Playing the Blackjack Hard Hands

What is a hard hand in blackjack? How do we correctly play them when we get one during a game? A hard hand is any hand that has no Aces on it. It can also sometimes refer to a hand that has an Ace but the value of that Ace should be counted as a one so that the current hand doesn't bust.

Another bit of working definition is for a Stiff Hand. These are hard hands from 12 to 16. They're called stiff because of the fact that they aren't that good a hand for any player. In fact, these hands have a huge possibility of busting.

The following is the basic strategy when dealing with hard hands. If a player follows the basic strategy outlined here, that player gets to lower the house edge and subsequently win more. One good tip when dealing with blackjack strategy is that a player should never rely on hunches. If you already have the knowledge on basic strategy then stick to it and you'll be better off in your game.

First part of basics strategy is to check out what information you have on the table. Your first step should be to check out what cards are in your hand and see what is the dealer's up card. Your next move will depend greatly on what information you have on the table. After checking out your hand and your dealer's hand, then proceed with the rest of basic strategy.

If your hand total is up to eight or less then your only option is to hit.

Here are your choices if you have a total of nine in your hand. If the dealer's up card is from three to six then your next move should be a double down. If the dealer's up card isn't within this range, then your only recourse is to hit.

If you have a hard ten as a total, you should double down if the dealer's up card is within two to nine. If not, then you are obliged to hit. It is almost the same for a hard 11. Double if the dealer's up card is from two to ten, hit when it's an Ace.

Dealing with the blackjack stiff hands. A hard 12 requires you to hit if the dealer has a two or three up card, stand if the up card is from four to six, and hit if the up card is not in the mentioned ranges. If you have a stiff 13 to stiff 16 you ought to stand if the up card is from two to six, if not you're obliged to hit.

Last piece of strategy is to stand if your total is from 17 to 21.

Players who abide by this basic strategy will be able to reduce the house edge. Take time to be familiar with these and you're better off in your game.

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