Blackjack isn’t just luck—it’s a dance with the dealer, and knowing the steps can save you chips.
If you’ve ever sat at a blackjack table and felt like you were trying to crack a secret code—welcome to the club. One of the most common (and stressful) decisions players face is whether to hit or stand. Hit too much? Bust. Stand too early? Lose to the dealer’s magic 21. So when should you hit or stand?
Let’s break it down in plain English—no card-counting wizardry required.
First, Know the Goal
You’re not trying to get as close to 21 as possible. You’re trying to beat the dealer without going over 21. That’s a subtle but crucial difference. If the dealer has 16 and busts, your measly 13 wins. It’s not about glory—it’s about strategy.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Memorize these simple rules and you will find that your blackjack game has gone from amateur to pro:
🟢 Always Hit When…
- Your hand is 8 or less — You can’t bust, so take a card.
- You have a hard 12-16 and the dealer shows 7 or higher — The dealer’s in a strong position, so you need to improve your hand.
- You have a soft 17 or less (a hand with an Ace counted as 11) — You’ve got room to grow.
🛑 Always Stand When…
- You have 17 or more (hard total) — Risking a bust here isn’t worth it.
- You have 13-16 and the dealer shows 2-6 — This is known as a “dealer bust” scenario. Let them make the mistake.
- You have a soft 18 (A-7) and the dealer has 2, 7, or 8 — You’re in a sweet spot.
The Sneaky Soft Hands
Aces are tricksters. A “soft” hand means you can’t bust on one more hit. For example:
- Soft 18 (A-7) vs. dealer 9 or 10? Hit. You’re probably behind.
- Soft 18 vs. 6 or less? Stand. Dealer might bust.
Final Tip: Play Smart, Not Fancy
You don’t need to memorize every permutation of our strategy guide. Just stick to the basic principles and avoid emotional decisions. Blackjack is a game of patience, probability, and a dash of luck.
Now go forth and conquer the felt (with confidence, not chaos).
Blackjack Hit or Stand Cheat Sheet
To make things easy for you, here’s a cheat sheet which will show you exactly when to hit and when to stand. Armed with this you will always give yourself the best chance of success at the blackjack table, whether you’re playing online or in a bricks-and-mortar casino on the Vegas Strip.
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Up Card | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 3–6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| 2, 7–Ace | Hit | |
| 10 | 2–9 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| 10–Ace | Hit | |
| 11 | 2–10 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| Ace | Hit | |
| 12 | 4–6 | Stand |
| 2–3, 7–Ace | Hit | |
| 13–16 | 2–6 | Stand |
| 7–Ace | Hit | |
| 17+ | Any | Stand |
Soft Hands (Hands with an Ace counted as 11)
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Up Card | Action |
|---|---|---|
| A-2 / A-3 | 5–6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| Any other | Hit | |
| A-4 / A-5 | 4–6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| Any other | Hit | |
| A-6 | 3–6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
| Any other | Hit | |
| A-7 | 3–6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Stand |
| 2, 7–8 | Stand | |
| 9–Ace | Hit | |
| A-8 / A-9 | Any | Stand |
Still looking for more blackjack tips to take your game to the next level? Check out our guide on when to split your hand – a must for anyone hoping to maximize your winning chances at the tables.
