Are you looking to improve your blackjack game? Do you think you know the basic strategies but feel like something is missing from your repertoire? If so, understanding when the dealer should hit on a given hand may help give you that competitive edge. Luckily, there are several blackjack dealer hits that you can learn about.
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos. The goal of the game is to score closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over and ‘busting’. While much of the strategy for players involves understanding when to hit or stand, dealing with house rules can be equally important. Knowing when a dealer must hit and stand can provide players with an advantage during gameplay. To become a master of blackjack, it helps to understand when dealers are required – or expected – to hit on their hands in certain circumstances. Understanding this concept is essential as it helps players make more strategic decisions while playing. In this article, we will discuss some common scenarios in which dealers are forced or expected to hit during a game of blackjack.
Most Common Blackjack Dealer Hits
1. Dealer Hits on Soft 17
One of the most common rules in blackjack is that dealers must hit on a ‘soft’ 17. This rule means that if the dealer has an Ace and a 6, they must take another card. The reason for this rule is to give the house an edge as hitting on soft 17 gives them better chances of getting closer to 21 without busting.
2. Dealer Hits Until They Reach 17 or Higher
In most cases, dealers will continue to hit until they reach at least a total of 17. This means that if they are dealt a 12, they will take another card in search of achieving a higher value hand without busting. Again, this rule helps give the house an edge as it increases the chances of them achieving a better hand than the player.
3. Dealer Hits on Hard Totals Between 12 and 16
In most cases, dealers will hit on hands that are between 12 and 16 regardless of whether they are ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ totals. This means that if the dealer has a hard total of 14 (made up of two 7s) they will take another card in search of a better hand.
4. Dealer Hits on Split Aces
In some variations of blackjack, dealers will hit on split Aces. This rule works to the house’s advantage as it gives dealers more chances to score closer to 21 without busting.
Conclusion
There are various blackjack dealer hits a dealer can make while playing a game of blackjack. Knowing when dealers must hit or stand can help players make more informed decisions during a game of blackjack. Understanding the common scenarios in which dealers are expected to hit can be beneficial for players looking to gain an edge over the house. By utilizing this knowledge, players can better understand when to hit or stand based on what the dealer is likely to do.