When to hit in blackjack?
G2G’s guide to learn when to hit, split, stand or double down
The most important thing about blackjack to learn is the basic strategy. It was created using a computer simulation taking into consideration millions of hands in the game of blackjack.
One of the first blackjack simulations to be done was by Julian Braun.
Fundamentally, these computer simulations exhibited the mathematical probability for beating the dealer, by a specific playing strategy.
For telling the player the action he/she must take (double-down, split, hit) for every possible combination of cards. You can also use the basic strategy to play blackjack online for real money.
The most important thing to make a mental note of is nearly all basic strategy rules are ultimately undeniable, mathematical science has a finite nature that rules a particular playing decision, based on the dealer’s exposed card and player’s cards, will have a predictable outcome even after millions of hands of play.
Basic Strategy – Single Deck
This section tells you everything that you need to know about when to hit for every possible blackjack combination. This is the ultimate rule book that you need.
Player’s Hand vs Dealer’s up-card
| 8 | On 5 to 6, Double or else hit |
| 9 | On 2 to 6 Double or else hit |
| 10 | On 2 to 9 Double or else hit |
| 11 | Double every time |
| 12 | On 4 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 13 to 16 | On 2 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 17 to 21 | Stand every time |
| A,A | Split every time |
| 2,2 | On 3 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 3,3 | On 4 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 4,4 | On 5 to 6 Double or else hit |
| 5,5 | On 2 to 9 Double or else hit |
| 6,6 | On 2 to 6 Split or else hit |
| 7,7 | On 2 to 7 Split, on 10 Stand or else hit |
| 8,8 | Split every time |
| 9,9 | On 2 to 9 except 7 Split, on 7,10 or A Stand |
| 10,10 | Stand every time |
| A,2 to A,5 | On 4 to 6 Double or else hit |
| A,6 | On 2 to 6 Double or else hit |
| A,7 | On 3 to 6 Double, on 2,7,8 or A Stand, on 9 or 10 Hit |
| A,8 | On 6 Double or else stand |
| A,9 | Stand every time |
The above chart is made with an assumption that after pair splitting doubling down is not allowed in the casino. If that is not the case then the following rules for pair splitting can be used.
Player’s Hand vs Dealer’s up-card
| 2,2 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 3,3 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 4,4 | On 4,5 or 6 Split or else hit |
| 6,6 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 7,7 | On 2 to 8 Split, on 10 Stand or else hit |
Basic Strategy – Four, Six Eight Deck
Player’s Hand vs Dealer’s up-card
| A,A | Split every time |
| 2,2 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 3,3 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 4,4 | On 5,6 Split or else hit |
| 5,5 | Do not split. Treat this as 10 above |
| 6,6 | On 2 to 6 Split or else hit |
| 7,7 | On 2 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 8,8 | Split every time. |
| 9,9 | On 2 to 6, 8 or 9 Split, on 7,10, or A Stand |
| 10,10 | Stand every time. |
| A,2 | On 5,6 Double or else hit |
| A,3 | On 5,6 Double or else hit |
| A,4 | On 4 to 6 Double or else hit |
| A,5 | On 4 to 6 Double or else hit |
| A,6 | On 3 to 6 Double or else hit |
| A,7 | On 3 to 6 Double, on 2,7 or 8 Stand, on 9,10 or A hit |
| A,8 to A,10 | Stand every time |
| 5 to 8 | Hit every time |
| 9 | On 3 to 6 Double or else hit |
| 10 | On 2 to 9 Double, hit on 10, A |
| 11 | On 2 to 10 Double, hit on A |
| 12 | On 4 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 13 | On 2 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 14 | On 2 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 15 | On 2 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 16 | On 2 to 6 Stand or else hit |
| 17 | Stand every time |
| 18 | Stand every time |
The multiple deck strategy is valid for players who are allowed to double down after pair splitting. If it is not the case then use the following rules for pair splitting.
Player’s Hand vs Dealer’s up-card
| 2,2 | On 4 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 3,3 | On 4 to 7 Split or else hit |
| 4,4 | Do not split, hit every time |
| 6,6 | On 3 to 6 Split or else hit |
So that’s it.
Even though it is not easy to know the strategy by heart, you will learn it as you keep playing the game. If you are interested in other games, you can also check out my guide to counting cards in blackjack.
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