Making the Right Plays in Blackjack: When to Hit, Double or Split

[Tammy]

Now that you have the basics down from Blackjack 101: The Basics let's get into the strategies of making the right plays! Of course these strategies are not 100% foolproof (luck is a factor, after all), but if you apply these strategies consistently, and pay attention to the cards and actions of players at your table, these methods will take you farther. The goal is to get you to stop guessing, and start playing smarter.

✋Hit or Stand?
These two simple choices in blackjack are often the most misplayed. Just to recap from the basics:

• Hit means you want another card
• Stand means you are staying on the hand you have, and ending your turn to play.

So when should you Hit, and when should you Stand? Smart players follow these general guidelines:

• If your total is 11 or less → Hit (you can’t bust), and in some cases double down (see below).
• If you have 17 or more → Usually Stand.
• Totals of 12–16 are the tricky “danger zone” — your choice depends heavily on what the dealer is showing:
  ➡️ Dealer shows 2–6? Stand with 12–16 (dealer is more likely to bust).
  ➡️ Dealer shows 7–Ace? Hit — you’ll likely need a stronger hand to win.

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💰Double Down

Doubling down is a great play to make when you have a great starting hand (9, 10, or 11), and the dealer is showing a potential for a weak or potential bust hand. When you double down you literally double your initial bet, after your first two cards are dealt, in order to receive just ONE hit card to make your hand. If you are doubling down with 9. 10, or 11, you're hoping for a 10, face card, or Ace.

When to consider Doubling Down:

• Your hand totals 9 and dealer shows 3–6
• Your hand totals 10 or 11, and the dealer isn’t showing an Ace
• You have a soft 16–18 (like Ace-5 or Ace-7) and the dealer shows a low card (4–6)

➡️ Pro Tip: Don’t double if the dealer shows a 10 or Ace — the risk is too high.

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✂️ Splitting Pairs

You can split any two cards of the same value (e.g. 8-8, 2-2, Q-Q, etc.) into two separate hands. Splitting requires you to place a new bet for every time you want to split your hand. When you split your hand, you now have two hands that you play independently of one another, where you can hit, split again (if possible), double down, or stand.

But just because youI split your cards, it doesn't mean that you should. Depending on your initial hand, splitting can set you up for success, or it can set you up for failure. It's important to know when to split. So let's get into it.

When to Split:

• Always split Aces and 8s. Why?
  ➡️Splitting Aces gives you a chance to build a much better hand than the 2 or 12 that you started out with. There are some caveats to splitting Aces - see notes below.
  ➡️Splitting 8s gives you a chance to do better than a weak and hard to play 16.
• Never split 10s, 5s, or 4s. Why?
  ➡️ Splitting 10s ruins a likely winning hand (20).
  ➡️Splitting 5s holds the risk of getting saddled with not one, but two weak hands of 15. Plus you miss out on the chance to double down!
  ➡️Splitting 4s holds the same risk as 5s - you run the risk of getting two terribly weak hands that are more likely to lose or bust you.
• Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, or 9s depending on what the dealer is showing. Let's break that down:
  ➡️Split 2s, 3s, or 7s: When Dealer's up-card is 2-7
  ➡️Split 6s: When Dealer's up-card is 2-6
  ➡️Split 9s: When Dealer's up-card is 2-6 or 8-9

Caveats for Splitting Aces:
There are some important notes to make about splitting Aces that may contradict the "Always Split" advice:

• One card allowed: Many casinos will only deal ONE card per Ace after splitting, not allowing you to hit to further improve your split hands.
  • This means, you may want to reconsider splitting Aces if the dealer shows a card 7 or higher in the window.
  • Why? Because you must get at least a 6 dealt to you for each Ace just to push with the dealer's assumed 17.
• Blackjack Payout, or Even Money? Some casinos may treat your split Aces like a Blackjack (with blackjack payouts) if you are dealt a 10 card after the split. Some casinos may treat it only as 21 (no blackjack), which would mean even money payout. It's important to know the rules of each table you sit at, and the house rules so there are no surprises for you.

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✅Trust the Math!

These strategies are based on mathematical analysis and tested over millions of hands. And while they are not fool-proof (remember good old Lady Luck?), if you are consistent in using these strategies, over the long run you'll do much better for yourself.

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Let's talk about it!
I hope you've enjoyed my Blackjack series so far! Let me know in the comments what you think of these casino learning series, and what you'd like for us to tackle next! Ask questions on any Blackjack related strategy not already discussed too!

