Blackjack Strategy 101: When to Hit, Stand, Split or Double Down

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. The rules are simple: each player is dealt two cards, and the goal is to finish the hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.

The idea of beating the casino at blackjack is so appealing that it inspired the book Bringing Down the House. The book was so popular that it was adapted into the movie 21.

At first glance, blackjack looks easy. However, once the cards are dealt, players face several decisions. Should you hit, stand, split, or double down?

Like every casino game, blackjack gives the house a slight advantage. The good news is that players can use basic strategy to reduce that edge.

Basic strategy does not guarantee a winning session, but it helps players last longer at the table. The longer you play, the more chances you have to enjoy the game and possibly score more winning hands.

This guide will explain when to hit, stand, split, and double down.

♠️ Blackjack Basics

Blackjack is a game where each player competes against the dealer. The goal is to finish the hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.

Each hand begins with the player being dealt two cards. The dealer has an advantage because only one of their cards is shown.

After the initial deal, players must decide whether to hit, stand, split, or double down.

A player can hit as many times as they like until they either stop or go over 21 and bust. They can also stand if they believe their current hand is strong enough to beat the dealer.

Splitting a pair gives a player two separate hands to play against the dealer. If the same card is dealt again, additional splits may be possible depending on the rules of the table. Each split requires another wager, which can lead to multiple wins or losses depending on how the hands play out.

Doubling down allows a player to increase their wager if they feel confident in their hand. This move requires placing an additional bet equal to the original one, and the player will receive only one more card.

Fortunately, there is a mathematical strategy that helps players make the best possible decision when it is their turn.

♥️ Learn Basic Strategy

The casino’s built-in mathematical advantage is called the house edge. This figure is calculated over millions of hands so the casino can reliably predict how much it will win from players.

The house edge in blackjack varies depending on the rules and payouts. At its lowest, it can be about 0.28 percent, while in some games it rises just above 2 percent.

This means that, mathematically, a player will lose between 28 cents and 2 dollars for every 100 dollars wagered. However, this holds true only if the player consistently follows basic strategy.

Each incorrect decision increases the house edge in favor of the casino. One mistake may not ruin a session, but repeated misplays add up and cause players to lose more money over time.

Most people gamble for fun, but as Herm Edwards famously said, “You play to win the game!”

Blackjack basic strategy is essential for making the most of every session. Over time, it helps players extend their time at the table and improves the chance of finishing ahead.

Different games and rule sets can lead to slight variations in play, but learning basic strategy covers nearly all situations regardless of the version of blackjack.

Not every session will end with a profit, but using basic strategy gives players the best possible chance. The good news is that it is not difficult to learn when to hit, stand, double down, or split.

♣️ When to Hit

Hitting means taking another card in an attempt to get closer to 21 without going over. This is usually the first decision after the initial two cards are dealt.

• Hit on hands under 12 because you can’t bust.
• Always hit 12 or 13 if the dealer is showing a 12.
• Hit when your total is less than 17 and the dealer is showing a 7 or higher.
• Hit a soft hand (ace and any other card) when the dealer is showing a 7 or higher because you can’t bust.
• Always hit soft 17.
• Always hit a soft 18 when the dealer shows a 9, 10, or ace.

A total of 17 or higher is usually considered a “pat” hand. Depending on the rules, the dealer must stand once they reach 17. Since the goal is to finish closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, most players continue hitting until they reach somewhere between 17 and 21.

♦️ When to Stand

Standing in blackjack means a player is finished taking cards. Players stand when they believe their hand is strong enough to beat the dealer without going over 21.

• Stand on hard 17 or higher.
• Stand when your total is 12–16 and the dealer shows 2–6. These are called “bust cards” because the dealer is most likely to go over 21 when showing these up cards.
• Stand on a soft 19 or higher, no matter what the dealer is showing.

If surrender is allowed, give up your 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or ace in exchange for half your bet, unless you are holding a pair of 8s. In that case, always split.

♠️ When to Split

Splitting pairs is not required to play blackjack, but it is an important part of basic strategy.

A player splits when they want to turn a pair of matching cards into two separate hands. This requires an additional bet equal to the original wager since the player will now be playing two hands.

Splitting is a bit more complex than hitting or standing, and it can take some practice to learn the correct plays for each situation.

• Always split aces and 8s.
• Split 2s, 3s, and 7s if the dealer shows 2–7.
• Split 4’s if the dealer shows 5 or 6. Hit if the dealer shows any other cards.
• Split 6s if the dealer shows 2–6.
• Split 9s if the dealer shows 2–6 or 8–9. Stand if the dealer shows any other cards.

Although players can split any pair, only a few situations make it the correct basic strategy play. For example, never split 5s or 10s. A pair of 10s equals 20, which is a strong hand to stand on. A pair of 5s is better used as a double down opportunity.

♥️ When to Double

Doubling down is when a player adds a second bet after the initial two cards are dealt. The catch is that the player will receive only one more card to complete their hand.

Like splitting, a player can technically double down on any two cards, but basic strategy calls for doubling only in specific situations.

• Always double down when dealt 11 - even when the dealer is showing a 10.
• Double down a pair of 5’s when the dealer shows 2-9.
• Down down on a 9 when the dealer shows 3-6.
• Double down when dealt a soft 16, 17, or 18 when the dealer is showing a lower card.
• Double down when dealt a soft 15 when the dealer is showing 4-6. Hit if the dealer shows any other cards.
• Double down when dealt a soft 13 (ace and 2) or 14 when the dealer shows 4-6. Hit if the dealer shows any other cards.

Keep in mind that casinos may have different rules about when doubling is allowed. Some games restrict doubles to certain hands or totals. Always check the rules before sitting down to play so you know when doubling is permitted.

♣️ Tips to Learn Basic Strategy

Learning blackjack basic strategy is not difficult. It just takes a little time and practice.

Thanks to technology, there are two ways to learn blackjack’s basic strategy. Players can learn at real money online casinos or the old fashioned way using paper.

Many players choose to study a physical basic strategy card, which shows the correct play for every situation. Most casinos allow these cards at the table, and they can be purchased or printed from a website.

Blackjack training apps and websites can be even more effective than a paper card for some players. These tools highlight mistakes in real time so players can correct them and build good habits.

Keep in mind that while printed cards are permitted, mobile devices are not allowed at the table. Apps and websites are excellent for practice and memorization, but players must put the phone away once real money is in play.