So, you’re hitting the blackjack tables in Australia and wondering how to know when to hit or stand in blackjack? It sounds simple, but getting it right can really change your game. It’s not just about luck, you know. There’s a bit of strategy involved, and knowing the dealer’s upcard is a big part of it. Plus, the rules can be a little different depending on where you play, which can mess with your decisions. Let’s break down how to make the best call at the table.
Key Takeaways
- Deciding whether to hit or stand is the most basic choice in blackjack, and getting it right is key to playing well.
- Your hand total and the dealer’s visible card (upcard) are the main things to look at when deciding to hit or stand.
- Australian blackjack rules can vary, like whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, which affects the best strategy.
- Using a blackjack strategy chart can help you make the statistically best decision for hitting or standing based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.
- Practising with free games or memorising basic strategy moves can improve your hit and stand decisions, especially in busy land-based casinos.
Understanding The Core Blackjack Decision
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of blackjack. At its heart, the game is a constant back-and-forth between you and the dealer, and the most frequent decision you’ll make is whether to ‘hit’ or ‘stand’. It sounds simple, but getting it right is what separates a casual player from someone who’s actually got a decent shot at winning.
The Fundamental Hit Or Stand Question
So, what’s the deal with hitting and standing? Hitting means you’re asking for another card to add to your hand. Standing means you’re happy with your current total and you’re not taking any more cards. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, and to have a higher total than the dealer. If you go over 21, you ‘bust’ and you’re out for that round, losing your bet automatically. It’s a bit like a high-stakes game of ’21’ from school, but with real money on the line.
Navigating Player Hands And Dealer Upcards
Your decision to hit or stand isn’t just about your own hand; it’s heavily influenced by what the dealer is showing. The dealer has one card face up (the ‘upcard’) and one card face down (the ‘hole card’). You only see the upcard, and this is your main clue to what the dealer might end up with. A dealer showing a low card, like a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, is more likely to bust. When this happens, you can afford to be a bit more conservative with your own hand and stand on lower totals. Conversely, if the dealer shows a high card, like a 7, 8, 9, 10, or an Ace, they have a better chance of making a strong hand, or even 21. In these situations, you’ll often need to take more risks with your own hand, hitting more often to try and build a better total.
Decoding Your Hand: When To Hit
Alright, so you’ve got your cards, and the dealer’s showing something. Now what? The big question in blackjack is always whether to grab another card or stick with what you’ve got. It sounds simple, but knowing when to hit can make a massive difference to your bankroll.
Hard Hands Requiring A Hit
Hard hands are those without an Ace, or where the Ace has to count as 1 to avoid busting. Generally, if your hard total is 11 or less, you’re in a pretty safe spot to hit. You can’t possibly bust with a 11 or lower, so why not try for a better number? Even a 12 can be tricky. If the dealer’s showing a 2 or 3, hitting a 12 is risky because they have a decent chance of getting a 10-value card and busting. But if they’re showing a 7 or higher, hitting that 12 is often the better play, even though it feels a bit dicey. You’re trying to beat the dealer, and if they’re looking strong, you need to take some chances.
Here’s a quick rundown for hard hands:
- 5 to 11: Always hit. You’ve got no chance of busting, so aim for a higher total.
- 12: Hit if the dealer shows a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. Stand if they show a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- 13 to 16: Hit if the dealer shows a 7 or higher. Stand if the dealer shows a 2 through 6. This is where many players go wrong, standing on 16 against a dealer’s 7 or higher, which is a losing play in the long run.
- 17 and up: Always stand. You’re in a strong position already.
Soft Hands And The Hit Decision
Soft hands are a bit different because they include an Ace that can count as either 1 or 11. This flexibility means you can often hit on hands that would be dangerous with hard totals. Think of a soft 17 (Ace and a 6). If you hit and get a 5, you now have Ace, 6, 5, which can be counted as 12 (1+6+5) or 22 (11+6+5). Since 12 is better than busting, you’re safe. This makes soft hands much more forgiving.
Generally, with soft hands, you’ll keep hitting until you reach a total of 17 or 18, especially if the dealer is showing a higher card. The strategy here is to build up your hand without the risk of busting.
