Knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack is one of the most important skills you can develop. This classic casino game is exciting, but it’s not just about chance, as your decisions can potentially play a big role in how well you do.
Learning when to hit and stand can help you make better choices and improve your overall play. It may seem tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, you can improve your decision making.
In this blog post, we'll explain what hitting and standing mean in blackjack and when you should look to potentially do this. We'll also explore some hand signals you can use when at the table.
What Does Hit And Stand Mean In Blackjack?
In blackjack, knowing when to "hit" or "stand" is one of the most important parts of the game, as these two choices decide what happens to your hand and can potentially affect your chances of winning.
When you choose to "hit," you are asking the dealer for another card. You may do this if you think your total is too low, and another card could get you closer to 21; however, there is a potential risk.
If your total goes over 21, you "bust" and lose the round. For example, if you have 15, you may decide to hit, hoping for a low card that brings you closer to 21.
"Standing" means you are happy with your hand and do not want any more cards. This is a safer choice if you already have a strong total or if taking another card could push you over 21. For instance, if you have 19, standing is often the best option because the chances of busting are high if you take another card.
When To Hit Or Stand In Blackjack?
Deciding when to hit or stand in blackjack is all about finding a balance between your cards and the dealer's visible card. Learning this can potentially improve your chances; however, it doesn't guarantee a win every time.
If your hand totals between 12 and 16, and the dealer's face-up card is a 7 or higher, you may think about hitting. The dealer could potentially have a strong hand, so boosting your total may help you stay competitive.
On the other hand, if the dealer's card is 6 or lower, you may consider standing on a total of 12 or more, as the dealer has a higher chance of potentially going bust.
When you have a hand worth 17 or more, it's generally safer to stand. You're less likely to go bust, and there's a reasonable chance the dealer may potentially exceed 21. For hands of 11 or less, hitting is usually the best move since you cannot bust with just one more card.
Always remember that while strategy is important, blackjack still involves a degree of chance. Making well-informed decisions based on your cards and the dealer's card potentially increases your chances but does not guarantee wins.
How Do You Signal Hit Or Stand In Blackjack?
When you're playing blackjack at a table in a physical casino, it's important to know how to signal your decisions using clear hand gestures. These gestures ensure the dealer understands your choice, reducing any chance of confusion and keeping the game moving smoothly.
To signal a "hit," you typically tap the table lightly with a finger. Some players may also wave their hand towards themselves, which is another way to indicate that you would like an additional card from the dealer. Both methods are acceptable and typically understood universally by dealers.
On the other hand, if you've decided to "stand," you simply wave your hand horizontally over your cards. This shows the dealer that you’re satisfied with your current hand and do not wish to receive any more cards. Being clear with this gesture is key to ensuring your intentions are known.
These gestures are especially significant in physical casinos, where games are monitored and recorded for security and fairness. Using proper signals helps maintain a concrete record of the game’s progression.
In online and electronic versions of blackjack, there’s no need for physical signalling. Instead, you’ll find easy-to-use buttons on the screen, making the process straightforward.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.