A hard hand in blackjack is a card total that can lead to a bust if you draw another card. This can be a very dangerous situation as it means that you are in a losing position and that you have to decide whether to hit or stand.
There are many different hard hands in blackjack but it is important to know which one you have and how to deal with them.
Hard 16
Hard 16 is the hardest hand in blackjack, and most players dread playing it. However, with a little more knowledge, you can turn this game around and win big!
The basic strategy suggests standing on hard 15 against low-value cards 2 through 6 and hitting versus 7 through ace. This move can cut down your long-term losses by 0.07%.
In fact, if late surrender is available, this decision can save you up to 50% of your wager! Surrendering is a playing option that most novice players are reluctant to take advantage of because it evokes negative connotations.
But it’s a wise choice when you have a weak-expectation hand like 15 or 16 against strong dealer upcards like 10s and aces. These hands will lose more frequently than they win in the long run.
Hard 17
Whether you’re playing online or at land-based casinos, you should be aware of the importance of understanding soft and hard hands. Knowing what hand you have will help you determine which strategy will work best for you and increase your chances of winning.
There are many different blackjack rules and combinations that vary between games and even within the same casino. For example, you may be playing one game that requires the dealer to stand on soft 17 and another that doesn’t.
This makes it essential to know the rules of your favorite blackjack variation in order to make the best decisions. If you don’t have a strategy for a particular hand, you can always ask an experienced casino dealer for assistance and guidance.
A reader recently asked me about why the house edge increases when the dealer hits soft 17. I explained that this is because the risk of busting is reduced in this situation. However, I warned that the rule should not be taken lightly.
Hard 20
Hard 20 is a hand with two value tens, which is one of the best hands in blackjack. It is also the hardest hand to beat unless you are extremely unlucky.
It is important to know how to play this hand properly, as it will make all the difference in winning or losing at the blackjack table. To do this, you must learn a few tricks that are not found in the basic strategy.
The most important tip for this hand is to avoid doubling down. This move is not only bad for your long-term odds but can also increase the house edge by around 16 pence per every pound wagered.
Hard 22
Blackjack is a game of chance, with the main objective being to beat the dealer by reaching 21 without busting. This can be done in a few different ways.
The first of these ways is by getting a natural hand (a hand that consists of an Ace and a 10-value card). This is also called a blackjack.
Another way to win in blackjack is by beating the dealer’s upcard. This can be done by standing, hitting or doubling down.
Generally, the best starting hands are 15 or 16. These totals are strong enough to defeat the dealer’s upcard and are favored by the game.
Despite this, players should be careful not to make any mistakes. For example, you should not split a pair of fives as this will leave you with a weaker hand. You will also lose any chances of hitting a pair of eights or nines.