When Pairs Dictate A Hit
While pairs often lead to splitting, there are times when hitting is the correct move, even with a pair. For instance, if you have a pair of 2s, 3s, or 7s, and the dealer is showing a strong card (like an 8, 9, 10, or Ace), you might be better off hitting rather than splitting. Splitting these pairs gives you two weaker hands, whereas hitting might give you a chance to improve one hand significantly. However, the most common advice is to split Aces and 8s, and avoid splitting 5s and 10s. We’ll get into that more later, but remember that sometimes, just hitting is the way to go, even with a pair.
Knowing When To Stand Firm
Alright, so you’ve got your hand, and you’re thinking about what to do next. Sometimes, the best move isn’t grabbing another card. Knowing when to just stick with what you’ve got is a big part of not losing your shirt.
Identifying Standable Hard Totals
When you’ve got a ‘hard’ hand, meaning no Ace that can be counted as 11, you need to be a bit more careful. Generally, if your total is 17 or higher, you should always stand. It’s just too risky to hit again; you’re far more likely to go bust than improve your hand. Even with a total of 12, 13, or 14, if the dealer is showing a strong card (like a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace), standing might be the smarter play. You’re letting the dealer take on more of the risk.
Here’s a quick rundown for hard totals:
- 17-21: Always stand. No exceptions.
- 12-16: Stand if the dealer shows a 7 or higher. If the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you might consider hitting, but standing is often safer if you’re unsure.
- 11 or less: Always hit. You can’t bust with these totals.
When Soft Hands Call For Standing
Soft hands are a bit different because you have that flexible Ace. This gives you more room to play. With a soft hand, you can often afford to hit on totals that would make you stand with a hard hand. For example, a soft 18 (Ace and a Seven) is a decent hand. If the dealer is showing a weak card (like a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6), you might even consider doubling down. However, if your soft hand total reaches 19 or 20 (like Ace-8 or Ace-9), you should definitely stand. There’s very little chance of improving these hands without busting.
Strategic Standing With Pairs
When you have a pair, your first thought might be to split them, and often that’s the right move, especially with Aces or Eights. But there are times when standing is the better option, even with pairs. For instance, if you have a pair of Fours and the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, splitting is usually advised. But if you have a pair of Tens (which is already a solid 20), you absolutely stand. Splitting Tens is almost always a bad idea because you’re breaking up a winning hand. You’re better off keeping that 20 and hoping the dealer busts or has a lower total.
Remember, standing firm is about protecting your hand when the odds favour it. It’s not about being scared; it’s about being smart.
The Dealer’s Influence On Your Choice
Alright, so you’ve got your hand, and you’re thinking about whether to grab another card or just stick with what you’ve got. But here’s the thing, it’s not just about your cards, is it? You’ve got to keep an eye on what the dealer’s showing. That one card they’ve got face-up? It tells you a fair bit about what might happen next.
Dealer’s Upcard Strength
Basically, the dealer’s upcard is your biggest clue. If they’re showing a 2 through a 6, that’s generally considered a weaker hand for them. Why? Because those cards mean they’re more likely to have to hit a few times, and there’s a decent chance they’ll go bust. When you see one of those cards, it’s often a good time for you to be a bit more conservative with your own hand. You might be able to stand on a lower total than you normally would.
On the flip side, if the dealer’s showing a 7 through an Ace, that’s a much stronger position for them. They’ve got a better chance of making a good hand, and the odds of them busting are lower. In these situations, you usually need to aim for a higher total yourself. Don’t be afraid to hit if you’ve got a total that’s a bit shaky, like 12 through 16, because you need to try and beat what the dealer might end up with.
Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17
Now, this is a rule variation you’ll see pop up, and it actually makes a difference to your strategy. Some casinos have the dealer hit on a ‘soft 17’ (that’s an Ace and a 6, or any combination that adds up to 17 but includes an Ace that can be counted as 11). Other casinos have the dealer stand on any 17, including soft 17.
