Blackjack Hit And Stand System

Welcome to Metropolitan Gaming’s Online guide to the hit-and-stand blackjack betting guide

When it comes to online blackjack, Metropolitan Gaming has you completely covered with a comprehensive guide to how to hit and stand in blackjack.

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Understanding the blackjack hit-and-stand system

Whatever blackjack version you might play, two options will always be presented, either to hit or stand. Hitting and standing are easy concepts to grasp, but it will take time to fully utilise them when playing.

Whenever you opt to hit, the dealer will present you with another card from the deck. You have the option to carry on hitting until you either bust (go over 21 numerically), or you decide to take no more cards from the dealer. The aim of the game is to get as close to 21, or 21 as possible without going over.

But blackjack is a game of skill and initiative when to hit, and when to trust the hand you have been dealt. Even standing on low cards can make sense if you can coerce the dealer into going bust.

When to hit in blackjack

Fundamentally, if you have a total of 8,9 or 10, you should hit against any card the dealer holds. With so many 9 and 10 value/picture cards in the deck, the chances of you making it a good hand are very high. Similarly, if the dealer shows a high card and therefore is likely to make 21, or at least a good hand, you should be looking at hitting your high cards too. The primary goal is to beat the dealer’s hand.

When to stand on blackjack

The common rule is to always stand on all totals of 17,19 and 20. Most of the time you gain no advantage in taking another card to what the dealer has. You don’t want to compromise a strong hand and go bust.

Make sure to also watch out for valuable totals that have the option of being split. For example, if you get a pair of 8s, or a pair of 10s, they can be split and become two hands to combat the dealer with.

What’s a soft and hard hand in blackjack?

“Soft” hands contain an ace (which can count as 1 or 11), while “hard” hands are made up of other cards. The same total can be treated differently depending on which camp the ace falls into. For example, if you have a “hard” 16 (eg 9-7) you should stand if the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. However, if you pull a hard hand, which means the absence of an ace, then you’ll have to plan differently. A hard hand, therefore, is more rigid and you don’t have as much flexibility.

Key points and basic blackjack strategy recommendations

With the information above, this guide gives you a blueprint for how to approach the game of blackjack online. Attached below is recommendations to take your game to the next level.

• Stand on 17+: The first rule in blackjack is to stand on a hard 17, or higher. Even if the dealer is showing an Ace or a 10/picture card, it’s best to batten down the hatches and hold rather than taking a risk and trying further to improve it.
• Double Down on 11: A hard 11, made out of the first two cards you’ve been dealt, is one of the best starting hands in blackjack and you should take advantage by doubling down. With this hand you can maximise your winning potential.
• Split 8s and Aces: It is always best to split a pair of eights or a pair of aces as the starting hand. Regardless of what the dealer is dealt, even though it requires an extra bet.
• Never split 10s: As per blackjack basic stratetgy, you should always stand with this as a starting hand. Having 20 gives you a very high chance of beating the dealer from the off. Splitting a pair of 10s will drastically reduce your chances of winning a hand.
• Hit on Ace 7 for Dealer’s 9, 10 or Ace: While Ace-7 can be a good starting hand, it is best to hit if the dealer’s upcard is higher than 8 because it is very likely he’ll form a stronger hand than 18.
• Only ever stand on 12 on Dealer’s 4, 5 or 6: In this hand, it is best to stand only when the dealer is showing a 4, 5 or 6. Otherwise, the correct move is to hit since his hole card will likely be a stronger hand than 12.
• Stand with 13, 14, 15 or 16 on Dealer’s 2 through 6: These hands are very common when playing 21 and it is vital to understand how to proceed and play against the dealer. For beginners, it is best to hit to try and improve the hand.