Hit

In blackjack, “hit” is one of the most fundamental player actions. When you choose to hit, you're asking the dealer for an additional card in hopes of improving your hand total. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over—going over is known as “busting.”

You signal a hit either by tapping the table with your fingers (in live casino settings) or clicking a button if you're playing online. Whether you’re sitting on a soft 17, a hard 12, or even a risky 16, the decision to hit is entirely up to you, and it’s a cornerstone of blackjack strategy.

Key Details of the “Hit” Action in Blackjack

The hit option in blackjack lets players draw an extra card to improve their total, but it also increases the risk of busting, especially when your current hand is 12 or higher.

Purpose: To draw an additional card to improve your hand
Used When: Your hand is unlikely to beat the dealer without improvement
Best Odds: Hitting on totals below 12 carries zero risk of busting
House Edge Impact: Using correct basic strategy when choosing to hit helps reduce house edge to as low as 0.5%
Payout: There's no specific payout for hitting; it’s a gameplay decision, not a bet type

How Does “Hit” Work in Blackjack?

When you hit in blackjack, the dealer gives you one more card face-up. You then re-evaluate your hand to decide whether to hit again or stand. You can continue hitting until either:

You choose to stand, or
Your hand total exceeds 21, resulting in a bust

The key decision is based on your current total and the dealer’s upcard. For example, if you hold a hard 16 and the dealer shows a 10, hitting is statistically the better move, even though the risk of busting is high, because the dealer is more likely to make 20.

If you're confused about the decisions to make in blackjack, take a look at our Blackjack Beginners Guide to pick up some tips.

Examples of “Hit” in Action

Example 1: Safe Hit

Your hand: 7 + 4 = 11
You hit and draw a 9 → 11 + 9 = 20
You stand. A strong hand that could beat most dealer totals.

Example 2: Risky Hit

Your hand: 10 + 6 = 16
Dealer shows a King (10)
You hit and draw a 7 → 16 + 7 = 23
You bust and lose your bet.

Example 3: Dealer Hits

Dealer has 16 and must hit according to house rules
Draws a 6 → 22. Dealer busts and all remaining players win

Tips for Using the “Hit” Option Wisely

Always hit below 12: You can’t bust, so there's no downside
Use basic strategy charts: These tell you when to hit or stand based on math, not gut feeling
Factor in the dealer’s upcard: If they show a weak card (4, 5, 6), standing with a weaker hand may be correct because they’re more likely to bust
Avoid emotional decisions: Don’t let previous busts scare you away from hitting when the numbers say you should
Practice online: Many online blackjack games let you practice without money, helping you get comfortable with hitting at the right times

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