{"id":974,"date":"2025-07-31T10:33:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T14:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casino.borgataonline.com\/en\/blog\/?p=974"},"modified":"2025-09-01T04:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T08:25:24","slug":"how-to-know-when-to-hit-or-stand-in-a-blackjack-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borgataonline.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-know-when-to-hit-or-stand-in-a-blackjack-game\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Know When You Should Hit or Stand in a Blackjack Game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re playing with an online blackjack dealer or the old-fashioned way in a real casino, there\u2019s no doubt that blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games<\/strong><\/a> around. Not only has it been made famous by movies such as Rain Man, The Hangover, 21 <\/em>and Casino<\/em>, but it is also an incredibly easy game to pick up and play. However, if you want to play to win at this casino game, it\u2019s important that you know when to hit and when to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We take a brief look at the history of how the game works before diving into the details of knowing when to hit or stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics of blackjack<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t know how to play casino games, the premise of this game is simple. You, the dealer and anyone else present at the table \u2013 whether real or virtual \u2013 get dealt two cards. The goal is to get as close as possible to a score of 21 without going over, while also getting a hand that\u2019s higher value than the dealer\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re dealt your first two cards, you need to decide if you are going to \u201chit\u201d or \u201cstand.\u201d To stand, which is also sometimes known as \u201cstay,\u201d simply means you\u2019re satisfied with the cards that you\u2019ve been dealt and do not want any additional draw cards. To hit means you want to draw one or more additional cards to try and improve your hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision you make all comes down to knowing the value of each card in your hand and understanding general blackjack rules. Cards with numbers on them provide that specific number value, but face cards (jack, queen and king) are, like 10s, worth 10 points. An ace can be worth 1 or 11 points depending on which is better for your hand (i.e. which number can help you get closer to 21.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At an online casino<\/strong><\/a>, players can action this by clicking either the \u201chit\u201d or \u201cstand\u201d button on their screens. Meanwhile, players at a brick-and-mortar casino can use different hand signals to let the dealer know what they want to do. Once the signaling is done, your hand is complete for that round. Players are allowed to hit on any hand that totals 20 or less, but it\u2019s not advisable to do so on anything too close to 21 (see our \u201cWhen to stand\u201d section further down.) The reason is that if your hand exceeds 21 \u2013 you\u2019ll have \u201cbusted\u201d and will automatically lose your bet. Hitting when you\u2019re close to 21 is a risk that might make you go bust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u2018split\u2019 mean in blackjack?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are also some other betting options available to you during the game. If you get two cards of equal value, you can choose to \u201csplit,\u201d which is simply splitting this pair of cards into two hands. You\u2019ll then be dealt an additional card for each of these hands. Or, you can choose to \u201cdouble down,\u201d which means doubling your bet, taking an extra card and then having to \u201c\u2018stand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blackjack variations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overall, blackjack rules are straightforward. However, there might be slight differences depending on which of the many blackjack variations<\/strong><\/a> you choose to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that some variations, such as Atlantic City and European blackjack, may have different side bets or progressive jackpots, which can alter the hit-and-stand betting system. If so, you may have an option to \u201csurrender\u201d should you want to give up your hand early. This special option returns 50% of your bet, so it helps you cut your losses if you get a dud hand. It\u2019s important to find out which variations are the top blackjack games<\/strong><\/a> so you can find the one that you enjoy most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what variation you choose to play, just like online slots<\/strong><\/a>, there is a strong element of chance to blackjack. However, knowing when to hit or stay can improve your odds of a win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to hit or stay in blackjack<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Knowing when to hit or stand in the game is not only an important part of actually being able to play blackjack, but it can also reduce the house edge by half. This makes blackjack one of the best casino games to play if you\u2019re looking for good betting odds. This is also true for knowing when to split or double down in the game (which we\u2019ll discuss later on.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blackjack: When to hit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your hand has a total of 8 or less, you hit. This is because the chances of you making a good hand are high with so many 10-value cards in the deck. It is also wise to hit if the dealer has a relatively higher-value card in their hand, such as a 7, 8 or 9, because you\u2019ll need a higher total to beat them if they stand. Ultimately, the game\u2019s main aim is to beat the dealer\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s not advised, some players choose to hit when they have a hand total of 12 or 13 and the dealer has a lower card. That hand is very unlikely to win but it just might, depending on what card you\u2019ll draw next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tips<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n