It's a simple system, but how should you utilise it? Read our guide, and see if you can build your profits.
It’s a simple system, but how should you utilise it? Read our guide, and see if you can build your profits.
What is hit and stand in blackjack?
The aim of blackjack is to have a hand as close to 21 as possible, without exceeding it. But how does hitting and standing work?
What does hit mean?
When you choose to hit in blackjack, you’re asking the dealer to give you another card in an attempt to improve your hand. You can carry on hitting until you have ‘bust’ (gone over 21).
What does stand mean in blackjack?
Alternatively, you can decide to stand by taking no further cards. This means that you’re satisfied with your current hand, and you’re confident you’ve got a good chance of beating the dealer.
When to hit or stand in blackjack
But it’s an art knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack. Even standing on a low hand can make sense if you think you could soon go bust.
When to hit in Blackjack
In general, if you have a total of 8, you should hit against any card that the dealer holds. With so many 9 and 10-value cards in the deck, the chances of you making a good hand are high.
Similarly, if the dealer shows a high card – and therefore is likely to make 21, or at least a good hand – you should look at hitting your high cards, too. Remember, the idea is just to beat the dealer’s total.
But if you are unlikely to win anyway, take another card. For example, if you hold 13 or 14 and the dealer has 7 or above, you’re likely in bad shape. Take another card and see where you are.
When to stand in Blackjack
You should stand on all totals of 17, 19, or 20. You gain nothing from taking another card, regardless of what the dealer has. You don’t want to go bust.
Watch out for good totals that can be split, too. For example, if you get 8-8, 9-9, or 10-10, they can be split to form two new perfectly good hands.
It’s also important to know the difference between soft and hard hands. “Soft” hands contain an ace (which counts as 1 or 11), while “hard” hands are made up of other cards.
The same total can be treated differently depending on which camp it falls into. For example, if you have a “hard” 16 (e.g. 9-7) you should stand if the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. However, if you have A-5, and a “soft” 16, it’s worth hitting if the dealer shows a 2, and even doubling down if the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, or 6. Why? Because a soft hand can make a much stronger total if you draw a high-value card.
For more insights, check out our guides: What is the double down? And how do you split in blackjack?
Hit and stand in blackjack variants
The beauty of online blackjack is that players aren’t restricted to just one variant.
European Blackjack has two or three moves, but some alternative variations have different side bets. This can alter the way you hit and stand with your cards.
Atlantic City Blackjack has a ‘surrender’ option for players. It’s a special move that allows you to give up your hand early and receive 50 per cent of your stake back. For example, when you hold a 15 or 16, and the dealer has a 9, 10, or Ace showing, you can take the surrender.
Trying blackjack’s hit and stand betting system
The rules of blackjack are basic, but knowing when to hit or stand is vital. Many players get stuck with hands worth 16 or 17, for example. Where a “hard” 17 is good to stand on, you cannot necessarily say the same for a “soft” 17 (A-6). Make sure you have a good understanding of the basics, so that you know which decision to make in each situation.
There you have it: our guide on the blackjack hit or stand rules. Now you know when to hit and when to stand in blackjack, it’s time to sharpen your knowledge in other areas of the game by checking out our wider Betway blog!
Alternatively, try free bet blackjack, or experience the thrill of our casino wherever you are by heading over to Play Store or the App Store. There you can dive into a world of exciting games, big wins, and exclusive bonuses.
