In blackjack, taking a hit is when you ask the dealer for a third card after you've already received two. When it looks like you'll acquire a better hand without going over 21 with another card, you should hit. When your total is less than 12, for instance, you should hit. Similarly, if you have a 12 or 13 against a dealer's 2, a low hand against a dealer's pat hand, or a higher soft hand against a dealer's pat hand, you should hit.

Continue reading to learn exactly when to hit at blackjack—and, just as importantly, when not to. 

When Should I Hit in a Blackjack Game?

A breakdown of the timeframes you want to hit is provided below. Our blackjack strategy charts are another resource that you can consult to determine when to hit, stand, double down, split, or give up on each potential hand.

1. Sums less than twelve

You must hit until you get at least a hard total of 12 if your hand doesn't total at least 12. It doesn't damage you yet to take a hit because you can't bust.

2. Against a dealer's 2; 12 or 13.

They are able to draw to some pretty strong hands thanks to dealer 2. Even though you might occasionally bust, you should hit if you have a 12 or a 13. This is to try to obtain a better hand.

3. Pat hand of a dealer with low hands

In blackjack, a dealer's pat hand (17 to 21) is matched against a low hand (total less than 17).

A fundamental tenet of blackjack is that the dealer, regardless of the card that is shown, will always have a 10. When the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace turned up, that is considered a pat dealer hand.

Dealers typically have to stand on 17 or more, so you should presume that they have a total of 17 or more and won't be drawing any more cards.

This implies that in order to try to reach at least 17, you must hit your hand, even if it means going over 21. 

4. Firmer palms pressed up against the pat hand of a dealer

An ace that can be tallied as a 1 or an 11 is considered a soft hand. Therefore, drawing a card cannot end it.

When facing a dealer with a pat hand, you should always strike a soft 17 since you won't be at risk of busting even if you receive a high card.

The ace offers the hands flexibility; you count the ace as 1 instead of 11 if your subsequent card will bring the total above 21. In order to defeat the dealer's easy hand, you can so actively pursue a stronger hand.

Even with a 9, 10, or ace up card, you should hit a soft 18.

When Not To Hit in a Blackjack Hand

There are situations when you have to just wait for the dealer to try to burst. In other situations, you might have to double down or split rather than take a hit. At times, it's necessary to recognize when one can no longer draw. These are the situations in which you wish to avoid getting hit.

1. When it's time to give up instead

If surrender is permitted, you should, unless you have a pair of 8s, give up your 16 against a dealer's 9, 10, or ace in exchange for half of your stake. Which is why you divided them.

In opposition to the dealer's 10 or ace, you will give up your 15.

2. A total of 17 or more

You've exhausted all of your options once you've scored at least a hard 17. No matter what the dealer has for an up card, it's time to take a step back and pray that Lady Luck is on your side.

3. Against a dealer’s bust card

The dealer will almost certainly have to draw and will likely bust if they have a 2 through 6 up and the chances are that they have a high card underneath.

Therefore, you will usually stay on any card that will break you when a dealer has a 2 through 6 up, which means you stop at hard 12.

Hitting the 12 and 13 against a dealer 2 is the only exception, as we already mentioned.

4. When a pair should be divided

You can divide them if you have a pair. Our detailed essay will explain down when to split pairs, but the key points to keep in mind are that you should never split 10s, you should never split aces or 8s, and you should split 4s if you are permitted to double split hands.

5. When to put forth more effort

To learn when to double down in blackjack, read this article. But for now, keep in mind that you can double down if you have a hard 9 or 10; a soft 16, 17, or 18; or a total of 11.

In blackjack, when does the dealer have to hit?

The dealer in blackjack will continue to draw until they have at least 17. They will strike anything below 17 and stand on 17 and up.

If the dealer has a soft 17, certain blackjack casinos will hit, while others won't. The regulations change according to the casino's unique house rules. Games when the dealer does not hit on a soft 17 are our favorites.

Blackjack Signal Hitting Techniques

In blackjack, you typically indicate your intention to hit by lightly scratching the card next to you. Simply scratch the cards close to your wager in hold-the-card games, being careful not to bend them.