If the dealer hits on soft 17, it means they have a slightly better chance of improving their hand, which can be a bit tougher for you. You might need to be a bit more aggressive with your own hitting decisions in this scenario.
If the dealer stands on soft 17, it’s generally better for the player. They’re less likely to improve their hand, so you can often stand on lower totals yourself.
Impact Of Dealer Bust Potential
Thinking about when the dealer might go bust is a big part of the game. You’re always looking at that upcard and trying to figure out their chances. If they’re showing a 5 or a 6, for example, their bust potential is pretty high. This is where you can really use that knowledge. You might be able to stand on a hand like 12 or 13 against these dealer upcards, because you’re banking on them busting out.
It’s a bit of a balancing act. You want to make your hand as strong as possible without going over 21, but you also want to take advantage of situations where the dealer is likely to fail. Paying attention to that dealer upcard and knowing the rules about soft 17 can really help you make better decisions about hitting or standing.
Mastering Pairs: Hit Or Split?
Alright, let’s talk about pairs. You know, when you get two cards of the same rank, like two Sevens or two Kings. This is where things can get a bit tricky, but also where you can really make some smart moves to boost your chances. It’s not always as simple as just hitting or standing, you’ve got this whole other option: splitting.
When To Always Split Aces And Eights
So, you’ve got a pair of Aces. This is a golden opportunity, mate. Always split your Aces. Why? Because an Ace is a super flexible card, giving you a great chance to hit 21. If you don’t split, you’re stuck with two hands that are essentially just 12s, which isn’t ideal. Splitting them gives you two chances at a strong hand, usually with a 10-value card to follow.
Now, Eights are a bit different. A pair of Eights gives you a total of 16, which is a pretty rough spot to be in. Hitting a 16 is a gamble, as any card over a 5 will bust you. Standing on 16 is also risky, as the dealer is likely to beat it. Splitting your Eights, however, gives you two hands of eight. This is a much better starting point, and you’re more likely to get decent cards to build on.
Splitting Fours And Other Pairs
What about Fours? Splitting Fours is generally a bad idea, unless the dealer is showing a 5 or a 4. If the dealer has a weak upcard (like a 2 through 6), splitting Fours can be beneficial because you’re trying to get rid of those weak hands and hope for better cards. However, if the dealer has a strong upcard (7 through Ace), you should avoid splitting Fours and just hit.
For pairs like Twos, Threes, and Sevens, you generally want to split them if the dealer’s upcard is a 7 or lower. This is because you’re trying to get rid of those low pairs and avoid busting. If the dealer has a higher card, it’s usually better to just hit.
When Not To Split Tens
Now, let’s talk about Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings – basically, any pair of cards that add up to 20. You might think, ‘Hey, 20 is a great hand, why wouldn’t I split it?’ Well, the answer is simple: don’t. A hand of 20 is a really strong position to be in. You’re very likely to win with a 20. If you split Tens, you’re breaking up a winning hand into two separate hands, and you’ll likely get lower cards, making both hands weaker than your original 20. It’s almost always better to stand on a pair of Tens.
Australian Blackjack Rule Variations
Right then, let’s talk about how blackjack can be a bit different when you’re playing down under. It’s not all the same, you see. While the core idea of hitting or standing stays the same, a few key rules can change how you play your hand, and importantly, how much the house has an edge.
Hole Card Rules and Their Impact
One of the biggest differences you’ll find in Australia compared to some other places is how the dealer handles their cards. In many Australian casinos, the dealer doesn’t take a ‘hole card’ – that’s the second card dealt face down. This might sound minor, but it can affect your decisions, especially if you’re thinking about doubling down or splitting. If the dealer ends up with a blackjack, what happens next can vary:
- OBO (Original Bets Only): The dealer only takes your initial bet. Any extra money you put down from splitting or doubling is returned. This is pretty good for the player.
- ENHC (European No Hole Card): If the dealer gets a blackjack, they take all your money – your original bet and anything extra from splits or doubles. This is less favourable.
- BB+1 (Busted Bets Plus One): The dealer takes any bets you’ve already lost (busted) and one extra unit from your other bets.
- OBBO (Original and Busted Bets Only): The dealer takes your original bet and any busted bets, but leaves your doubled bets intact.
