Hit or Stand in Blackjack
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If you’ve ever played online Blackjack before, then you know that one of the most difficult decisions to make is whether to hit or stand. It’s a choice that has a direct influence on your chances of winning the game.
With each hand you are dealt, the decision you make can be the difference between winning and losing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when it’s best to hit or stand in blackjack so that you can maximise your chances of success.
The basics of blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most-popular casino games in the world. It’s a card game where the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible, except the dealer opposite you is trying to do the same!
The game starts with each player being dealt two cards. One card is visible to all players, while the other is only visible to the dealer. The visible card is referred to as the “up card” and it indicates the strength of the dealer’s hand.
Players then take turns making decisions based on the value of their cards. The player can either choose to hit or stand. If they hit, they will be dealt another card, and if they stand they stay with the two cards they were initially dealt.
Players win by either getting 21 on their initial two cards (a blackjack) or getting a higher score than the dealer without going over 21. Players lose if their score is lower than the dealer’s or if they go over 21. In case of a tie, the player’s bet is returned to them.
It’s important to note that in blackjack, all face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10 points. Aces can be worth either 11 or 1 depending on what is most beneficial to the player at the time. All other cards are worth their face value.
When to hit
When playing blackjack, knowing when to hit is a key strategy. Generally speaking, if your hand’s total is 11 or lower, you should always hit in order to maximise your chances of beating the dealer. This is because the probability of getting an ace and making a blackjack with 11 points is higher than the probability of drawing a card that will make your total greater than 11.
If your total is 12-16, then you should only hit if the dealer’s card is 7 or higher. When your hand has 17 or more points, it is usually best to stand. Additionally, you should also consider the “soft” or “hard” nature of your hand before deciding whether to hit. A soft hand contains at least one ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11 points, while a hard hand only has points in fixed values.
For example, if you have a soft 16 and the dealer has a 5 showing, then you should hit since there is a good chance that you will make a 21 or 18 with your next card. However, if you have a hard 16 and the dealer has a 5 showing, then it is often best to stand since there is not much chance that you will make 21 or 18 with your next card.
Remember that probabilities change depending on whether the game is multi-deck or single-deck, and with online gameplay, you’re better off using your knowledge of Blackjack strategy rather than memorising cards or playing against the probabilities.
So, should you hit or stand 12 v 3? Ultimately, when deciding whether to hit or stand, players should assess their own hands, the dealer’s cards, and the likelihood of getting the card they need to improve their hands, rather than sticking to patterns. Knowing when to hit can give players an advantage over the house in Blackjack, so it’s important for players to understand this essential strategy.
When to stand
When playing blackjack, it’s important to know when to hit and when to stand. Knowing when to stand is just as crucial as knowing when to hit. Standing means you are content with your hand and you are ready to stand pat, meaning no more cards will be dealt to you.
In general, if you have a hand that totals 17 or higher, you should stand. If your total is between 13 and 16, consider the dealer’s up-card before deciding whether to hit or stand. If the dealer’s card is 6 or lower, then you should hit; if the dealer has a 7 or higher showing, then you should stand.
Always remember that the goal of the game is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Therefore, if the dealer is showing an Ace and has the potential for a blackjack, then it might be best for you to stand on any total higher than 12, so you don’t risk busting.
Another situation where standing can be beneficial is when you have a soft hand (a hand with an Ace in it). If you have an Ace and a 6 for example, this totals 17 but with the Ace being soft you are at less risk of busting if you draw another card. However, if the dealer has a 6 or lower showing then it may be best to hit in order to increase your chances of having a higher total than the dealer’s hand.
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