Resources

• Remember you can practice your blackjack game for FREE right here: >>> Play Blackjack <<<
• There are amazing strategy guides on Casino.us. Dive into all things Blackjack Stragtegy right here: How to Win at Blackjack
• Prefer to learn with videos? Then the Blackjack Academy is for you! Totally free, with 69 lessons ranging from Beginner to Advanced levels.

 

[najisami]

Totals of 12–16 are the tricky “danger zone” — your choice depends heavily on what the dealer is showing:
➡️ Dealer shows 2–6? Stand with 12–16 (dealer is more likely to bust).
➡️ Dealer shows 7–Ace? Hit — you’ll likely need a stronger hand to win.

Hi Tammy,
I know the above is part of the safest (mathematical) strategy to stick to. But I don't really understand why not take a chance and hit the 12 when the dealer shows 2, 3 0r 4.
I hope you, or someone else could wipe this out of my mind for good.

 

[Marcwantstowin]

Hi @najisami

The reason to stay on 12 is that the dealer will have to hit again on whatever card they get, so if they hold 2, 3 or 4, they may have 12, 13 or 14 after the second card. Which means they will have to go again. That is what we are hoping for.

So then, if they hold 14 after the second card, they will need to hit a card from 4 to 7. That way, they would end up with 18 or 21, the same applies if they hold 12 or 13. We limit the cards they can hit with, and not have to either play again or bust.

I probably did not explain it that well, but that is why.

 

[hilary antonik filho]

Thanks Tammy for your tips and a real lesson, I'll give it a try for free for now

 

[Tammy]

Hi Tammy,
I know the above is part of the safest (mathematical) strategy to stick to. But I don't really understand why not take a chance and hit the 12 when the dealer shows 2, 3 0r 4.
I hope you, or someone else could wipe this out of my mind for good.

Because, you have to assume that the dealer's hole card is 10, and that they have 12, 13, or 14. Meaning the dealer MUST hit, and will likely bust. Which means you will win with your 12. If you hit during this scenario, there is the risk that YOU will take the dealer's bust card, and either bust out yourself (and lose) or give the dealer an opportunity to make their hand.

It doesn't always work out that way, of course, but the way to increase your win rate and odds at the blackjack table is to be consistent in your plays, and use the odds to your favor.

 

[Tero]

you literaly double your initial bet, after your first two cards are dealt, in order to receive just ONE hit card to make your hand

This feels a bit hazy.
So I am allowed to double down ONLY IF I agree to take JUST ONE card? I can't take more?
Or if I'm allowed to take more, what happens then to my doubling?

 

[Tammy]

This feels a bit hazy.
So I am allowed to double down ONLY IF I agree to take JUST ONE card? I can't take more?
Or if I'm allowed to take more, what happens then to my doubling?

No, you cannot take more cards. That's the gamble you're taking. It's a risk, but it pays off if you hit - either by beating the dealer, or the dealer busting. That's why you want to save doubling down only when the odds are in your favor (i.e. the dealer is showing potential to bust, and you have the right hand to do it, etc.).

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

Thank you very much for this advanced beginner guide to blackjack covering hit or stand and double down.

I havent goten into this beautiful game just yet but soon im going to try it out.

If i use those strategies, will i be profitable or at least least breakeven in blackjack or are there more strategies to it?

 

[Marcwantstowin]

Thank you very much for this advanced beginner guide to blackjack covering hit or stand and double down.

I havent goten into this beautiful game just yet but soon im going to try it out.

If i use those strategies, will i be profitable or at least least breakeven in blackjack or are there more strategies to it?

Hi @Sunz of Beaches

Using those strategies, you should mean you will not lose too much. As with every game involving cards and people, you cannot predict everything. With a run, you could have a winning streak and win a sizeable amount. With every game that has a proportion of luck, I would advise only playing with the money you can afford to lose.

 

[Tammy]

Thank you very much for this advanced beginner guide to blackjack covering hit or stand and double down.

I havent goten into this beautiful game just yet but soon im going to try it out.

If i use those strategies, will i be profitable or at least least breakeven in blackjack or are there more strategies to it?

Hi @Sunz of Beaches

Using those strategies, you should mean you will not lose too much. As with every game involving cards and people, you cannot predict everything. With a run, you could have a winning streak and win a sizeable amount. With every game that has a proportion of luck, I would advise only playing with the money you can afford to lose.

To add on to what Marc said, there are of course more advanced strategies that you can get into - betting strategies, card counting, etc. that could potentially help you be more successful. But it's important to remember that the House still has an edge, and there are absolutely no guarantees. I would not ever suggest that someone could be a winning player in the long-run, but rather, use these strategies to mitigate losses, and potentially come out ahead for some sessions.

