When playing blackjack, it is important to recognize that the dealer holds an advantage over you due to acting last and being able to bust before you have a chance at playing your hand. To counteract this disadvantage, dealers are usually required to hit on 16 and stand on all 17s; some games may allow a dealer to hit on soft 17. It is vital that players know when the dealer needs to hit or stand so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their hands.
How to Determine When to Hit or Stand
A game of blackjack begins when players place bets with the dealer, who then distributes two cards face up for each player as well as himself, before giving each person two more face down cards to themselves and one face up card to himself. At that point, each player must decide whether they wish to hit, stand, surrender, double down or hit and stand – with dealers required to hit on 16 or less and stand on 17+; players win if their hand total is greater than or equaling 21 while dealers win when their hand total is lower or when having 21.
When to Hit or Stand
The optimal strategy in blackjack is to hit when your hand is weak and stand when yours is strong, which will increase the odds of your winning. Also consider splitting two through six pairs against a dealer’s six – this may cost more, but will increase your odds.
As part of your decision process when deciding when and whether to hit or stand, always consider the dealer’s hole card and remaining deck cards. If they possess a 10, they should hit, while face cards must remain stationary; this prevents the dealer from having a blackjack hand and pushing all bets except those belonging to players with blackjacks.
Rule of thumb when taking insurance should be to avoid taking it unless the dealer has an ace up, since taking this insurance could mean losing your bet should they turn up with blackjack and you bet is forfeit. If unsure, playing at casinos that do not provide this cover is recommended for more stable gameplay.
When to Hit or Stand
In most blackjack games, dealers must hit on soft 17 (Ace and 6 cards). This is because their hole card counts as 7 and gives them an advantage over players’ hands. Some casinos post this rule prominently on their tables so players are aware how the dealer should play his hand; however, many will not do this as it will put them at a disadvantage with players. It is therefore imperative that all players read each table’s rules prior to placing any bets, in order to develop better strategies and avoid losing their money.