When Can the Dealer Not Hit in Blackjack?

When you’re playing blackjack, it’s important to understand the rules that the dealer has to follow. One of the most important rules is when the dealer can and cannot hit. This can have a big impact on your strategy as a player, so it’s important to know when you can expect the dealer to make certain moves.

First, let’s review the basic rules of blackjack. In this game, each player is dealt two cards face-up, while the dealer is dealt one card face-up and one card face-down.

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The goal of the game is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over, or “busting.” Number cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points each, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points depending on what’s most beneficial for your hand.

Now let’s talk about when the dealer can hit. In general, the dealer must hit until they have a total of at least 17 points. This means that if they have a hand that adds up to 16 or less (including a soft 17), they must take another card in an attempt to improve their hand.

PRO TIP:In blackjack, the dealer cannot choose to hit if their hand totals 17 or more (regardless of what the player’s hand totals). If the dealer’s hand totals 16 or lower, they must hit.

However, there are some situations where the dealer cannot hit. For example:

– If the dealer has a total of 17 or higher (not including a soft 17), they must stand.
– If the dealer has a natural blackjack (an ace and a ten-point card) right off the bat, they don’t need to take any more cards – they win automatically.
– If you bust before the dealer has taken their turn – meaning your hand adds up to more than 21 points – then it doesn’t matter what the dealer does with their hand; you’ve already lost.

It’s also worth noting that different casinos may have slightly different rules regarding when dealers can hit or stand. Some may allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17 (a hand that includes an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 points), while others require the dealer to stand. Make sure you understand the specific rules at your chosen casino before you start playing.

Understanding when the dealer can and cannot hit is important because it can affect your own strategy. For example, if the dealer has a weak hand, you may want to stand on a lower total in order to avoid busting and give the dealer a chance to bust instead. On the other hand, if the dealer has a strong hand, you may want to take another card even if it puts you at risk of busting, in order to try and improve your own hand.

In summary, the basic rules of blackjack require dealers to hit until they have at least 17 points. However, there are exceptions such as when they have a total of 17 or higher (not including a soft 17) or they have a natural blackjack. It’s important to understand these rules in order to make informed decisions about your own gameplay strategy.