From my personal experience (playing live only) - I have had very good winning sessions, where it seemed I was "on a heater". Everything went my way. And other sessions where nothing seemed to go my way, and I was very quickly done - having lost my allotted bankroll very quickly. If I'm honest, the break even or losing sessions probably out-number the winning ones.

 

[antonis32123]

Good to know all these tips on when to hit , stand , double down or split . Basic rules are simple , but there are many tips , strategies , guidelines to follow in order to master blackjack . Interesting the different rules that casinos apply in certain circumstances to decrease your winning rate , like when you split two aces .

 

[Rahul P Gopal]

My mind: read completely and learn about Black jacks.

My brain: no don’t do it, you already have too many games to loose money with 😏

😂😂

 

[CNXRegie]

I'm still in Season 2 of the Blackjack Academy, and still I can't catch up with the lesson. I never thought there's this much to learn! 🥷

 

[Rost]

Very informative and interesting material. Although I am skeptical about casino entertainment, in my opinion, there are few chances to make money on such games. But with such materials for reflection and application, I think the chances can be increased somewhat

 

[jaymfc]

Hi @najisami

The reason to stay on 12 is that the dealer will have to hit again on whatever card they get, so if they hold 2, 3 or 4, they may have 12, 13 or 14 after the second card. Which means they will have to go again. That is what we are hoping for.

So then, if they hold 14 after the second card, they will need to hit a card from 4 to 7. That way, they would end up with 18 or 21, the same applies if they hold 12 or 13. We limit the cards they can hit with, and not have to either play again or bust.

I probably did not explain it that well, but that is why.

I learned to hit when the dealer showed a two many many years ago, and I usually hit a 12 also
But will take the courses again to relearn

 

[Tammy]

I learned to hit when the dealer showed a two many many years ago, and I usually hit a 12 also
But will take the courses again to relearn

There is the luck factor involved. I personally do not hit if I have 12 or better, and the dealer is showing a 6 or less (excluding an Ace, that's a little different). I know technically speaking you're supposed to hit when dealer shows a 2, but I prefer not to, and it's paid off more times than not for me.

 

[bablovod]

Thanks for the even more detailed presentation of the strategies, I hope that I can still earn something with your help

 

[dreamer13]

Using a blackjack strategy chart, you can remember when to split, double, hit, or hold. This strategy is influenced by a number of factors, including the rules of the hand and the dealer's position, as well as the number of decks used, and the ability to deal and double down after splitting pairs.Always double down on a hard 11 – doubling down on a hard 11 yields positive results on average against the dealer's upcard of lower values, with one exception. If you're playing multiple-deck blackjack, where the rules specify the dealer is on a soft 17, you're better off playing against the dealer's ace than doubling down.

 

[Igor G]

Thank you for your accessible and clear explanations. This is exactly the kind of information we needed. I don't know about others, but I'm going to try all this out on my own bankroll

 

[YLAN]

Definitely built our confidence to play blackjack. Its not different with poker. Strategized betting based on hands dealt & anticipating showdown value. Seems much easier but feels more costly. Another fun game in our repertoire! Thanks CC!

 

[TeUnit]

Things like knowing which hands to split and when to double may seem like small things but altogether they add up to almost a 15% change in win rate.

 

[Ruslan L]

Interesting. I didn't know that such a simple game at first glance had so many nuances. And to be honest, I didn't know that different casinos could have different rules for blackjack. I thought the rules would always be the same. I don't play blackjack very often, but I think I need to start learning to play more and, most importantly, to play correctly.

 

[maronza1]

I think this is a solid Blackjack strategy which will give you an edge at the blackjack tables, but it comes after card counting skill which gives you the edge for the casinos to blacklist yoou in blackjack tables

Now its about the bankroll one must have to play comfortably without worrying of the short term variance that blackjack may bring. One should have atleast 200bb to play blackjack comfortably.

 

[najisami]

Now its about the bankroll one must have to play comfortably without worrying of the short term variance that blackjack may bring. One should have atleast 200bb to play blackjack comfortably.

It's always helpful to have a big BR to play any game comfortably, but I don't think you need 200 bets to play Blackjack.

Check this out, I'm going to do the same thing right now :

How Much Money Should I Bring to the Casino for Blackjack?

Watch Casino.us's video guide to How Much You Should Bring to the Casino from our Blackjack Academy video series, presented by Mr Blackjack.

www.casino.us

 

[najisami]

Now its about the bankroll one must have to play comfortably without worrying of the short term variance that blackjack may bring. One should have atleast 200bb to play blackjack comfortably.

Ron!! I just watched that video. And you're right man! But it depends on the size of the available BR though.