Mastering Blackjack: Strategies for When to Hit or Stand

When to hit or stand in blackjack? That’s a question many players encounter when battling it out in this popular casino game.

Those using basic blackjack strategy correctly can thin the house edge over the long run and hopefully walk away with some winnings.

In this guide, you’ll learn when to hit or stand in blackjack to maximize your chances of winning.

When to Hit in Blackjack?

A man in a black shirt playing blackjack at a casino table, with slot machines and other players in the background. The casino environment is well-lit and vibrant, creating an engaging atmosphere.

In blackjack, players receive two cards and then hope to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over (busting). After receiving your first two cards, you can then hit (take a card) or stand (decline not to take anymore cards).

Basic strategy offers players insight on the mathematically-best option when it comes to when to hit. In general, a blackjack hit or stand is based on your hand as well as the dealer’s hand. Players will basically take a hit when they have an inferior hand against the dealer’s upcard. There are more 10-value cards in the deck than any others and players will need to take this into account when considering when to hit in blackjack.

Players will also want to take a hit when their cards still have room to complete a hand without busting. For example, someone with 5-4 still can make a solid hand without busting no matter what the dealer shows. This hand should take a hit and you can make 19 with a 10 and 20 with an ace.

However, following common sense and basic strategy when considering blackjack rules for hitting is key. Do you hit on 17? You may want to on a soft 17 (one with an ace where you may improve) but not on a hard 17 (one without an ace).

Try to avoid other mistakes, such as not considering the dealer’s face up card. A card like 4 ,5, or 6 may mean the dealer has a likely hand that will bust when drawing a 10-value card. Counting cards can also offer players a better chance to win and avoid mistakes.

When playing online, following correct blackjack strategy is much easier. You can easily consult a blackjack strategy chart when playing at sites like Lucky Block Casino. Pay attention and follow basic strategy blackjack rules for hitting to help limit the house edge and give yourself a better chance at winning.

How Do You Signal for a Hit in Blackjack?

o signal for a hit in Blackjack, you can use the following gestures based on the type of game:

Tap the Table: In a face-up game (where cards are dealt face-up), use your finger or hand to tap the table in front of you. This indicates to the dealer that you want another card.
Scratch the Table: In a face-down game (where cards are dealt face-down), lightly scratch the table with your cards. This gesture is known in the blackjack lingo as a signal that you want to hit.

When to Stand in Blackjack?

Close-up of hands placing chips and cards on a blackjack table. The table is surrounded by players, and the casino environment is warm and lively, indicating active gameplay.

Knowing when to stand in blackjack is also critical. Once a player doesn’t want any more cards, he can “stand” and move the action to another player. Using solid blackjack strategies can give players the correct play on when to stand whether playing in an online casino or on the Las Vegas Strip.

Players should pay attention to what the dealer shows when considering which play to make. Using basic blackjack strategy and a blackjack strategy chart (or studying blackjack card counting) will help players determine the correct move. Blackjack is the rare casino game where players can thin the edge to very slim degree, where players have a real chance to win if things work out in the short term.

In general, players will want to stand when they have a big chance of going over 21 if getting an extra card, although this can vary based on the math found on a blackjack chart. You’ll also want to stand if the dealer has a high likelihood of busting if a 10-value (or even another high card) comes off the deck.

For example, according to blackjack strategy, if a player has a hard 16 and the dealer is showing a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, the correct move is to stand. The hope is the dealer has a large card in the hole and then draws a second large card to bust, handing the player a win. It’s often worth taking a hit on soft hands as adding other cards won’t kill your hand.

There are some other scenarios where players need to know when to hit or stay in blackjack. If players receive two of the same card, these can be split into two separate hands. You will then receive a second card on each from the dealer and must decide whether to hit or stand. When dealt two aces, however, you’ll receive only one card on each.

When looking at other blackjack variations, players may also consider other strategies based on the game rules when it comes to when to hit or stand.

How Do You Signal for a Stand in Blackjack?

To signal for a stand in Blackjack, use the following gestures based on the type of game:

Wave Your Hand Horizontally: In a face-up game (where cards are dealt face-up0, move your hand horizontally over your cards to indicate that you do not want any more cards.
Slide Your Cards Under Your Bet: In a face-down game (where cards are dealt face-down), place your cards under your betting chips without adding any further indication. This signals to the dealer that you are satisfied with your hand and do not want any more cards.

Play Blackjack at Lucky Block

Blackjack offers players one of the best chances to win, with low house edges that can mean some winnings if things go right. Knowing when to hit or stay in blackjack is supremely important to success. Making use of sound strategy where you consider the dealer’s cards as well as your own will steer players in the right direction.

Now that you know when to hit or stand in blackjack, you may want to try playing blackjack with BTC at Lucky Block Casino. The are numerous casino games and betting options available. Grab that blackjack strategy chart and get started.

Learn more on blackjack:

Frequently Asked Questions

When not to hit in a blackjack game?

Don’t hit your hand when you are more likely to go over 21 or when the dealer might bust by taking a hit. Use basic strategy to know when and how to play your best blackjack hands.

Should I hit or stand on 16?

A player with a hard 16 should stand against the dealer’s 2 to 6 and hit against 7 through ace, according to basic strategy. On a soft 16: hit against 2 and 3; double down against 4, 5, 6; and hit against 7, 8, 9, 10, ace.

Do you hit 13 against a 2?

No, according to basic strategy you will want to stand and let the dealer hopefully bust with a hard 13. But with a soft 13, you will want to double against 2, 3, or 4.