When playing blackjack, one of the most important decisions a player can make is whether to hit or stand with their hard 16 hand. This decision can have a significant impact on your bankroll and the chances of winning. While basic strategy does state that you should always hit on 16, the truth is that many players still play their hands incorrectly and end up losing money.
When a dealer shows a 2 through 6, it’s generally worth hitting on a hard 16. However, when the dealer has an Ace showing, you should stand and double down if you have an ace, 3, 4, 5 or 6. This is because soft hands can help you improve to a higher total.
The best thing to remember about hitting on a hard 16 is that it will improve your odds of beating the dealer by 14%. While this might not seem like a large margin, the fact is that it adds up over time and can make a big difference to your bankroll.
Despite this, it’s very common to see players hit on their hard 16 when the dealer has an Ace. This is because they believe that the dealer will most likely have a 10 in their hole and that they will need to improve their hand. However, the reality is that the dealer will bust 77% of the time with an ace upcard and hitting will only increase this percentage.
Another mistake that blackjack players often make is surrendering their hands against high dealer upcards. This is a big mistake because it means that they are giving up a large portion of their money to the casino without even having a chance to win.
In fact, it’s better to surrender your hands when they have less than a 50% chance of beating the dealer and this will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Many players will also play their hard hands incorrectly if the dealer is holding a weak one. For example, many people will hit a hard 12 when the dealer is showing a 2, 3 or 4. This is a huge mistake as you will only be making your hand weaker and will be less likely to win.
In general, you should hit on your hard 16 when the dealer has a 4, 5, 6 or 7 and stand when the dealer has a 2, 3, 4 or 5. This is because these cards are more likely to bust than the tens, so they will give you the highest odds of winning. However, you should always check the rules of your game before deciding on a strategy for each situation. This way you can make sure that you are following the correct tactics. Also, never play a game that allows the dealer to hit on soft 17s as this will reduce your odds of winning. If you want to maximise your chances of winning, then make sure that you play the best online blackjack games.