Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been around for centuries. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand value that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. While it may seem like a simple game, there are many strategies and rules that players must follow to increase their chances of winning.
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One of the most important rules in blackjack is knowing when to hit and when to stand. Hitting means taking another card from the dealer, while standing means keeping your current hand and ending your turn.
Knowing when to hit can make all the difference in your blackjack game. However, there are times when hitting can be a bad decision and lead to losing your bet.
Here are some situations where you should never hit in blackjack:
1. When You Have a Hard Total of 17 or Higher:
In blackjack, a hard total refers to a hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as one point (not eleven).
If you have a hard total of 17 or higher, it is recommended that you always stand. The reason for this is because there are only four cards (10, J, Q, K) that will improve your hand value without busting (going over 21). On the other hand, there are nine cards (2-9) that will cause you to bust if you hit.
2. When You Have a Soft Total of 19 or Higher:
A soft total in blackjack refers to a hand that contains an Ace which can be counted as either one point or eleven points. If you have a soft total of 19 or higher (Ace-8 or higher), it is best to stand because hitting would cause you to risk busting and losing your bet.
3. When the Dealer Has a High Up Card:
The up card is the card that the dealer shows face up on the table.
If the dealer has a high up card (a card with a value of 7 or higher), it is not recommended to hit if you have a hand value of 12 or higher. The reason for this is because the dealer has a higher chance of making a strong hand and beating your hand if you hit.
4. When You Have a Pair of 10s:
If you are dealt a pair of 10s in blackjack, always stand. Splitting the pair into two hands would be a bad decision because you already have a strong hand value of 20, which is very difficult for the dealer to beat.
5. When You Have a Pair of 5s:
If you are dealt a pair of 5s, it is recommended that you double down instead of hitting.
Doubling down means doubling your bet and taking one more card from the dealer. This is because having two low-value cards such as 5s puts you in a weak position, but doubling down can help maximize your winnings if you get lucky with the third card.
In conclusion, knowing when to hit and when to stand in blackjack can greatly improve your chances of winning. However, there are certain situations where hitting can be detrimental to your game plan. By following these guidelines and strategies, players can increase their chances of winning at blackjack and minimize their losses at the same time.
