At What Number Should You Stop Hitting in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s a game of strategy and skill, where players compete against the dealer to see who can get closer to 21 without going over. But as with any game of chance, there are rules that need to be followed if you want to increase your chances of winning.

One of the most important decisions in blackjack is when to hit and when to stand. Hitting means taking another card from the dealer, while standing means keeping your current hand and waiting for the dealer to reveal their cards. Knowing when to hit and when to stand can make all the difference in your chances of winning.

So at what number should you stop hitting in blackjack? The answer depends on several factors, including the dealer’s up card, the number of decks being used, and your own strategy.

If you’re playing with a single deck and no other players at the table, you should generally stop hitting when you have a hand value of 17 or higher. This is because there are only 52 cards in a single deck, and once you reach 17, there are fewer cards left that can improve your hand without busting.

However, if you’re playing with multiple decks or other players at the table, it’s best to consult a basic strategy chart. These charts outline the optimal plays based on your hand value and the dealer’s up card. They take into account all possible combinations of cards and provide statistically-proven advice on whether to hit or stand.

For example, if you have a hard 16 (meaning no ace), you should always hit if the dealer’s up card is a 7 or higher. This may seem counterintuitive since 16 is already quite high, but statistically speaking, hitting gives you a better chance of improving your hand than standing does.

On the other hand, if you have a soft 18 (meaning an ace and a 7 or lower), you should always stand, regardless of the dealer’s up card. This is because there are fewer cards that can improve your hand without busting, and statistically speaking, standing gives you a better chance of winning than hitting does.

It’s important to remember that blackjack is ultimately a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win every time. However, by following basic strategy charts and knowing when to hit and when to stand, you can increase your chances of winning and make the most out of your blackjack experience.

In summary, at what number should you stop hitting in blackjack? It depends on several factors such as the number of decks being used, the dealer’s up card, and your own strategy.

For single deck games without other players at the table, stopping at 17 or higher is generally recommended. For games with multiple decks or other players at the table, it’s best to consult a basic strategy chart for optimal plays. Remember that no strategy can guarantee a win every time, but knowing when to hit and when to stand can greatly improve your chances of winning in this exciting casino game.