When to Hit or Stand In Blackjack: Complete Guide for Optimal Plays
Summary:
- Stand on a hard 17 or higher, regardless of the dealer's card.
- Hit when the dealer has a three, with a hand total of eight or below and 12, while standing on anything 13 or over.
- Stand when your hand has 17 or more points, especially if the dealer's card is 7 or higher.
- Hit on eight or less when the dealer has a four, five, or six, but stand on anything 12 or higher.
- Hit on anything eight or below and 12 when the dealer has a three, while standing on anything 13 or over.
- Hit on nine or less when the dealer has a two, but stand on anything 13 or over.
Blackjack is quick to learn but tough to master. The aim is simple: beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each hand begins with two cards, and from there, you choose whether to take another or hold your total.
Table of Contents:
- Fundamental Blackjack Rules That Influence Your Decision
- The Mathematics Behind Hitting and Standing
- Core Blackjack Strategy: Basic Strategy Chart Overview
- When to Hit in Blackjack: The Optimal Scenarios
- When to Stand in Blackjack: The Best Situations
- Hard Hands vs. Soft Hands: Different Strategies
- The Role of Card Counting in Hit-or-Stand Decisions
- Common Player Mistakes When Hitting or Standing
- Hit and Stand FAQ
Deciding when to hit or stand is the heart of the game. It's a call you’ll face on every hand, and making the right choice consistently can help you avoid making costly mistakes and play with more purpose.
This guide breaks down the key moments where hitting or standing makes the biggest difference, helping you approach each hand with clarity and confidence.
Fundamental Blackjack Rules That Influence Your Decision
A few core rules define what you can do in each hand and what the dealer is allowed to do. Understanding these mechanics helps you spot your best options as the hand unfolds.
Dealer’s Rules: When They Must Hit or Stand
The dealer follows a fixed set of table rules. They must hit on any total of 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher. At some tables, the dealer is mandated to hit on a soft 17, which slightly increases the house edge. Soft 17 means the hand includes an Ace counted as 11, like Ace-6.
Player’s Options: Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, Surrender
Unlike the dealer, players have more control over how a hand plays out. Once you get your first two cards, you can choose from the following options:
- Hit: Take another card
- Stand: Stick with your current hand
- Double Down: Increase your bet and receive only one more card. Usually allowed on the first two cards only
- Split: Divide a pair into two separate hands with a second bet
- Surrender: Give up your hand immediately and recover half your bet. Only available on some tables and must be done before any other move
The Mathematics Behind Hitting and Standing
Good blackjack decisions are backed by numbers. Understanding the odds of busting, how the dealer’s upcard changes the equation, and what it all means for long-term outcomes can help you avoid risky guesses and play with purpose.
Probability of Busting Based on Hand Value
The closer your hand gets to 21, the higher the risk of busting if you draw another card. These are the typical bust probabilities for common hand totals, based on standard deck odds:
- At 12, the chance of busting is about 31%
- At 16, it rises to roughly 62%
- At 20, the risk climbs to around 92%
How the Dealer’s Upcard Affects Your Odds
The dealer’s upcard changes how you should play. If it’s a 2 through 6, there’s a good chance the dealer will bust. These are known as weak cards, and they put the dealer at a disadvantage.
That’s why players often stand on hands like 12 to 16 in these spots. Instead of risking going bust by hitting, it can be smarter to let the dealer draw and possibly go over 21. When the dealer shows a 7 or higher, the odds flip. Their chances of building a strong hand go up, so you’ll usually need to take more risks to stay in the round.
The House Edge and Expected Value Calculations
Every move you make in blackjack has an expected value, or EV. This tells you how that choice plays out on average over time. Basic strategy is based on these numbers and shows you the best move in each situation.
When you stick to basic strategy, the house edge stays low, usually between 0.5% and 1%, depending on the game rules. If you go off-strategy, that edge gets bigger. You won’t win every hand, but following the math gives you the best chance over the long run.
Core Blackjack Strategy: Basic Strategy Chart Overview
A basic strategy chart is a visual guide that shows the best move for every possible hand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. It’s built from computer simulations that calculate the most effective decisions over millions of hands.
These charts help reduce the house edge by removing guesswork and steering you toward the highest-percentage play in each situation. They’re adjusted slightly depending on the rules of the game, including the number of decks or whether the dealer hits on soft 17. Even if a decision doesn’t work out on a single hand, the long-term math still favours the move. Sticking to the chart gives you a better chance of staying in control.
