What Is a Hard Blackjack Hand?

If you’re a fan of blackjack, you’ve probably heard the term “hard hand” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of hard blackjack hands and explain everything you need to know.

First things first, let’s define what a hard hand is. In blackjack, a hard hand is any hand that doesn’t contain an ace or contains an ace that can only be counted as one.

For example, if you have a hand of 8-5-2, that’s a hard 15. And if you have a hand of 10-5-Ace, that’s also a hard 16 because the ace can only be counted as one.

So why is it important to know whether your hand is hard or not? Well, when it comes to playing blackjack, different strategies are used for different types of hands. And since hard hands make up the majority of hands in blackjack (about 70%), it’s crucial to understand how to play them correctly.

When playing a hard hand, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Always assume the dealer has a card worth ten points in the hole. This means that if you have a hard 12 or higher, it’s often best to hit rather than stand.

2. If the dealer has a weak upcard (4-6), consider doubling down on your hard 9-11 hands.

3. If the dealer has a strong upcard (7-Ace), play more conservatively and focus on not busting.

Now let’s take a look at some specific examples of how to play certain types of hard hands:

Hard 8: Always hit against any dealer upcard except for 5 and 6.

Hard 9: Double down against dealer upcards 3 through 6 unless you have three cards totaling nine already.

Hard 10: Double down against dealer upcards 2 through 9 unless you have three cards totaling ten already.

Hard 11: Always double down unless the dealer has an Ace.

Hard 12: Hit against a dealer upcard of 2 or 3, stand against a dealer upcard of 4 through 6, and hit against a dealer upcard of 7 or higher.

Hard 13-16: Stand against a dealer upcard of 2 through 6 and hit against a dealer upcard of 7 or higher.

Hard 17-21: Always stand, as hitting runs the risk of busting.

In conclusion, understanding hard blackjack hands is crucial to becoming a successful blackjack player. By knowing how to play these hands correctly, you can greatly increase your chances of winning at the tables. So next time you’re dealt a hard hand, remember these tips and make the smartest play possible.