Blackjack When to Hit: Mastering the Key Decision
The decision of when to hit separates novice blackjack players from strategic ones. Hitting means asking for another card, and choosing correctly is the foundation of reducing the house edge. This choice is never based on a feeling but on the mathematical relationship between your hand total and the dealer's up card.
This article breaks down the logic behind every hitting decision outlined in basic strategy. By understanding the 'why' behind the rules, you can commit them to memory and apply them automatically at the table. Consistent application of these guidelines is your best tool for long-term success in the game.
The Logic of Hitting Stiff Hands
A 'stiff' hand is any total between 12 and 16 that can be busted by a single high card. The core principle is that you should hit a stiff hand when the dealer shows a 7 or higher. The reason is simple probability: the dealer is likely to end up with a total of 17 or better, so standing with your weak hand is a losing proposition.
You must take the risk of hitting to try and improve, even though you might bust. For example, with a 14 against a dealer's 10, you will lose more often by standing than by hitting, despite the bust risk. This counterintuitive concept is backed by millions of computer-simulated hands and is central to basic strategy.
Standing When the Dealer is Weak
When the dealer's up card is a 2 through 6, they are in a weak position with a high chance of busting. In this scenario, your strategy with a stiff hand shifts from aggression to patience. You become the 'dealer' in a sense, hoping they will bust, so you stand on more hands.
For instance, with a hand of 13, you would hit against a dealer's 7, but stand against a dealer's 6. The dealer's 6 gives them a high probability of drawing to a bust, so you let them take the risk. The key is to resist the temptation to hit and potentially ruin a hand that was already in a winning position.
- Stand on 12 against a dealer's 4, 5, or 6.
- Stand on 13 through 16 against a dealer's 2 through 6.
- Always hit 12 against a dealer's 2 or 3.
- Always hit 13 through 16 against a dealer's 7 through Ace.
Special Cases: Hitting Soft Hands and Low Totals
Soft hands, which contain an Ace, require a different approach because they cannot bust on a one-card hit. This allows for more aggressive play. You should often hit a soft 17 or 18, particularly against a dealer's 9, 10, or Ace, to try and build a stronger hand.
For very low totals (8 or less), the rule is straightforward: you always hit, as it's impossible to bust. The goal here is to build a competitive hand. With a total of 9, 10, or 11, your decision is usually to double down rather than take a standard hit, provided the dealer shows a weak card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you hit 16 against a dealer's 7?
Statistically, standing on 16 against a 7 loses about 74% of the time. Hitting, even with a high bust risk, improves your chances. You will still lose more often than you win, but hitting minimizes the loss compared to the certain loss that standing represents.
Is it ever okay to ignore basic strategy on a hunch?
No. Deviating from basic strategy, even occasionally, increases the house edge and costs you money in the long run. The strategy is derived from probability, not superstition. Trusting the math will yield the best possible results over time.
What about hitting when the count is high?
In card counting, a high positive count indicates a deck rich in high cards. This can change some strategy decisions. For example, you may stand on certain stiff hands (like 16 vs. 10) more often because the dealer is more likely to have a high card underneath, increasing their chance of busting.
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