The specific rule used can significantly alter your strategy, so it’s worth checking before you sit down.
Dealer Hits Soft 17 Versus Standing
Another variation that pops up is whether the dealer hits or stands on a ‘soft 17’. A soft 17 is an Ace and a 6, because the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. If the dealer has to hit on soft 17 (often shown as ‘H17’ on the table), they’re more likely to improve their hand, which can be a bit tougher for you. If they have to stand on soft 17 (‘S17’), it’s generally better for the player as it reduces the house’s advantage slightly.
Number of Decks Used
Casinos also play with different numbers of decks. You might see games using anywhere from one deck up to eight decks, often dealt from a shoe. Generally, fewer decks are better for the player, but the impact of this rule is less significant than the hole card rule or whether the dealer hits soft 17. For instance, a common setup in Sydney might be an 8-deck shoe, with only one split allowed per hand and the BB+1 hole card rule.
Advanced Hit And Stand Scenarios
So, you’ve got the basics down, but what about those trickier spots? Blackjack isn’t always black and white, and sometimes you need to think a bit more about what’s in your hand, not just the total. This is where things get interesting.
Doubling Down Opportunities
Doubling down is a fantastic way to boost your winnings when you’ve got a strong feeling about your hand. Basically, you double your bet and get just one more card. It’s a high-stakes move, so you want to use it wisely. Generally, you’ll want to double down when you have a total of 10 or 11, especially if the dealer is showing a weak card. For instance, if you have a hard 11, it’s almost always a good idea to double down, no matter what the dealer has. With a hard 10, you’ll want to double against anything from a 2 to a 9 from the dealer.
Here’s a quick look at when doubling down is usually a good shout:
- Hard 11: Always double down.
- Hard 10: Double down against dealer 2 through 9.
- Hard 9: Double down against dealer 3 through 6.
- Soft hands (like Ace-6): Double down against dealer 3 through 6.
Remember, some casinos might have rules about when you can double down, like only on your first two cards. Always check the table rules.
Surrender Options in Australia
Surrender isn’t offered everywhere, but if you find it on an Australian table, it can be a lifesaver. It means you give up half your bet and fold your hand, usually when you have a really bad hand and the dealer looks strong. It’s a way to cut your losses. The most common time to consider surrender is with a hard 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace. Sometimes, a hard 15 against a dealer’s 10 is also a good candidate for surrender. It’s not the most exciting move, but it’s smart play when you’re in a tough spot.
Navigating Borderline Decisions
What about those hands that are right on the fence? Like a hard 12 against a dealer’s 3? Basic strategy says to hit, but it feels risky, doesn’t it? This is where composition-dependent strategy comes in, though for most players, sticking to basic strategy is plenty. If your 12 is made up of a 10 and a 2, hitting is slightly better than if it were, say, a 7 and a 5. This is because there are fewer 10-value cards left in the shoe to bust you. However, the difference in outcome is usually pretty small, so don’t stress too much about it. The key is to have a plan and stick to it, rather than guessing.
Utilising Strategy Charts Effectively
Right, so you’ve got your hand, the dealer’s showing a card, and you’re trying to figure out what to do next. This is where those blackjack strategy charts come in handy. They’re basically a cheat sheet, but a really smart one, based on a ton of maths. Think of them as your GPS for the blackjack table.
Reading the Blackjack Strategy Chart
These charts can look a bit intimidating at first, with all the letters and numbers. But once you get the hang of it, they’re pretty straightforward. Usually, the dealer’s upcard is along the top (the horizontal bit), and your hand is down the side (the vertical bit). You find where your hand and the dealer’s card meet, and it tells you what to do: Hit (H), Stand (S), Double Down (D), or Split (P). Always check the key though, as some charts might use different letters or have slightly different layouts. It’s super important to know if the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, as the chart will be different for those rules.
Key Actions: Hit, Stand, Double, Split
Let’s break down what those actions mean in practice:
- Hit (H): You’re asking for another card. This is usually when your hand total is low, and you’re unlikely to bust by taking one more card.
