Blackjack Hit or Stand: How to Decide for Every Hand

Knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack is crucial for improving your chances of winning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the strategies, explain when to hit or stand on 16, and provide insights on other tricky hands like 13, 14, 15, and 17.

Whether you’re a beginner learning how to play blackjack hit or stand or a seasoned player refining your strategy, this guide is here to help.

Do I Hit or Stand on 16 in Blackjack?

One of the most common questions players ask is, “Do I hit or stand on 16?” The answer depends on whether your 16 is a hard or soft hand and the dealer’s upcard.

• Hit if the dealer shows 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace.
• Stand if the dealer’s upcard is 2 through 6.
• If surrender is available, surrender a hard 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace.

By following these rules, you can minimize the house edge.

Blackjack Hit or Stand Chart for Easy Decisions

A blackjack hit or stand chart is an essential tool for players to determine the best moves.

Here’s a simplified chart for common scenarios:

Use this chart to understand when to hit or stand in blackjack based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

The Hit or Stand Blackjack Chart Explained

Below are explanations of the strategy chart:

Hands 13-15:

• Against a dealer’s strong upcard (7–Ace), hitting is the optimal strategy since the dealer has a higher chance of making 17 or better.
• Against weak upcards (2–6), standing is correct because the dealer is more likely to bust.

Hard 16:

• Hitting against 7–Ace is correct because standing leaves you with a low probability of winning.
• Standing against 2–6 is correct because the dealer is likely to bust. Surrender is ideal against 9, 10, or Ace if allowed.

Hard 17:

• Always stand on 17. Hitting would risk busting, and the hand is strong enough to compete against most dealer totals.

Soft Hands (e.g., Ace + 5 = 16):

• Always hit until at least soft 18.

How to Play Blackjack Hit or Stand Strategy

Understanding the fundamentals of hit or stand in blackjack can significantly improve your gameplay. Here are some quick tips:

1. Soft hands (hands with an Ace): Always hit until you reach 18 or higher.
2. Hard hands: Be cautious, as you can easily bust. Follow the chart to decide.
3. Dealer’s weak cards (2–6): Stand on your stronger hands to let the dealer bust.

What to Do With 13, 14, 15, or 17 in Blackjack

Hands like 13, 14, 15, and 17 can be tricky, but the strategy remains consistent:

• 13, 14, or 15: Stand if the dealer shows a 2–6; hit otherwise.
• 17: Always stand, whether hard or soft.

These simple strategies can help you decide in the heat of a hit or stand blackjack game.

Related:

• What is 21+3 in Blackjack?

Conclusion: When Should You Hit or Stand?

Mastering the art of deciding whether to hit or stand in blackjack is key to becoming a successful player. Use the blackjack hit or stand chart, pay attention to the dealer’s upcard, and always play strategically. With practice, you’ll confidently make decisions, whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino.

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