Standing in blackjack means the opposite of hitting. A game of 21 comes with multiple options where players get to exercise their skills of decision making and timing, but hitting and standing may be the most intriguing ones.
Unlike hit, which you may use multiple times, you can only stand once and finish your hand. After standing, you have to wait for the dealer to reveal his hand and see if you’ve beaten it. The concept itself is fairly easy to understand, but recognizing the best situation in which one should stand can be tricky.
Luckily, basic blackjack strategy comes in hand in these situations, but before we dive into that topic let’s break down the option of standing in a game of blackjack.
Understanding What Stand Means
Simply put, if hitting means you wish to draw another card for your hand, standing means that you don’t. It also means you don’t wish to do anything else, either.
You are satisfied with the two-card hand you’ve been dealt, and you don’t want to split it, double down, take insurance or fold. In other words, by using the stand option, you will freeze your play and offer your initial two-card hand as your final hand.
Standing means having the confidence that you will beat the dealer’s hand. Asking for an additional card would be of no use, as it will only lead to a bust and that’s precisely what a blackjack player is trying to avoid.
Learn the Rules About Standing
There are no limitations to when you are permitted to use the stand option. Players can stand after being dealt their initial cards or after any of the other player actions. The only thing that is important is that the player’s hand does not exceed the value of 21.
How to Stand?
To indicate that you wish to play with your current cards and stand, all you need to do is wave your hand horizontally above the table. This is the most common signal of standing at land-based blackjack tables. The situation is different in online games.
You must notify the software of your decision by clicking on the button that says “Stand”. The round will continue by switching over to the next player and you will be considered to have ended your actions.
When to Stand?
If you care to improve your blackjack results and skill, you must study the situations in which it is best to stand and not hit. It is recommendable that you stand on a hard 12 while the dealer’s up card is of value 4-6, as well as on a hard 13 with the dealer’s up card being 2-6.
Always stand on a hard 17 or higher. Stand on soft 18, but change your decision if the dealer’s face-up card is a 9, 10 or an Ace. If you have a hand total of soft 19 or higher, stand – the chances are high that you will beat the house.
