Blackjack is not only a game of chance, but also requires tactical thinking and precise calculation. One of the factors that determine success is knowing when to hit, stand, double down or split. The following article by In 999 will help you understand each action, the exact time to apply it and provide a basic strategy guide (Basic Strategy) to optimize the ability to win.
1. Overview of Actions in Blackjack
In each round of Blackjack, players can choose the following actions based on their cards and the dealer’s upcard:
Hit: Take another card to improve the total score.
Stand: Keep the current score, do not draw another card.
Double Down: Double the initial bet and draw only one more card.
Split: When you have two identical cards, separate them into two separate players.
Choosing the right action at the right time is the key to reducing the house edge and increasing the odds of winning.
2. Basis of decision: Based on your cards and the dealer’s cards
It is not always advisable to hit more cards when you have a low score, and it is not always advisable to stand when you have a high score. Reasonable decisions should be based on the correlation between your cards and the dealer’s upcard. This is the principle of Basic Strategy.
For example:
If you have 16 and the dealer shows a 10, you should hit.
If you have 12 and the dealer shows a 6, you should stand.
3. The Basic Strategy Guide
The following table is a basic guide based on probabilities to make the best decision in most standard Blackjack situations (6–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17)
3.1. For Hard Hands (no Ace or Ace counted as 1):
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Card | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or lower | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 3–6 | Double Down |
| 10 | 2–9 | Double Down |
| 11 | 2–10 | Double Down |
| 12 | 4–6 | Stand |
| 13–16 | 2–6 | Stand |
| 13–16 | 7–A | Hit |
| 17 or higher | Any | Stand |
3.2. For Soft Hands (includes an Ace counted as 11):
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Card | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| A,2 or A,3 | 5–6 | Double Down |
| A,4 or A,5 | 4–6 | Double Down |
| A,6 | 3–6 | Double Down |
| A,7 | 3–6 | Double Down |
| A,7 | 2, 7, 8 | Stand |
| A,8 or A,9 | Any | Stand |
3.3. When You Have a Pair:
| Pair | Dealer’s Card | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2-2, 3-3 | 2–7 | Split |
| 4-4 | 5–6 | Split |
| 5-5 | Don’t Split | Double Down if 2–9 |
| 6-6 | 2–6 | Split |
| 7-7 | 2–7 | Split |
| 8-8 | Any | Always Split |
| 9-9 | 2–6, 8–9 | Split |
| 10-10 | Don’t Split | Stand |
| A-A | Any | Always Split |
4. When to Hit?
You should hit when:
Your total is low and your chances of busting are low.
The dealer has a strong hand (7, 8, 9, 10, Ace), which means you need to improve your score to have a chance of winning.
You have 12–16 points but the dealer has an advantage (7 or higher).
Note: Overdrawing can lead to bust, so only hit strategically.
5. When to Stand?
You should stand when:
You have a strong hand (17 or higher).
The dealer has a weak hand (2–6), which increases their chances of busting.
Your hand is good enough that you don’t need to risk drawing more.
Standing at the right time helps you keep your score safe and shifts the pressure to the dealer.
6. When to Double Down?
You should double down when:
The total is 9–11 and the dealer shows a weak hand (2–6).
You have a high potential soft hand (A,2 to A,7) and the dealer is weak.
Double down to maximize your profit when your chances of winning are high, but remember you can only draw one more card after that.
7. When to Split?
You should split when:
You have a pair of 8-8 or A-A, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
2-2, 3-3, 6-6, 7-7 should be split if the dealer shows a weak hand (2–7).
Never split a pair of 5-5 or 10-10 because they are strong hands.
Splitting allows you to take advantage of the winning potential of both hands instead of being limited to one.
8. Notes when applying the strategy table
Apply the correct version of Blackjack: The instruction tables may be different if the rules of the game are different (number of decks, the dealer draws on soft 17…).
Practice regularly: Try playing on the app or simulation to memorize the strategy table.
Don’t rely entirely on emotions: Decisions based on Basic Strategy are more mathematical and objective.
Knowing when to hit, stand, double or split is an important factor in improving your Blackjack skills. The basic strategy table not only helps you make accurate decisions but also minimizes the house edge. Whether you are a new player or a long-time player, mastering these principles will help you play smarter, more effectively and more confidently in every game.
See more:
