I keep hitting and getting more than 21. What’s the best basic strategy for Blackjack?

[AARPHannah]

I keep hitting and getting more than 21. What’s the best basic strategy for Blackjack?

When you receive your first two cards, you have two options: you can stand, or keep your current hand in hopes that the dealer won’t beat it, or hit, meaning you get another card. You can hit as many times as you want, but if you go over 21, you automatically lose!

The general rule of thumb is to always stand if you have 17 or more, because the chances of getting a card that takes you over 21 are very high. Always hit if you have 11 or less, because the next card won’t put you over 21.

Things get more complicated if you have between 12 and 16, as your strategy often depends on the dealer’s card. Usually, if the dealer’s card is lower, you should consider standing, and if it’s higher, you should consider hitting.

There’s a whole world of strategy in blackjack, but hopefully that’s enough to get you winning some hands!

From August 19 through September 12, you can play AARP's Blackjack even if you're not an AARP member!