Blackjack is one of the most player-friendly games in brick-and-mortar and online casinos regarding return to player (RTP). This classic table game typically offers a relatively high RTP value, although this can differ based on your game variation.
The game is deemed to be a “solved game.” That means all actions placed during a blackjack session have a correct response. There are five decisions that players can make when comparing the dealer’s up card to their hand. These are hit, stand, double down, split, and surrender.
However, you can’t just call each decision mindlessly. There are the best times to do each action.
When to Hit
Before you Join Blackjack Tables on FanDuel Casino, you need to be familiar with the ins and outs. The term hit in blackjack means you ask the dealer for an extra card. As a refresher, the goal in blackjack is to get as close to 21 without busting. That said, you can’t just hit whenever you want.
If you have a hand total of at least 11, it’s the best time to hit to boost your odds of beating the dealer. That’s because the chances of drawing out an Ace and winning a blackjack with 11 points are much better than getting a card that’ll make your hand total more than 11.
Other best times to hit include:
- If the dealer is showing an Ace, 2, 7, 8, 9, or 10, and your hand total is 9
- A hand total of at least eight and unpaired
- A hand total of 10 against an Ace or another 10
- A hand total of 12 against an Ace, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, or 10
- A hand total of 13 and 14 against all-up cards more than a 7
When playing online blackjack at FanDuel Casino, you can easily hit by choosing the icon that represents the desired move.
When to Stand
Standing in blackjack means holding your hand and breaking off your turn. Hence, you’ll be dealt with no more cards. Generally, you should stand if your hand total is at least 17. There’s a high possibility that the next card you’ll get is an Ace or more than 5, busting you out.
Other best times to stand include:
- Stand if the dealer’s hand total is at least seven and your total is between 13 and 16
- A hand total of soft 18 against 2, 7, and 8
- A hand total of soft 19 against a 5 or 6
- All soft 20s
When to Double Down
After dealing with two cards, players can increase their bet twofold if they have a solid chance of winning. However, once they decide to make this move, players only get one more card and cannot hit.
Here are the best times to double down:
- When your hand total is 11
- When you have a hard 9 or 10, and the dealer has a hand valued at 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
- When you have a soft 16, 17, or 18, and the dealer is showing 3, 4, 5, or 6 in their hand
When to Split
If a player receives two cards of identical value, they have the option to separate them into two distinct hands. Then, they’ll receive an additional card from the dealer for each hand. But here’s the catch: the player must place a bet on the new hand equal to their original wager.
Here are the best times to split:
- Always split Aces and 8s
- If the dealer has a card value of at least seven, split 2s, 3s, and 7s
- When the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9 and you have 9s
- When the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 and you have 6s
When to Surrender
Surrender is an optional rule that enables players to yield half of their bets after seeing their cards and the dealer’s. Generally, surrender if your hand has little to no chance of winning against the dealer.
There are two types of surrendering in blackjack, which are early and late surrender. An early surrender is an option before the dealer surveys the hole card for blackjack. This option reduces the house advantage of the house by 62%.
On the other hand, late surrender allows you to forfeit your hand and give up half your bet after the dealer checks his hand. You can cash out half of your bet if the dealer’s hand is not a blackjack.
Here are the best times to surrender in blackjack:
- If the dealer is showing an Ace and 10s and your hand total is 15 or 16
- If the dealer is showing a nine and your hand total is 16
Even though some people think this move is for quitters, it’s much better than getting busted by the dealer and losing all your bets. So, if you’re not 100% confident about your hand, there’s no shame to surrender.
Takeaway
Blackjack is a game of strategy and skill. You can’t just make big calls unthinkingly. Knowing when to hit or stand, double down or split, and surrender is vital to a successful blackjack session. It increases your chances of winning and defeating the dealer.
Rachel Dixon works on Business, travel and features blogs at Daily Mid Time and Zobuz. She has passionate for travelling and cooking. Spending time with family as well as on internet to enhance her capabilities for well orientated content creation and blog writing.
