next round, and simply scan the tables to determine what the optimal strategy is for that hand.
However, a blackjack strategy chart doesn’t guarantee a win because it is based on probability. In fact, there is no single strategy or betting system that can guarantee wins and profits. The main benefit of using the “perfect” strategy is that, given mathematical probability, this choice will lead to a lower amount of losses in the long run.
Apart from strategy charts, there are several other strategies you can use to improve your winning odds. Below are some useful tips that can help you play blackjack responsibly.
Useful Tips For Playing Blackjack Online
Tip #1: Choose the Right Casino
Tip #1: Choose the Right CasinoThis is perhaps the most important tip applicable to all casino games. While there are hundreds of online casinos available, not all are worth playing at. Look for a licensed and reputable gambling platform and keep an eye on the casino’s ‘Promotions’ page to see if you qualify for any casino bonuses.
Tip #2: Read And Understand The Rules
While there are hundreds of blackjack games across online casinos, not all are the same. Each game has its own rules and may include optional side bets. One of the advantages of playing online is greater flexibility — use it to familiarise yourself with the rules of the game before you wager!
Tip #3: Test Your Game With Free Demo
Once you’ve turned blackjack inside out and understand the basic strategy, it’s time to start playing. But wait! Before playing with your real money, test the game in a free demo mode. You can find blackjack demos on RNG/First Person blackjack tables, often found in the Casino section. Demos are available to registered players but can be enjoyed completely for free. All live blackjack games must be played with real wagers.
Tip #4: Manage Your Bankroll
The most important tip is to manage your bankroll well. Before you place your chips on the table, establish a bankroll and stick to it. If you are new to casino games, it is recommended that your individual wagers don’t pass 1-2% of your entire bankroll. If you choose to use betting strategies, remember that almost all betting systems are unsuccessful in the long run.
Above all, have fun and play responsibly!