Blackjack Hit Rules: How Many Times Can You Hit?
Blackjack is a popular card game found in most casinos. One of the key decisions you will make during a game is whether to “hit” – that is, asking for another card to add to your hand.
Understanding how many times you can hit is crucial for improving your foundational knowledge of the game. In general, most casinos allow you to hit as many times as you want until you decide to “stand” or until you bust (go over 21).
However, there are some important rules and strategies to keep in mind. Knowing these may help you make better decisions during the game.
In this blog post, we will break down the basic hit rules of blackjack, making it easy for beginners to understand. Let’s dive in.
What Does Hit Mean In Blackjack?
In blackjack, the term “hit” simply means asking the dealer for another card.
You usually hit when you want to improve your hand with the aim of getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
To hit, you just need to tell the dealer or signal with a hand gesture, like tapping the table when it is your turn.
After declaring that you’re hitting, the dealer deals you another card from the deck. You can then decide to hit again or to “stand”, which means you are happy with your hand as it is. However, if your total hand value goes over 21, you have gone bust, which means you are out of the round and lose your bet.
Making the decision to hit or stand is important because it can greatly affect your chances of winning the game.
In the next sections, we will discuss how many times you can hit and some tips to help you decide when to hit or stand.
How Many Times Can You Hit In Blackjack?
In blackjack, you can hit as many times as you like until you decide to stand or until you bust by going over 21.
When you hit, you are given an additional card by the dealer. You can choose to hit again if you believe the extra card will improve your hand.
There is no strict limit on the number of hits you can take. However, each time you hit, you run the risk of busting, so it is important to make careful decisions.
You might find that the number of hits you take can vary based on your current hand and the dealer’s visible card. For example, if your hand total is low, you might want to hit more to aim for a better score.
Some players use basic blackjack strategy to decide when to hit and when to stand. We will cover this in more detail later in the post.
For now, remember that while you can hit as many times as you like, knowing when to stop is equally important. This decision-making process is a key part of mastering blackjack.
How Many Times Does The Dealer Have To Hit?
In blackjack, the dealer must follow specific rules when deciding to hit or stand. These rules are different from those for players.
Firstly, the dealer always has to hit if their hand total is 16 or less. This ensures the dealer tries to improve their hand.
Secondly, if the dealer’s hand totals 17 or more, they usually have to stand. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in some games, the dealer must hit if they have a “soft 17”, which is a hand that includes an Ace counted as 11.
Unlike players, the dealer does not have the freedom to hit as many times as they want. They must stick to these rules, regardless of what cards the players have.
Remembering these dealer rules can help you make better decisions during your own game. Knowing when the dealer has to hit or stand gives you valuable information for planning your moves.
When Should You Hit In Blackjack?
Deciding when to hit in blackjack can be tricky, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to improve your chances.
Firstly, consider hitting when your hand total is 11 or less. You cannot bust with just one more card, so it’s safe to hit in this situation.
If your hand total is between 12 and 16, your decision to hit should depend on the dealer’s visible card. If the dealer shows a 7 or higher, it’s often a good idea to hit, as the dealer likely has a strong hand.
If your hand total is between 17 and 21, it is usually best to stand rather than hit, as the risk of going over 21 is higher, and you already have a strong hand.
Always remember, these are just guidelines; they do not guarantee a win. The more you play, the better you’ll get at making these decisions based on the situation at hand.
When Should You Not Hit?
Knowing when not to hit is just as important as knowing when to hit in blackjack. Here are some simple guidelines to help you decide.
If your hand total is 17 or higher, it’s usually best not to hit. The risk of going over 21 is high, and you have a better chance of winning by standing.
If you have a “hard” 13 to 16 and the dealer’s visible card is 2 to 6, it is often advisable not to hit. The dealer may have a higher chance of busting in these situations, so standing can be a safer option.
If you hold a “soft 18” (an Ace counted as 11 and a 7), generally do not hit if the dealer’s card is 2, 7, or 8. Standing is usually the better choice, as your hand is already strong.
These guidelines help you avoid the risk of busting and make better decisions during the game. The more familiar you become with the game, the better you’ll get at recognising when to hit and when to stand.
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