Learn when to hit on blackjack using basic strategy. Our guide explains the rules for hard totals, soft hands, and pairs to help you make the mathematically
When to Hit on Blackjack: The Basic Strategy Guide
Knowing when to hit on blackjack is the cornerstone of basic strategy and the key to reducing the house edge. The decision is not based on gut feeling but on the mathematical probability of improving your hand versus the risk of busting. Your choice always depends on your total and the dealer's visible upcard.
This guide outlines the fundamental rules for when to take another card. By memorizing these simple guidelines, you can make the statistically correct play in almost every situation. This disciplined approach gives you the best possible chance to win in the long run.
The Core Rule: Always Hit Hard Totals of 11 or Less
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The simplest rule in blackjack is to always hit when your hand total is 11 or lower. You cannot bust by drawing one card, as the highest card value is 10. This makes hitting a risk-free move with high potential to create a strong hand of 18 or better.
For a hard total of 11, you are in one of the best positions. Doubling down is usually the optimal play here, but if doubling is not allowed or you choose not to, hitting is the next best action. A 10-value card will give you 21, making this a powerful spot.
- Hard 4-8: Always hit.
- Hard 9: Hit against dealer 2-6 (or double if allowed).
- Hard 10: Hit against dealer 2-9 (or double).
- Hard 11: Always hit (or preferably double).
Deciding on Hard Totals of 12 to 16
This is the most challenging range for new players. The correct play depends heavily on the dealer's upcard. If the dealer shows a weak card (2 through 6), you should stand, as they have a high chance of busting. If the dealer shows a strong card (7 through Ace), you must hit, as standing with a weak hand is likely a losing move.
For example, with a hard 16 against a dealer's 7, the probability of busting if you hit is high. However, the probability of losing if you stand is even higher, making hitting the lesser of two evils. This counterintuitive logic is backed by statistical analysis of millions of simulated hands.
- Hard 12: Stand vs. dealer 4-6. Hit vs. dealer 2, 3, 7-Ace.
- Hard 13-16: Stand vs. dealer 2-6. Hit vs. dealer 7-Ace.
- Hard 17+: Always stand.
Playing Soft Hands and Pairs
Soft hands (containing an Ace counted as 11) are more flexible because you cannot bust with a single hit. With a soft 17 or less (A-2 through A-6), you should almost always hit or double. For a soft 18, the play varies: stand against a dealer 2, 7, or 8; hit or double against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace.
Pairs require a separate strategy. You should always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10-value cards or 5s. For other pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s, the decision to split depends on whether the dealer's upcard is weak (2-7) or strong (8-Ace). Consulting a basic strategy chart for pairs is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always hit on 16?
No, it depends on the dealer's card. You should stand on a hard 16 if the dealer shows a 2 through 6. You should hit on a hard 16 if the dealer shows a 7 through Ace. This is because a dealer with a weak upcard is likely to bust, making standing the better choice.
What is the most common hitting mistake?
The most common mistake is standing on a hard 12 through 16 when the dealer shows a strong upcard (7-Ace). Players fear busting, but statistically, standing guarantees a loss more often than hitting. Following basic strategy means accepting a calculated risk to improve a losing hand.
Does the number of decks change when I should hit?
Basic strategy adjusts slightly for single-deck versus multi-deck games. For instance, with a multi-deck game, you should hit a hard 12 against a dealer's 2, whereas in a single-deck game, you would stand. For most online multi-deck games, the standard multi-deck strategy chart is the correct reference.
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