Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games at Slots UK. It is easy to play, and anyone with the right strategy can win—every player at the table, whether online or at a land-based casino, is dealt two cards, including the dealer. The goal is to get a score close to 21 and beat the dealer.
When playing blackjack, the most frequent decision you will have to make is whether to hit or stand. With experience, you can grasp this, but you can speed the process by studying the best moves in any situation.
Are you ready to win more cash in blackjack? Read this guide on when to hit or stand.
The Meaning of Hit and Stand
To hit means, you want to draw another card to improve your hand’s total. On the other hand, standing means that you are satisfied with your hand’s total and don’t want to draw any more cards.
If you signal the dealer that you want to stand, your hand for that round is complete. If you hit and your hand exceeds 21, you have busted, meaning you have lost as per the blackjack rules.
When to Hit
It only makes sense to hit if you have a hand of 8. This is because the chances of you making a good hand are high, with several 10-value cards in the deck. Also, if the dealer has a higher-value card in their hand, such as 9, 8, or 7, it is wise to hit. This is because they are likely to make 21, and the game’s goal is to beat the dealer’s hand.
Sometimes, some gamers choose to hit when they have 12 or 13, and the dealer has a lower card. This move is inadvisable as that hand is unlikely to win, but it might win depending on the card you draw next.
When to Stand
You should stand if your hand totals are 20, 19, 18, or 12. This is because you have a good chance of busting as the next card will likely make your hand over 21. Some hands, like 9-9 or 10-10, can be split into two new hands.
At this point, you need to know the difference between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ hands. Soft hands contain an ace, which counts as 1 or 11. They are called ‘soft’ as they can change depending on your needs. Cards containing other cards are hard hands.
The group your hand total falls into also influences your decision to stand. For example, you should stand if the dealer’s face-up card is a six or below and you have a hard 16. Also, hit if the dealer has a two or doubles down on cards three through to six if you have an ace, 5, 4, 3, or 2.
Other Strategies
Standing and hitting aren’t the only possible options available to you. There are several other possible moves:
Split: if you initially dealt two cards of the same value, you can split your hand.
Double Down: here, you double the size of your bet and receive an extra card. After this, you must stand.Surrender: This option is applicable when you are not confident about your chances of winning a round. Using this move means you lose half your bet.
