Blackjack Dealer Rules and When To Hit or Stand

Understanding how the dealer plays in blackjack is one of the biggest keys to making correct decisions. While players have multiple options—hit, stand, double, split, surrender—the dealer follows strict, unchanging rules. These rules determine exactly how the dealer plays every hand, which makes it easier to predict outcomes and choose the right move.

This guide explains blackjack dealer rules in simple terms and shows you how to use them to make smart hit or stand decisions.

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How Blackjack Dealer Rules Work

Unlike players, the dealer doesn’t get to choose what to do. Every casino uses a fixed set of rules that determine how the dealer must play.

1. Dealer Must Hit Until at Least 17

This is the core rule.

• Dealer hits on 12–16
• Dealer stands on 17 or higher

This matters because it tells you how risky a dealer’s hand is based on the card they’re showing.

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Soft 17 vs Hard 17: Why It Matters

Tables differ slightly in how they treat soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace counted as 11).

There are two rule types:

H17 – Dealer Hits Soft 17

Example: A+6 = soft 17
Dealer must hit.

This rule gives the house a higher edge.

S17 – Dealer Stands on Soft 17

Dealer stands on A+6.

This rule is better for players.

Always check the table:
S17 > H17 for player odds.

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Dealer Exposed Card (“Up-Card”) and What It Means

The dealer’s up-card is one of the most important pieces of information you have as a player. It tells you whether the dealer is likely to bust or likely to finish with a strong hand.

Dealer Weak Cards (2–6) — Bust Range

These are “bust cards” because the dealer must hit until 17:

• Dealer 2
• Dealer 3
• Dealer 4
• Dealer 5
• Dealer 6

If the dealer shows a weak card, your strategy becomes more conservative. You want to let the dealer bust rather than busting yourself.

Dealer Strong Cards (7–A)

These cards produce strong dealer totals:

• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• Ace

Against these, you must play more aggressively, because standing with weak totals usually loses.

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When To Hit or Stand (Simple Rules)

Here are the most important hit/stand rules based on the dealer’s up-card.

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When To Stand

You should stand when:

1. You have 17 or higher

Always stand on:

• Hard 17+
• Soft 19+
• Soft 20

2. You have 12–16 and dealer shows 2–6

Dealer weak → YOU stand more often.

Examples:

• 12 vs 4 → stand
• 13 vs 6 → stand
• 15 vs 5 → stand
• 16 vs 6 → stand

You win by letting the dealer bust.

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When To Hit

You should hit when:

1. You have 11 or lower

You cannot bust.

Examples:

• 9 vs 7
• 10 vs 10
• 11 vs 9

2. You have 12–16 and dealer shows 7–Ace

Dealer strong → YOU must try to improve.

Examples:

• 12 vs 7 → hit
• 13 vs 10 → hit
• 16 vs 10 → hit

Standing loses too often.

3. Soft totals require hitting

Soft hands below 18 usually require hitting unless doubling:

• A2–A7 vs 7+ → hit
• A7 vs 9 → hit
• A6 vs 4 → double (otherwise hit)

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Common Hand Examples Using Dealer Rules

Example 1 — Hard 16 vs Dealer 10

Dealer 10 is strong.

Correct move: Hit
Standing loses more long-term.

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Example 2 — Hard 13 vs Dealer 6

Dealer 6 is a classic bust card.

Correct move: Stand
Let the dealer bust.

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Example 3 — Hard 12 vs Dealer 3

Many beginners think this is a stand — it’s not.

Correct move: Hit
Dealer 3 isn’t weak enough here.

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Example 4 — A7 (Soft 18) vs Dealer 9

Looks strong, but it’s not against a 9.

Correct move: Hit
Standing loses money over time.

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Example 5 — Hard 17 vs Anything

Correct move: Stand
Never hit hard 17.

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How Dealer Rules Influence Strategy

The dealer’s strict rules create predictable patterns:

Dealer busts most often with:

5 and 6 (the worst cards)
4, 3, and 2 are also vulnerable.

Dealer rarely busts with:

7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace

This is why you stand more against weak cards and hit more against strong ones.

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Why You Should Never Copy Dealer Strategy

Dealer rules force the dealer to hit 16 and stand on 17.

If players tried to follow the same rules, they’d lose significantly more money because:

• Dealers don’t double
• Dealers don’t split
• Dealers don’t surrender
• Dealer rules maximize the house edge

Basic strategy is designed to counter dealer rules, not mimic them.

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Conclusion

Understanding blackjack dealer rules helps you make smarter hit or stand decisions. Once you learn how the dealer must play and how strong each up-card is, you’ll instantly recognize patterns and avoid costly mistakes.

Dealer weak? Play safely and stand more.
Dealer strong? Be aggressive and hit more.

Master this foundation, and every blackjack decision becomes clearer and easier.