How to Read and Use a Strategy Chart Effectively
Using a blackjack strategy chart might seem like a lot at first, but it becomes second nature once you understand the layout. One side of the chart lists your hand totals. The top shows the dealer’s upcard. You find the row for your hand and the column for the dealer’s card. The box where they meet tells you the best move to make.
Charts are usually split into three sections: hard hands, soft hands, and pairs. Each section is handled differently because your best option depends on how flexible the hand is.
If you're playing online or practicing at home, keeping the chart nearby helps you learn the patterns faster. Over time, you'll start recognizing common situations like a hard 16 versus a dealer 10 or Ace-7 against a 9.
When to Hit or Stand In Blackjack: General Strategy Table
The table below provides a quick overview of playing each player's hand against the dealer's hand, and either player should hit or stand.
| Player's Hand Value | Dealer's Hand Value | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 5-8 | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, Ace | Hit |
| 10 | 10, Ace | Hit |
| 11 | Ace | Hit |
| 12 | 2, 3, 7-10, Ace | Hit |
| 13-16 | 7-10, Ace | Hit |
| 17-21 | Any | Stand |
| Soft 13-15 | 7-10, Ace | Hit |
| Soft 16-18 | 7-9 | Hit |
| Soft 19-21 | Any | Stand |
| Pair of Aces, 8s | Any | Split |
| Pair of 2s, 3s | 2-7 | Split |
| Pair of 4s | 5, 6 | Split |
| Pair of 5s | Any | Stand |
| Pair of 6s | 2-6 | Split |
| Pair of 7s | 2-7 | Split |
| Pair of 9s | 2-6, 8, 9 | Split |
| Pair of 10s | Any | Stand |
When to Hit in Blackjack: The Optimal Scenarios
There are moments in blackjack when hitting is clearly the better move. Whether your hand is weak or the dealer shows strength, the right call can keep you in the game and avoid bigger losses.
When Your Hand is Low (8 or Below)
With a total of 8 or less, there’s no realistic chance of busting. Hitting is always the right play, and you’ll need stronger cards to stay competitive. Even multiple hits may be necessary to reach a playable hand.
When You Have a Hard Hand (9-16) Against a Strong Dealer Card
When the dealer shows a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, they’re in a strong position to reach a solid total. In these situations, standing on a hard 9 through 16 usually won’t be enough.
Hitting is often the better move, even if it means risking going bust. Basic strategy shows that trying to improve your total gives you a better chance than hoping the dealer slips up. Passive play in these spots tends to lead to a quiet loss.
When You Have an Ace (Soft Hand) That Can Improve
Soft hands give you flexibility. For example, Ace-3 counts as 14, but if you hit and draw a 10, the Ace shifts to 1, and you now have 13. This built-in safety net makes hitting a better option when your total is under 18. In many cases, hitting on soft 17 or less is the right move, especially if the dealer is showing a high card.
When You Need to Take Risks to Beat the Dealer
Sometimes, you're behind, and the only way to win is to build a better hand. If the dealer has a clear edge and your current total isn’t enough to compete, playing it safe won’t change the outcome. Strategic risk is part of the game, especially when your only alternative is watching the dealer win uncontested.
When to Stand in Blackjack: The Best Situations
Standing becomes the right call when your hand is strong enough or when the dealer is more likely to bust. Spotting these moments can help you avoid unnecessary risks.
When You Have a Strong Hand (17 or Higher)
At 17 or more, hitting usually does more harm than good. The risk of busting outweighs the small chance of improving your hand. Most players stand on 17 and up, especially with hard hands that don’t include an Ace counted as 11. Even soft 18 should be treated with caution unless the dealer is showing a strong card.
When the Dealer Shows a Weak Card (2-6)
Dealer cards from 2 to 6 are often called “bust cards.” That’s because the dealer is required to hit until reaching at least 17, which increases the chance of going over 21 when starting from a low base. In these situations, standing on a modest total like 14 through 16 can be the better move, as the odds are on your side if the dealer draws too many cards.
When Standing Is the Better Option
If your total is competitive and the dealer is under pressure, there’s no need to push your luck. Standing lets you avoid the risk of busting and gives the dealer a chance to lose the hand outright. Over the long run, this conservative play often leads to better outcomes than chasing a slightly higher total.
