When it comes to blackjack, there is a lot of strategy involved. It can seem intimidating to someone new to the game, but once you understand a few basic concepts, it can be very rewarding. One of the most important things to understand is when to hit or stand with certain hands.
In most cases, the dealer has to hit on 16 and stand on 17. This is a rule that helps balance out the house edge against the player. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some games will allow the player to split hands, which can dramatically lower the house edge.
While most players will follow the rules of basic strategy, there are some that will deviate from it and make bad decisions. I recently shared a table with a player who would not hit a hand of 16 under any circumstances. He was making a big mistake, and it was costing him money.
The first thing to remember about a hard 16 is that the dealer will bust more often than you will. This is why it is crucial to hit when you have this hand. In fact, if you hit against a dealer’s 7 or higher, you will win 61 percent of the time. On the other hand, if you decide to stand on this hand, you will lose 74 percent of the time.
Despite this, there are times when you should not hit your 16. It is best to stick with the basics and play your cards as they are. A hard 16 should only be hit when the dealer has a 2 through 6 upcard or an Ace. This will give you the best chance of improving your hand.
There are some situations where it is necessary to hit a hard 16, but this should be done very sparingly. You should only hit when the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. This will give you the highest chances of improving your hand, and you will have a better chance of beating the dealer.
A hard 16 is also a good hand to split if you have an eight. By splitting, you can turn a terrible stiff into two brand-new hands that each start with an 8. This will reduce your losses, and it is always best to minimize them whenever possible.
If you have a soft 16 and the dealer has a 2, 3, or 6, it is also worth hitting. These are the only instances when it is necessary to hit a soft 16 in blackjack. It is important to remember that blackjack rules can vary slightly from one casino to the next. The rules of a blackjack game will usually be printed on a placard sitting on the table, and you should always check to make sure that you are following the correct rules.
The final thing to keep in mind when playing blackjack is that you should always limit your losses. Both standing and hitting your blackjack hands will produce negative results in the long run, but if you limit your losses, you will have a much better chance of winning in the future.