Blackjack is one of the most popular and most played casino games in the world. It is easy to learn, exciting to play, and offers some of the best odds of any game in the house. With the right strategy and card counting techniques, players can make a lot money playing blackjack. However, there are certain times when it is best to not hit blackjack. In this article, we will discuss when it is best to avoid hitting blackjack and why.
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When to Avoid Hitting Blackjack
There are several situations in which it is better to avoid hitting blackjack. These include:
- When the Dealer Shows an Ace or 10 – If the dealer is showing an Ace or 10, the chances of them having a blackjack are high. In this situation, it is best to not hit and hope the dealer does not have a blackjack.
- When You Have 17 or Higher – If you have a hand total of 17 or higher, it is best to not hit and stick with your current total. This is because the chances of busting (going over 21) are much higher than the chances of improving your hand.
- When You Have a Soft 17 – A soft 17 is a hand that contains an Ace that is being counted as 11. In this situation, it is usually best to stand and not hit. This is because the chances of busting are much higher than the chances of improving your hand.
When to Hit Blackjack
While there are certain times when it is best to avoid hitting blackjack, there are also times when it is best to hit. These include:
- When the Dealer Has a Weak Hand – If the dealer is showing a weak hand, such as a 4, 5, or 6, then it is usually best to hit. This is because the chances of improving your hand are much higher than the chances of busting.
- When You Have a Soft 16 – A soft 16 is a hand that contains an Ace that is being counted as 11. In this situation, it is usually best to hit. This is because the chances of improving your hand are much higher than the chances of busting.
- When You Have a Hard 16 – A hard 16 is a hand that does not contain an Ace. In this situation, it is usually best to hit. This is because the chances of improving your hand are much higher than the chances of busting.
Tips for Hitting Blackjack
While it is important to know when to hit blackjack, it is also important to know how to hit it. Here are some tips for hitting blackjack:
- Always Split Aces and 8s – Aces and 8s should always be split. Splitting these hands gives you the best chance of winning the hand.
- Double Down When Appropriate – When you have a good hand, such as a 10 or 11, it is usually best to double down. This is because the chances of winning the hand are much higher when you double down than when you hit.
- Know When to Surrender – Surrendering is a great way to avoid losing too much money. If the dealer is showing a strong hand, such as an Ace or 10, it is usually best to surrender and get half of your bet back.
Benefits of Not Hitting Blackjack
There are several benefits to not hitting blackjack. These include:
- Reduced Risk of Bust – By not hitting blackjack, you are reducing the risk of busting (going over 21). This is because you are not taking any additional cards and are sticking with your current total.
- Higher Chances of Winning – If you are able to correctly identify when to not hit blackjack, you will have a higher chance of winning. This is because you are not taking any additional cards and are sticking with your current total.
- Reduced Risk of Losing Money – By not hitting blackjack, you are reducing the risk of losing money. This is because you are not taking any additional cards and are sticking with your current total.
Considerations for Not Hitting Blackjack
While there are several benefits to not hitting blackjack, there are also some considerations. These include:
- Opportunity Cost – By not hitting blackjack, you are sacrificing the opportunity to improve your hand. This means that you may miss out on a chance to win the hand.
- Increased Risk of Loss – By not hitting blackjack, you are increasing the risk of losing the hand. This is because the dealer may have a better hand than yours and you will not have the opportunity to improve it.
- Reduced Chances of Winning – By not hitting blackjack, you are reducing your chances of winning the hand. This is because you are not taking any additional cards and are sticking with your current total.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are certain times when it is best to not hit blackjack. These include when the dealer shows an Ace or 10, when you have 17 or higher, and when you have a soft 17. While there are benefits to not hitting blackjack, there are also considerations such as opportunity cost and increased risk of loss. It is important to consider these when deciding whether or not to hit blackjack.
FAQs
What is the best hand in blackjack?
The best hand in blackjack is a blackjack, which is an Ace and any 10 value card. This hand pays out at 3:2 odds and is the highest paying hand in the game.
What is the optimal blackjack strategy?
The optimal blackjack strategy is to always hit on 16 or less, always stand on 17 or more, always split aces and 8s, and always double down on 10 or 11.
When should you hit a soft 17 in blackjack?
It is usually best to hit a soft 17 in blackjack. This is because the chances of improving your hand are much higher than the chances of busting.