Hard Hands vs. Soft Hands: Different Strategies
In blackjack, your strategy depends heavily on whether you’re holding a hard hand or a soft one. A hard hand either doesn’t contain an Ace or includes an Ace that must count as 1 to avoid busting. With no room for adjustment, these hands are riskier and often require more conservative play.
A soft hand includes an Ace counted as 11. As previously mentioned, this gives you more flexibility since the Ace can shift to 1 if the next card pushes your total too high. That safety net makes soft hands more forgiving, allowing you to hit in spots where a hard hand would be too risky.
For example, a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 is one of the toughest spots in blackjack. You’re likely to bust if you hit but also likely to lose if you stand. With a soft 16 like Ace-5, hitting is a far better option because there's no immediate bust risk.
The Role of Card Counting in Hit-or-Stand Decisions
Card counting is a way to keep track of how many high and low cards are left in the deck. It doesn’t tell you exactly what’s coming next, but it can give you a better feel for when the odds might be leaning in your favour.
Low cards (2 through 6) generally work in the dealer’s favour, especially when they’re forced to draw multiple times. High cards (10s, face cards, and Aces) increase the chances of dealer busts and boost the odds of player blackjacks. When the deck is rich in high cards, you can afford to play more aggressively. If low cards dominate, a more cautious approach is usually the safer bet.
Basic strategy stays the same no matter what, but card counters will sometimes adjust based on what they’ve seen. That might mean making a different choice than the chart suggests if the count points to a better outcome.
It’s worth noting that while counting is legal, most casinos keep an eye out for it and may ask players to leave if they’re caught doing it.
Common Player Mistakes When Hitting or Standing
Even with a solid understanding of blackjack rules and strategy, it’s easy to fall into habits that work against you. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes players make when deciding whether to hit or stand:
Standing Too Early on a Low Hand
Totals like 12 to 14 can feel uncomfortable, but standing on them against a dealer's strong card often leads to a quiet loss. Playing too cautiously in these spots takes away your chance to improve and stay competitive.
Hitting When the Dealer Is More Likely to Bust
When the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, the odds are tilted in your favour. In these moments, standing on a moderate total is often the smarter move. Trying to boost your hand instead of letting the dealer make a mistake is a common misstep.
Trusting Intuition Over Strategy
Blackjack rewards players who follow the numbers. Decisions based on hunches or patterns often lead to inconsistent results. Strategy can’t guarantee a win but it consistently lowers the house edge and helps you avoid unnecessary losses.
Hit and Stand FAQ
Do you hit 12 against a 7?
No, in casino game of blackjack you would typically stand on a 12 against a dealer playing a 7. This is because the probability of busting (going over 21) is higher than the probability of getting a winning hand.
Do you hit on 12 against a 3?
The optimal strategy would be to stand against a 3, given the dealer has a better chance of going bust.
Should you hit a 12 against a 2?
No - standing against a 2 with a 12 would be the safer, more optimal strategy, though it is a marginal call from a mathematical perspective.
Are you supposed to hit on 13?
It depends on the situation of the hand. If a dealer has a 7 or above or an ace, you have a better chance of winning if you try to get as good a score as possible. If the dealer has a 6 or below, standing would be better.
Do you hit on 13 against a 2?
A marginal call, but the better strategy would be to stand.
Should you hit on 14?
Only in specific situations - for example, if the dealer has a 10 or an ace, your odds of winning are small, so taking a card is the optimal move. If the dealer has six or below, your odds of winning when standing are much better.
Do you hit on 15 against a 10?
Yes - it improves your chances of winning the hand.
Should I hit on 15?
Not if the dealer has a face-up card of 6 or below. Any other card would mean you should hit.
Do you hit 16 vs 10?
Yes - optimal strategy suggests you should hit in this scenario, though your prospects to win are small.
Should you stand on 16?
If the dealer’s starting hand is 6 or less, then yes.
Do you hit a 16 against a 7?
As difficult as it might seem, hitting against a 16 with a 7 is against basic strategy
Should you ever hit on 17?
The only instance is if you have a soft 17, which is an ace and a 6, and you’re facing a strong starting hand for the dealer.
How do I know when to hit or stand every time in blackjack?
To understand the blackjack basic strategy and how to play each of the blackjack hands, you need to learn and memorize a basic blackjack strategy chart.
Can card counting help with deciding when to hit or stand in blackjack?
Card counting can help to determine when to hit or stand, however, it is important to remember that it is difficult to count cards in live casino games, especially for multiple-deck blackjack games.
Learn about other blackjack strategies in our guides: