What Happens When You Hit Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Also known as 21, this game is all about getting as close to 21 points without going over.

But what happens when you hit blackjack? Let’s explore this question in detail.

First of all, hitting blackjack means that you have been dealt an ace and a ten-value card (10, J, Q, or K) on your first two cards. This combination adds up to 21 points and is an automatic win for you, provided that the dealer does not also have blackjack.

If the dealer also has blackjack, then the game ends in a push or tie. In this case, neither you nor the dealer wins or loses any money. However, if the dealer does not have blackjack, then you win immediately and are paid out at a rate of 3-to-2.

For example, let’s say you bet $10 on a hand of blackjack and hit blackjack. The dealer checks their cards and does not have blackjack. You are then paid out $15 (your original bet plus half again) for a total of $25.

But what if you don’t hit blackjack on your first two cards? In this case, the game continues with additional rounds of betting and card drawing until one of three things happens:

1. You bust – If your total point value exceeds 21 at any point in the game, you lose immediately.

2. You stand – If you are happy with your current point total and do not want to draw any more cards, you can choose to stand and wait for the dealer to reveal their hand.

3. The dealer busts – If the dealer’s point total exceeds 21 at any point in the game, they lose and you win.

If none of these three things happen before both you and the dealer stand (i.e., decide not to draw any more cards), then whoever has the highest point total without busting wins. In the case of a tie, the game ends in a push or tie.

Now that we’ve covered what happens when you hit blackjack, let’s talk about some strategies for playing this game. One of the most important things to keep in mind is basic strategy, which involves making mathematically optimal decisions based on your current point total and the dealer’s visible card.

For example, if you have a total point value of 12 and the dealer is showing a 2 or 3, then it is typically best to hit and try to improve your hand. On the other hand, if you have a total point value of 17 or higher (assuming no ace), then it is usually best to stand and hope that the dealer busts.

Another important strategy is card counting, which involves keeping track of which cards have already been played in order to deduce what cards are still left in the deck. This can give you an advantage over the casino by allowing you to make more informed decisions about when to hit or stand.

In conclusion, hitting blackjack is an exciting moment in any game of blackjack. It means that you’ve won immediately and are paid out at a rate of 3-to-2. However, it’s important to remember that blackjack is ultimately a game of skill and strategy, so be sure to brush up on your basic strategy and card counting skills before hitting the casino floor.