Free Blackjack / When to hit or stand in blackjack
When to hit or stand in blackjack
Stand on hard 17 or more. Stand on 13 to 16 when the dealer shows 2 to 6, and hit when the dealer shows 7 or higher. Stand on 12 only against a 4, 5 or 6.
Hard hands (no ace counted as 11)
| Your total | Dealer shows 2–3 | Dealer shows 4–6 | Dealer shows 7–ace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 or more | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| 13 to 16 | Stand | Stand | Hit |
| 12 | Hit | Stand | Hit |
| 11 or less | Hit or double | Hit or double | Hit or double |
Why the dealer's card decides it
A dealer showing 4, 5 or 6 busts about 4 times in 10, so you stand on your stiff hand and let the dealer take the risk. A dealer showing 7 or higher usually ends on 17 or more, so a 16 is likely beaten and you hit. Dealer bust odds by card.
Soft hands (an ace counted as 11)
- Soft 19 or more: stand.
- Soft 18 (ace, 7): stand against 2, 7 or 8, double against 3 to 6, hit against 9, 10 or ace.
- Soft 17 or less: always hit or double. One more card can never bust a soft hand.
The one that hurts: 16 against a 10
Hit. You lose this hand most of the time either way, and hitting loses it a little less often.
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Questions
Should you hit on 16 in blackjack?
Hit 16 when the dealer shows 7 or higher. Stand when the dealer shows 2 to 6.
Should you hit on 12 in blackjack?
Hit 12 against a dealer 2, 3, or 7 and up. Stand against 4, 5 or 6.
Do you ever hit on 17?
Never on hard 17. Always on soft 17 (ace and 6), where you hit or double.
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