One of the great things about blackjack is that it’s not entirely a game of luck. The decisions you make at the table really affect how things go down. Playing smart is based on knowing when to hit, stand or double down or split.
These aren’t gut-feel decisions. They are choices that have been studied and plotted out with math and probability.
When to Hit
Hitting means asking for another card. You do this when your present hand is too low to compete with what the dealer could have.
In general, if your hand totals 8 or less, you should always hit, as there is no risk of going over 21. In general, if your total is 12-16 and the dealer has a strong card such as 7 or higher, it’s usually best to hit, even if it doesn’t feel right. The dealer will probably have a good hand, so just standing on a low total will often result in losing anyway.
When to Stand
To stand means that you are happy with your hand and don’t want any more cards. That’s the right play when your total is high enough that the odds of busting are worse than the potential upside of getting another card.
If your hand is 17 or higher, standing is almost always the right move. You can also stand when your total is between 12 and 16 and the dealer is showing a weak upcard like a 4, 5 or 6.
When the dealer is showing a low card, he is more likely to bust. Therefore, you do not need to improve your hand to win.
When to Double Down
Doubling down means doubling your original bet in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. It is one of the most powerful moves in blackjack when used at the right moment, and one of the most costly when used at the wrong moment.
The best time to double down is when your hand totals 10 or 11 and the dealer is showing a weaker card. In this situation, drawing a 10-value card gives you a very strong hand, and the dealer is already in a vulnerable position.
Some players also double down on a soft 16, 17, or 18, meaning a hand that includes an ace is counted as 11 when the dealer is showing a low card.
When to Split
Splitting is an option if you are dealt two cards of the same value. It makes your one hand into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Splitting can turn a weak hand into two strong ones when used properly.
Always split aces. Two aces as a single hand gives you a total of either 2 or 12, both of which are weak. Splitting them gives you two chances to land a strong hand. Always split eights as well. A total of 16 is one of the weakest hands in blackjack, and splitting gives you a better starting point on both hands.
Never split tens. A total of 20 is one of the strongest hands you can have, and breaking it up is rarely worth the risk.
Wrapping Up
Knowing when to hit, stand, double, or split is what separates thoughtful blackjack play from guesswork. These choices are not by chance. They are probability-based techniques and if you apply them consistently, you will give yourself the best possible chance of getting the most from every hand you are dealt.