Do You Hit on a 7 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s easy to learn, and there’s a lot of strategy involved. One question that comes up frequently is whether or not to hit on a 7 in blackjack.

The answer, like many things in blackjack, depends on the situation. In general, hitting on a 7 is not always the best move. However, there are times when it can be the right decision.

Basic Strategy

When playing blackjack, it’s important to follow basic strategy. This is the mathematically correct way to play every hand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.

According to basic strategy, you should hit on a 7 when your total hand value is between 8 and 16 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 6. This is because the dealer has a high probability of busting with these cards.

• If you have a soft 17 (an ace and a six), you should hit against a dealer’s upcard of 2 through 8 but stand against a dealer’s upcard of 9, 10 or Ace.
• If you have a hard 17 (no ace), you should stand against a dealer’s upcard of 2 through 8 but hit against an Ace or nine or ten or Jack or Queen or King.

The Dealer’s Up Card Matters

The decision to hit on a seven also depends on what card the dealer has showing. If the dealer has an eight or higher showing, hitting on a seven would be unwise as there’s always that risk of busting when taking another card.

However, if the dealer’s up card is a six or lower, hitting on a seven could be profitable. In this scenario, the dealer has a higher chance of busting when they draw their next card. So, it’s often better to take another card and hope for an improvement.

Counting Cards

Counting cards is another way to determine whether or not to hit on a 7 in blackjack. This involves keeping track of the cards that have been played and using that information to make decisions about future hands.

If the count is positive, meaning there are more high cards left in the deck, then hitting on a 7 can be a good decision. If the count is negative, however, it’s better to stand and wait for the dealer to potentially go bust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not to hit on a 7 in blackjack depends on several factors such as your hand value, the dealer’s upcard and whether you’re counting cards or not. Remember basic strategy and always consider the odds before making any decision at the table.

So next time you’re playing blackjack and you’re dealt a 7 – don’t panic! Just remember these tips and use them wisely to give yourself the best chance of success at the table.