How To Play Blackjack Hit Or Stand

If you barely know how to play blackjack hit or stand, a weekend in Vegas can end up costing you big time. Gambling, alcohol and peer pressure have separated many a man from his cash. While blackjack is an easy game to learn, it is not easy to win. You need to go in with a plan and remember a few things to keep from looking like a rube.

To play blackjack and know when to hit or stand, you will need:

• Money
• A somewhat functioning brain
• An indomitable will

1. Refresher course. If you can count to 21, you can play blackjack. Face cards are worth ten points, aces are worth either eleven or one point and all other cards are worth their numerical value. You want to get either 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over. A blackjack equals 21 and is an ace plus a face card or ten. If you get a blackjack from your initial two cards, you automatically win unless the dealer also has a blackjack. This is known as a push and you neither win nor lose your bet. After you get your two cards, you may have as many more as you like until you go over 21. This is called hitting. If you are happy with your hand, tell the dealer you would like to stand. Doubling down means you would like to double your bet. You can do this after you look at your first two cards but you only get one more additional card. Splitting is when you get two of the same cards. You double your bet and play two hands. Insurance is offered when a dealer shows an ace. You pay half your original bet and if the dealer gets a blackjack, you lose your original bet but get paid two to one in insurance.

2. Memory time. So now that you know how to play blackjack, it is time to learn when to hit or stand. Try and memorize this to the point that your brain can function on autopilot after six or seven vodka gimlets. If your cards equal between seventeen to 21 points, always stand. If your cards equal eleven or less, always hit. Easy right? Now for the hard part. If your cards equal between twelve and sixteen, you will be forced to think. If the dealer shows between two and six points, stand and pray for a bust. If the dealer shows a seven, eight, nine, ten or ace card, always hit. Knowing when to hit or stand may not make you rich, but your odds will improve. Plus you will last longer at the table and get more free drinks.

3. Casino blackjack Dos. When you look for a table, make sure to read the signs on them. The sign displays the table minimum and maximum bets plus any house rules. When you find a table, sit down and wait for the round to finish before you place your bet. When you want to hit, just point, nod or say ‘Yes’. When you want to stand, wave your hand over your cards, shake your head or say ‘No’. If you are winning or play for more than an hour, tip the dealer. Tell them what you are doing so they don’t give you change. To look extra suave, make a bet for the dealer by placing your tip outside your betting circle.  

4. Casino blackjack Don’ts. Never put double or split bets on top of your original bet. They do not like you touching the money. Never ask the dealer for advice. They are not allowed to give any, plus you look like a fool. There are card counting devices for the iPhone. Don’t even think about it. Using it is considered a felony in Nevada plus most casinos use continuous shuffle machines, rendering card counting useless.

Tips:

• Insurance is considered a sucker’s bet because the casino wins regardless.
• Give yourself a spending limit and stick to it. Feeling sheepish after you lose your last allotted chip is much more dignified than crying at the breakfast buffet while asking your friends for a loan.