Basic Blackjack Strategy For Hit Or Stand Decisions

• Published: May 25, 2017
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Online blackjack is a skill based game and you will have to make the correct decisions in order to achieve the average returns of over 99%. A number of moves are available in blackjack such as double, split, surrender and insurance. However, you will be choosing between hit and stand most of the time. So you have to know when to hit and when to stand. This article outlines the basic strategy for the hit or stand decision in online blackjack.

As such each online blackjack has a different optimum strategy. This is generated through computer simulation. However, the basic hit or stand strategy described here will be the same as the optimum individual strategy in almost all cases. It will deliver results that are very close to the optimum and is perfect for new players.

Before describing the basic strategy one important aspect needs to be explained. New online blackjack players need to clearly understand the difference between soft and hard hands. A hard hand either has no ace or the ace has to take the value of 1. If the ace takes the value of 11 then the hand will bust. A hand consisting of 7, 8 and A is a hard hand. In a soft hand the ace can take the value of 11. The advantage of a soft total is that the ace can take the value 1 if later required. A hand consisting of 3, 4 and A is a soft hand.

When the dealer stands on soft 17, you will always hit on hard 11 or less. You will not bust by taking another card so you have to go for it. You always stand on hard 17 or more. Theoretically you may be able to improve your hand value by hitting, but the likelihood is that you will bust. The chance is not worth taking. The remaining options depend on the dealer’s face up card. Stand on hard 12 against a dealer 4 to 6, otherwise hit. Stand on hard 13 to 16 against a dealer 2 to 6, otherwise hit. If you have a soft hand then the following strategy applies. Always hit on soft 17 or less. If you bust, the situation can be retrieved by valuing the A as 1. Stand on soft 18 except against a dealer 9, 10, or A. Always stand on soft 19 or more. These hands are powerful and it is not worth trying to improve them.