Blackjack is among the most popular and enduring casino games, cherished for its blend of skill, chance, and strategy. But if you’re new to the game or want to up your skills at the table, you may be wondering when to “hit,” “stand,” “double down,” or “split.” These decisions are crucial to blackjack strategy, as the correct move significantly boosts your chances of success.
The Basics of Blackjack
Before we jump into strategy, here’s a quick refresher on how blackjack works. Your goal is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over (also known as busting). Number cards retain their face value; face cards are valued at ten, while aces can count as either 1 or 11 based on what benefits your hand.
Every blackjack strategy decision—whether to hit, stand, double down, or split—depends on your hand’s value, the dealer’s upcard, and the specific table rules. Mastering these concepts requires some knowledge of probabilities and a lot of experience, but the good news is you can start improving right away by acting smarter at every turn. Also, keep in mind that there are various blackjack variants, like at FanDuel Casino, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules before playing.
When to Hit or Stand
Hitting and standing are the most common choices in blackjack. “Hitting” means requesting another card to improve your hand, while “standing” means sticking with your current hand and ending your turn. These decisions are critical, and they hinge on both your hand value and the dealer’s upcard.
When Should You Hit?
- Your hand totals 8 or below. You need to boost your total significantly, and you’re at no risk of busting.
- Your hand totals 12-16, and the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher. The dealer is in a strong position and likely to end up with a high-scoring hand. You’ll need a higher total to stay competitive.
- Aces and small cards in your hand (like Ace-5) give you room to draw without fear of busting.
When Should You Stand?
- Your hand totals 17 or more. At this point, the risk of busting far outweighs the potential reward of another card.
- Your hand totals 13-16, and the dealer’s upcard is 6 or lower. The dealer is much more likely to bust here, so it’s smart to play conservatively.
When to Double Down
Doubling down is all about confidence. It means doubling your bet in exchange for receiving just one more card. This move can lead to huge payouts when executed correctly.
When Should You Double Down?
- You have 10 or 11: If the dealer shows a lower-value card (2 through 9), this is an excellent opportunity to double your bet. Your chances of landing a 10 (a common card value) are decent, giving you a strong total.
- Soft 16-18 (Ace-5, Ace-6, etc.): If the dealer’s. upcard is weak (like a 4, 5, or 6), doubling down can put you in a great position without much risk of busting.
Pro Tip: Doubling down rules vary by casino, so check whether you’re allowed to double after splitting and if there are restrictions.
When to Split
Splitting comes into play when you’re dealt two cards of the same rank. Splitting allows you to divide your cards into two separate hands, requiring an additional bet equal to your original wager.
When Should You Split?
- Split Aces and 8s every time. A pair of Aces gives you a shot at two strong hands. Splitting 8s turns a bad 16 (a statistically weak hand) into two chances to win.
- Never split 5s or 10s. A pair of 5s is better played as a 10, which is a solid chance for a strong total. Similarly, a pair of 10s is 20—a fantastic hand you don’t want to touch.
Gray Area Splits
For pairs like 6s or 9s, splitting depends on the dealer’s upcard:
- 6s: Split if the dealer’s upcard is 2-6.
- 9s: Split if the dealer’s upcard is 2-6 or 8-9 (but stand if it’s 7, 10, or Ace).
Master the Art of Blackjack Strategy
The four key decisions—hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting—are your tools to tip the odds in your favor. Keep these basic strategies in mind:
- Always consider the dealer’s upcard before making your decision.
- Understand that different casinos and online platforms may tweak the rules slightly, so read up on table-specific rules before you play.
Blackjack isn’t just about the cards; it’s also about managing your bankroll and staying level-headed. Use a clear strategy to minimize risk and maximize your chances of walking away a winner.
