Blackjack is a popular card game found in many casinos, both online and offline. Understanding basic terms is key to navigating the game more confidently.
One of these essential terms is "hit". In blackjack, to "hit" means to ask for another card from the dealer. This action can bring you closer to achieving a hand total of 21, which is the best score possible in the game.
However, knowing when to hit is crucial. Taking an extra card at the right time can increase your chances of winning, while doing so at the wrong time can cause you to go over 21, which is called "busting" and results in an automatic loss.
In this blog post, we'll break down what hitting in blackjack means and discuss common advice on when it may be most advantageous to hit, as doing so has the potential to improve your chances in the game. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this guide can help you make better decisions at the blackjack table.
What Does Hit Mean In Blackjack?
In blackjack, "hit" is one of the basic moves you can make during your turn.
If you choose to hit, you are asking the dealer to give you an additional card. The goal is to try to end up with a hand that has a total value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
You can hit as many times as you like, as long as you don't go over 21. Going over 21 is called "busting" or "going bust", which results in an automatic loss for that hand.
Hitting is usually done if your initial hand adds up to a total that is still some distance from 21, giving the dealer a better chance of having a higher total. Also, the risk of busting is lower if hitting on a low-value hand compared to hitting on a high-value hand.
Remember, the goal in blackjack is to have a higher hand total than the dealer without exceeding 21. Knowing when it is appropriate to hit can significantly impact your game strategy and, potentially, your chances of winning.
Understanding this simple term can go a long way in helping you play blackjack more effectively.
What Is Hit & Stand In Blackjack?
The two main actions a player can take on their turn in blackjack are "hitting" and "standing". In this section, we are going to discuss the two so that you can understand the distinction and learn the different options available to you as the player.
Hit
In blackjack, to "hit" means to request an additional card from the dealer. This can help you improve your hand's total value, getting closer to the target score of 21.
You can hit multiple times, but be careful not to go over 21, or you'll bust and lose the hand.
Stand
On the other hand, to "stand" means to keep your current hand and not ask for any more cards. You might choose to stand if you think your hand is strong enough to beat the dealer's or if you're wary of busting.
Knowing when to hit or stand is a fundamental part of blackjack strategy. You only get to see the dealer's upcard, so you never know the true strength of their hand, making it a tricky balance. This is why you need to try to put yourself in as strong a position as possible before ending your turn while also being wary of potentially going bust.
Remember, the main goal is to end up with a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer's, without exceeding 21. Understanding the key factors to consider when deciding when to hit and when to stand can help you become a more confident and effective blackjack player. However, it's important to note that there is always an element of chance, so winning is never a sure thing.
Is 14 Hit Or Stay In Blackjack?
Deciding whether to hit or stay (stand) with a hand total of 14 can be tricky.
If your hand adds up to 14, it's considered a middle-range hand in blackjack. It's not too low, but it's also not very close to 21.
If the dealer's face-up card (also known as the upcard) is a high-value card, like a 10, Jack, Queen, King, or Ace, you might consider hitting. The dealer is likely to have a strong hand, and sticking with 14 may not be enough to win.
On the other hand, if the dealer's upcard is a low value, such as a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, they could potentially have to hit multiple times, which could result in them going bust. In this case, you might choose to stay, hoping the dealer goes over 21.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Sometimes, other factors, like the specific rules of the table or your own comfort level, might affect your decision.
Understanding the circumstances of when it may be best to hit and when it may be best to stand with a hand of 14 can help you to make more statistically sound decisions, but it can never guarantee a win.
Do You Hit Or Stay On 16?
Having a hand total of 16 in blackjack can put you in a challenging spot.
If the dealer's upcard is a high-value card (7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace), the dealer has a good chance of getting a strong hand. In this case, it might be better to hit, as your current total of 16 may not be enough to beat a high dealer's hand.
If the dealer's upcard is a low-value card (2, 3, 4, 5, or 6), the dealer has a higher chance of busting, as they are more likely to need to draw at least one card to improve enough to try to beat your hand of 16. Here, you might decide to stay and see if the dealer goes over 21.
Another factor to consider is the type of 16 you have. There are "hard" 16s (without an Ace or with an Ace counted as 1) and "soft" 16s (with an Ace counted as 11). Typically, having a hard 16 puts you in a more challenging position, as there is less flexibility, and, as mentioned before, you might lean towards hitting if you believe the dealer has a strong hand.
It's important to remember that there are no guarantees in blackjack. Decisions like hitting or staying with a total of 16 rely on your judgement and the dealer's visible card. Balancing these factors can help guide you in making the right choice, but there's no way to ensure you win.
When Should You Hit In Blackjack?
Deciding when to hit in blackjack can be crucial to your success. Basic blackjack strategy offers the most statistically advantageous moves to make based on your hand total and the dealer's upcard. However, it's crucial to remember that there is always an element of chance in blackjack, so there is no strategy or method that promises wins and delivers.
That being said, here are some basic guidelines to help you make the right decision on when it may be a good idea to hit.
Low Hand Total
If your hand total is between 4 and 11, you should almost always hit. The risk of busting is very low, and you need to improve your hand to have a better chance of winning.
Total of 12-16
If your hand is between 12 and 16, hitting or standing depends on the dealer's upcard. If the dealer shows a high card (7 through Ace), it's often wise to hit, as the dealer is likely to have a strong hand. If the dealer shows a low card (2 through 6), you might stand, hoping the dealer goes bust.
Specific Situations with Aces
Aces can make your hand "soft" because they offer greater flexibility since the Ace can be counted as 1 or 11. For example, if you have a "soft" 17 (Ace and 6), you might choose to hit, as there's no risk of busting, and you might improve your hand to put you in a better position to go against the dealer.
Following these simple rules and looking into basic blackjack strategy can help you improve your decision-making and increase confidence at the blackjack table. Knowing when it may be best to hit or stand is a key foundational skill in blackjack. Just remember to always gamble responsibly and that no amount of strategy or skill can fully remove the house edge or guarantee wins. Stick to a budget and set realistic expectations.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.