What Should I Hit in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that is enjoyed by many players all around the world. It’s a game of skill and chance, where players aim to beat the dealer by having a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.

If you’re new to the game of blackjack, you might be wondering what you should hit in blackjack. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different scenarios that might arise during a game of blackjack and advise you on what actions you should take.

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Before we start, let’s quickly go over some basic terminology used in the game of blackjack. A “hit” refers to taking an additional card from the dealer to add to your hand. A “stand” means that you’re happy with your current hand and don’t want any more cards.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive into what you should hit in blackjack.

1. When Your Hand Value Is Less Than 12

If your starting hand has a value of less than 12, it’s generally recommended that you hit. The reason for this is because there are only four cards in the deck (the 10, J, Q, K) that will give you a total hand value greater than 11. By hitting in this scenario, you increase your chances of getting one of these cards and improving your hand value.

2. When Your Hand Value Is Between 12 And 16

This is where things get a bit trickier. If your starting hand has a value between 12 and 16, whether or not to hit depends on what card the dealer is showing.

PRO TIP:When playing blackjack, it is best to hit when you have a total of 11 or lower and stand when your total is higher. Additionally, it is wise to always hit on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace and a 6) as you have more flexibility to play this combination of cards. Finally, never hit on a hard 17 (any combination of cards that equals 17) as the chances of busting are high.

If the dealer has a card between two and six (inclusive), it’s recommended that you stand as there’s a good chance they’ll bust (go over 21). However, if the dealer has a card between seven and ace (inclusive), it’s recommended that you hit as the dealer has a higher chance of getting a better hand than you.

3. When Your Hand Value Is 17 Or More

If your starting hand has a value of 17 or more, it’s generally recommended that you stand. The reason for this is because there are only four cards in the deck (the 10, J, Q, K) that will give you a total hand value greater than 21. By hitting in this scenario, you increase your chances of going over 21 and losing the game.

4. When You Have A Soft Hand

A soft hand refers to a hand that contains an ace which can be counted as either one or eleven. If you have a soft hand, whether or not to hit depends on what card the dealer is showing.

If the dealer has a card between two and eight (inclusive), it’s recommended that you hit as there’s a good chance of improving your hand without going over 21. However, if the dealer has a card between nine and ace (inclusive), it’s recommended that you stand as there’s a higher chance of going over 21.

In conclusion, blackjack is a game of strategy and knowing when to hit is an important part of that strategy. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about when to hit during a game of blackjack and increase your chances of winning.

Remember to always keep in mind what card the dealer is showing and adjust your strategy accordingly. Good luck at the tables!