When Should You Hit on 12 Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world. It is a game that requires both skill and luck.

One of the most common dilemmas that players face when playing blackjack is when to hit on 12. In this article, we will discuss the various scenarios where hitting on 12 in blackjack is recommended and when it should be avoided.

Firstly, let’s take a look at what hitting on 12 means in blackjack. A player hits on 12 when they request an additional card from the dealer while their current hand total is equal to 12. Hitting on 12 can be a risky move as it can result in busting, which means going over 21 and losing the hand.

Now, let’s discuss when hitting on 12 in blackjack is recommended:

1. When the dealer’s upcard is a low card (2 to 6): In this scenario, the dealer has a higher chance of busting as their hand total may not be strong enough to beat yours. Thus, hitting on 12 becomes necessary to increase your chances of winning.

2. When playing with multiple decks: If you’re playing with multiple decks, hitting on 12 becomes more favorable as there are more low-value cards in the deck. These cards increase your chances of getting a lower card after hitting, which reduces your risk of busting.

3. When playing with a soft hand: A soft hand refers to a hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as either one or eleven points. In this scenario, players have more flexibility to hit without risking busting as they can use the Ace as one point instead of eleven.

On the other hand, there are some scenarios where hitting on 12 should be avoided:

1. When the dealer’s upcard is high (7 to Ace): In this situation, the dealer has a good chance of having a strong hand that beats yours if you hit on 12. It is better to stand and hope that the dealer busts or has a weaker hand. When playing with a single deck: In a single deck game, the number of low-value cards is limited, which increases your chances of busting if you hit on 12. It’s better to stand and hope that the dealer has a weaker hand. When your hand is hard (no Ace): If your hand does not contain an Ace, hitting on 12 can be risky as any card higher than a 9 will result in busting. Standing in this scenario may be the better option.

In conclusion, hitting on 12 in blackjack can be both advantageous and dangerous. Players should consider various factors such as the dealer’s upcard, number of decks, and whether their hand is soft or hard before making this decision. It’s always important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in blackjack and players should use their best judgment when making decisions at the table.