- Stand (S): You’re happy with your hand and don’t want any more cards. This is typically when your total is higher, and the risk of busting is greater.
- Double Down (D): You get to double your bet, but you only get one more card. This is usually done with strong starting hands, like a total of 10 or 11, against a weak dealer upcard.
- Split (P): If you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (like two 7s), you can split them into two separate hands. You’ll need to place an additional bet equal to your original bet for the second hand. This is often a good move with Aces or 8s.
Adapting Charts to Rule Variations
Here’s the thing, not all blackjack games are the same, especially here in Australia. The rules can change, and that changes what the best move is. For example, some games let the dealer hit on a soft 17 (H17), while others make them stand (S17). This makes a difference! You’ll find different charts for these variations. Also, the number of decks used can affect the strategy slightly. It’s not a huge deal for most players, but if you’re really trying to play perfectly, you need to use the chart that matches the specific rules of the game you’re playing. It’s a bit like using the right map for the right country; you wouldn’t use a map of Sydney to find your way around Melbourne, would you?
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
Alright, so you’re getting the hang of this blackjack thing, which is great. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to trip yourself up. Let’s talk about some common mistakes people make, especially when it comes to hitting or standing.
Ignoring the Dealer’s Upcard
This is a big one, honestly. You’ve got your hand, and you’re feeling pretty good about it, maybe a 14. You see the dealer’s upcard is a 3, and you think, ‘Sweet, they’ll probably bust!’ So you stand. But then you look at the strategy chart, and it says to hit. Why? Because that dealer 3 is actually a pretty weak card for them. They’re more likely to bust with it than if they had, say, a 7. The dealer’s upcard is your biggest clue about what they might end up with. If you ignore it and just focus on your own hand, you’re basically playing blind.
Emotional Decisions Over Strategy
We’ve all been there. You’ve just lost a few hands in a row, and you’re feeling a bit desperate. You’ve got a 16, and the dealer’s showing a 10. The chart says hit, but you’re thinking, ‘No way, I’m going to bust for sure!’ So you stand. Then, surprise, surprise, the dealer pulls a 20, and you’ve lost again. Or maybe you’ve had a couple of good wins and you’re feeling invincible. You’ve got a 12, the dealer’s showing a 4, and the chart says hit. But you’re feeling lucky, so you stand, thinking you’ll just wait for the dealer to bust. That’s not how it works. You’ve got to stick to the plan, even when your gut is telling you something else. It’s tough, but it’s how you win in the long run.
Misinterpreting Strategy Chart Keys
These charts can look a bit confusing at first, can’t they? They’ve got all these letters like H, S, D, and P. If you don’t know what they mean, you’re in trouble. ‘H’ is for Hit, ‘S’ is for Stand, ‘D’ is for Double Down, and ‘P’ is for Split. Sometimes you’ll see ‘R’ for Surrender. It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how many people mix them up. For example, mistaking a ‘Stand’ for a ‘Hit’ on a 16 against a dealer’s 10 is a classic error that costs players a lot of money. Always double-check the key before you play, especially if you’re using a chart for the first time or one with slightly different symbols. It’s worth taking a minute to make sure you’re reading it right.
Practising Your Hit Or Stand Skills
Alright, so you’ve read up on the rules and maybe even glanced at a strategy chart. That’s a good start, but actually playing the game is where the rubber meets the road, right? It’s one thing to know you should hit on a hard 16 against a dealer’s 7, and another thing entirely to do it when the pressure’s on.
Free Blackjack Practice Games
Honestly, the best way to get a feel for it without risking your hard-earned cash is to jump into some free online blackjack games. Loads of sites offer these, and they’re brilliant for just messing around and seeing what happens. You can play hundreds of hands without worrying about your bankroll. It’s like a training ground. You can try out different scenarios, see how the dealer’s upcard really affects your decisions, and just get a rhythm going. Don’t underestimate the power of just playing a lot. It helps you internalise those basic strategy moves so they become second nature.
