Blackjack Basics: What Does It Mean to Hit or Stand?
If you are looking at a blackjack table for the first time, whether in person or online, the terms hit and stand might sound a bit odd. They are simply the two most common choices you make on your turn, and understanding them is the first step toward feeling comfortable at the table.
Each round, you decide whether to take another card or stick with what you have. Most casinos follow the same core rules, and once you know how these options work, everything else might start to make sense.
Curious how these simple words shape your decisions? Read on to learn more.
What Does Hitting Mean in Blackjack?
In blackjack, choosing to hit means you ask the dealer for another card to try to improve your total. You can say hit, tap the table, or click the button online. Every new card changes your position, so many players take a moment to think about what their total could become.
If your total goes above 21 after a hit, you bust, which ends your round and loses the bet. For example, holding a 10 and a 6, then drawing a 9, takes you to 25, which is a bust. That simple idea underpins most decisions in the game.
The basic mechanic is the same wherever you play. Variations, such as different deck counts or optional side bets, can change how often certain totals appear, so it might help to glance at the rules before you start.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Does Standing Mean in Blackjack?
Standing means you are happy with your total and do not want any more cards. You signal stand, your turn ends, and the dealer completes theirs. Your total is locked in at that point, whether that is 12, 18, or 20.
Players often stand when an extra card feels more likely to push them over 21 than to help. The closer you are to 21, the more that trade-off matters. This choice sits alongside hitting as the core rhythm of the game.
When Should You Hit in Blackjack?
Hitting is usually considered if your total is low enough that another card has a reasonable chance to help without putting you over 21. Totals such as 10, 11, or 12 give you more room to draw safely.
As your total rises, the chance of busting rises with it. For instance, drawing on 16 will result in a bust around 62% of the time. Some players also weigh the dealer’s visible card, as the dealer’s position can affect how aggressive or cautious a hit might be. There is no way to know the next card in advance, so it comes down to making the best decision you can with the information on the table and the rules in play.
If you are new, the game’s help section will usually outline any table variations, such as the number of decks or special rules, that can influence these decisions.
When Should You Stand in Blackjack?
Standing tends to make sense if your total is high enough that taking another card carries more risk than reward. On totals of 17 or more, the chance of busting with one extra card is significant, and many players decide to hold steady.
It also helps to think about hand type. A hard total, such as 17 without an Ace counted as 11, leaves little room to draw. A soft total, like Ace and 6, is more flexible because the Ace can be counted as 1 if needed. Even so, the best call still depends on table rules and what the dealer is showing.
How Does the Dealer Hit or Stand?
The dealer follows set rules. Typically, the dealer hits on 16 or less and stands on 17 or more. The only wrinkle is soft 17, which is a total of 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. Some tables require the dealer to hit soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand.
You can usually see this rule on the table felt or in the game information online. It matters because a dealer hitting soft 17 draws more often, which changes how often certain outcomes occur. Knowing this in advance could help you shape your own choices more confidently.
Play Blackjack Online
If you would like to try blackjack online, our tables at Red Casino are available on a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensed site. You will find clear game information, table limits, and rule summaries before you join a table.
There are classic versions, live dealer tables, and games with different deck counts or optional side bets. Each table explains the rules up front, so you know how the dealer plays and what options are available before you consider placing a bet.
Understanding when to hit and when to stand is the heart of blackjack. Once you are comfortable with those choices, the rest of the game may fall into place. Read on to learn more.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
