When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack? Simple Tips for Smart Choices

In Blackjack, we make a big choice each turn: should we hit or stand? Here’s what each means. When we hit, we ask for another card to try to get closer to 21. When we stand, we keep our total as it is because we think it’s enough to win.

This choice is very important. Imagine your total is 16, if you hit, you might get a 5 and reach 21 - which is perfect. But you could also get a high card, like an 8, which would make you go over 21 and lose instantly. Knowing when to hit and when to stand helps you get closer to 21 without going over.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the situations where it’s better to hit and when it’s safer to stand. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about making the right choice to increase your chances of beating the dealer.

Ready to sharpen your game even more? Check out our full guide on Blackjack Rules to build a solid foundation for every hand!

When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack: Complete Strategy and Chart

You can master blackjack strategy by exploring our complete guide on when to hit or stand, with a clear chart to help you make smart choices every time. This Blackjack hit or stand chart will guide you to make the correct decisions in game.

The hit or stand strategy chart in Blackjack is great for quick decisions. If you get the strategy behind it, you’ll feel way more flexible and confident in any situation.

Discover how Blackjack card values impact your decisions, and use our complete hit or stand strategy to boost your game. Check out the full guide for smart moves!

1.1. When to hit

If your hand is 11 points or less, you should usually hit. This is because it's more likely you'll get a good card to make a strong hand.

• Hit if you have 16 and the dealer shows 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have 15 and the dealer shows 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have 14 and the dealer shows 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have 13 and the dealer shows 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have 12 and the dealer shows 2, 3, or 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have 11 or lower in most situations unless doubling is an option.
• Hit if you have A,7 and the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace.
• Hit if you have A,6 and the dealer shows 2, 3, 7 - Ace.
• Hit if you have A,5 or lower (A,4; A,3; etc.) in any situation where doubling is not an option.
• Always hit if you have a 5, 6, 7, or 8.

Additionally, you should also consider the soft or hard of your hand before deciding whether to hit. A soft hand contains at least one ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11 points, while a hard hand only has points in fixed values.

1.2. When to stand

Here are some quick tips for you on when to stand in Blackjack. These will help you play smarter.

• Stand if you have 17 or higher in any situation.
• Stand if you have 16 and the dealer shows 2 - 6.
• Stand if you have 15 and the dealer shows 2 - 6.
• Stand if you have 14 and the dealer shows 2 - 6.
• Stand if you have 13 and the dealer shows 2 - 6.
• Stand if you have 12 and the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6.
• Stand if you have A,7 and the dealer shows 2, 6, or 7.
• Stand if you have 10,10 regardless of the dealer’s card.

Another situation where standing can be beneficial is when you have a soft hand. If you have a soft hand, like an Ace and a 6 (soft 17), you’re less likely to bust if you hit. But if the dealer shows a 6 or lower, you should stand to keep your chances strong.

Blackjack Dealer Hit or Stand Rules

In Blackjack, casinos have clear rules about when the dealer must hit and when they must stand to keep things consistent in every game. Here's a simple breakdown:

• The dealer must hit if their total is below 17: If the dealer’s total is less than 17, they must keep drawing cards until they reach at least 17. This includes soft 17 (an Ace plus cards totaling 6). Some casinos require the dealer to hit on soft 17, giving the house a slight advantage by improving the dealer’s chances without busting.
• The dealer must stand if their total is 17 or higher: When the dealer’s total reaches 17 or more, they have to stand and can’t draw any more cards. This applies to both hard 17 (where there’s no Ace or the Ace is counted as 1) and soft 17 (where the Ace is counted as 11).

If you're interested in more ways to win, check out the Blackjack 5 Card Rule to learn another smart strategy that could give you an edge!

6 Helpful Hit or Stand Tips in Blackjack

When you're playing Blackjack, knowing what to do can really help you win more often. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

• Pay attention to the dealer’s upcard: If the dealer shows a 2 - 6, they’re in a weak position. You should stand if you have 12 or more, as there’s a good chance the dealer may bust. If the dealer has a 7 - Ace, they’re stronger, so hit if your total is under 17 to improve your hand.
• Play soft hands wisely: With a soft 17 (A - 6), you should always hit, as adding a card won’t make you bust. With a soft 18 (A - 7), hit if the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace, as these give the dealer an advantage, and you’ll need a stronger hand to compete.
• Stand on strong hands: If your total is 17 or higher, it’s usually best to stand. Hitting at this point risks busting, which could cause you to lose the game.
• Hit on weak hands against strong dealer cards: If your total is 12-16 and the dealer has a 7 or higher, you should hit to try to improve your hand, as the dealer likely has a high total.
• Use a strategy chart: A Blackjack strategy chart shows the best moves for every hand against the dealer’s upcard. Following it can help you make smarter choices on when to hit or stand in different situations.

5 Common Mistakes with Hit or Stand Decisions in Blackjack

Here are some common mistakes you might encounter when playing hit or stand Blackjack game. The useful tips below will help you avoid making these mistakes:

• You might stand too early with a weak hand: You usually tend to stand when you have a total between 12 and 16, especially when the dealer shows a 7 or higher. This is a common mistake, as it increases your chances of losing. In this situation, you should hit to improve your score.
• You should hit when the dealer is likely to bust: If the dealer has a card between 2 and 6, their chances of busting (going over 21) are quite high. In this case, you should stand with a total of 12 to 16.
• You can make mistakes with soft hands: You usually stand too early with a soft 17 (A - 6). Remember that you have the opportunity to improve your hand, so don’t hesitate to hit for a better card.
• You shouldn’t stand with Hard 16 against a strong dealer hand: If you have a hard 16 and the dealer is showing a 7 to 10, standing can be a risky choice. The chances of losing are higher because the dealer is likely to reach a stronger total.
• You should hit when you have Hard 17 or higher: If you're holding a hard 17 or higher, I recommend that you don’t hit. The risk of busting is quite high, and hitting in this situation could hurt your chances of winning.

Hopefully, these tips will help you play Blackjack more effectively and increase your chances of winning!

For another powerful strategy, learn why Splitting Aces in Blackjack can give you a strong advantage and boost your chances of winning.

FAQs

Should I hit or stand on 12? 

With a total of 12, you should stand if the dealer has a 2 to 6, since they’ll need to keep hitting, which could lead them to bust. You should only hit if the dealer shows a 7 or higher.

Should I hit or stand on 14? 

If your total is 14 and the dealer has a 7 or higher, you should hit. If the dealer shows a 2 through 6, you can choose to stand.

Should I hit or stand on 15? 

A total of 15 can be tricky for you. If the dealer shows a 7 through Ace, you should hit because they probably have a strong hand. But if the dealer is showing a 2 to 6, it’s better to stand. 

Should I hit or stand on 16? 

If you’ve got 16 and the dealer shows a 2 to 6, it’s best to stand, this keeps your bust risk low. But if they show a 10, hit. Standing here usually leads to a loss, so hitting gives you a shot at improving your hand.

Blackjack hit or stand on Soft 18? 

You should stand if you have a Soft 18, unless the dealer has a 9, 10, or Ace.

What should I do with a soft 18 (Ace + 7) against the dealer's 2-8? 

You should stand against the dealer's 2 through 8, as you have a strong hand. By choosing to stand, you maximize your chances of winning while letting the dealer play out their hand.

You can improve your chances of winning in Blackjack by closely reviewing both your hand and the dealer's hand. It's especially key to know when to hit or stand Blackjack with what you have. Make sure you have a good understanding of the basic Blackjack chart. So that you know which decision to make in each situation.