Memorising Key Strategic Moves
Look, trying to memorise an entire blackjack strategy chart can feel a bit much, especially when you’re starting out. But there are a few core moves that pop up all the time and are super important. Think of these as your go-to rules:
- Hard Totals: Generally, if your hand is 11 or less, you hit. If it’s 17 or more, you stand. The tricky bits are between 12 and 16, where it really depends on what the dealer is showing. For example, with a hard 12, you hit if the dealer shows 2 or 3, but stand if they show 4 through 6. Anything higher than a 6 for the dealer, and you hit.
- Soft Totals: These are hands with an Ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11. They’re more forgiving. With a soft 17 (Ace and a 6), you always hit. With a soft 18 (Ace and a 7), you usually stand, but you might hit if the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace.
- Pairs: Splitting pairs is a whole other ballgame, but a couple of quick ones: always split Aces and Eights. Never split Tens or Fives.
Applying Strategy In Land-Based Casinos
So, you’ve practiced online, you’re feeling a bit more confident. Now, what about hitting the actual casino floor here in Australia? The vibe is different, for sure. There’s more noise, more people, and the pace can feel faster. When you’re at a physical table, especially if you’re still a bit shaky on the strategy, it can be tempting to just go with your gut or copy what the person next to you is doing. Try not to do that. Stick to what you’ve learned. If you’re unsure about a specific hand, take a moment to think. Most dealers are used to players taking a second to decide. Remember, the goal is to play smart, not just fast. If you’re playing at a busy table, it might be easier to focus on just a few key decisions you’ve memorised rather than trying to recall every single scenario from the chart. Just making those few correct decisions consistently will make a big difference over time.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Alright, so we’ve gone through the ins and outs of when to hit or stand in blackjack, especially here in Australia. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of practice and knowing the basic strategy. Remember, it’s all about giving yourself the best shot against the dealer. Don’t get too caught up in trying to impress anyone at the table – focus on your cards and the dealer’s up card. Keep these tips in mind, maybe even jot down a quick reference card for yourself, and you’ll be playing smarter in no time. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main goal when playing blackjack?
The main idea in blackjack is to get a hand total that’s closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. You can also win if the dealer goes bust (over 21) and you haven’t.
When should I definitely hit in blackjack?
Generally, you should hit if your hand total is low, like 11 or less. Also, if you have a ‘hard’ hand (no Ace or an Ace that must be counted as 1) that adds up to 11 or less, hitting is usually the smart move. If the dealer is showing a strong card, you might need to hit on higher totals too.
When is it better to stand in blackjack?
You should stand when your hand total is high enough that hitting might make you go over 21. Typically, if your hand is 17 or more, standing is a good idea. Also, if the dealer is showing a weak card (like a 2 through 6), you might stand on lower totals because the dealer is more likely to bust.
How does the dealer’s visible card affect my decision?
The dealer’s upcard is super important! If the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, they’re more likely to bust. This means you can be a bit more cautious with your own hand and stand on lower totals. If the dealer shows a 7 or higher, they have a better chance of making a strong hand, so you’ll need to hit more often.
What’s the deal with ‘soft’ hands?
A ‘soft’ hand has an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 is a soft 17. With soft hands, you have more flexibility because you can’t easily bust by hitting. You might hit a soft 17 or 18 if the dealer has a strong upcard.
When should I consider splitting my cards?
You should always split Aces and 8s. Splitting Aces gives you two chances to get a strong hand (like 11), and splitting 8s breaks up a terrible total of 16. Other pairs, like 2s, 3s, or 7s, might be worth splitting against weaker dealer upcards.
Are there special rules for blackjack in Australia?
Yes, some rules can differ. For example, in Australia, the dealer usually doesn’t get a ‘hole card’ (a card dealt face down). Also, rules about doubling down (doubling your bet and taking one more card) and whether the dealer hits or stands on a ‘soft 17’ can change between casinos, affecting the best strategy.
What’s a ‘strategy chart’ and how do I use it?
A blackjack strategy chart is like a cheat sheet that tells you the best move (hit, stand, split, or double down) for every possible hand you might have against every possible dealer upcard. They’re based on maths and help you play perfectly to reduce the house edge. You just find your hand and the dealer’s card on the chart to see what to do.
