Given that your hand doesn't fall into the any of the categories we've discussed so far, standing isn't the right choice. For now, assume that your starting cards are not a pair, as we'll cover splitting pairs later.

To hit your hand, and receive another card, simply click the HIT button when playing online. In a casino, indicate to the dealer that you want to hit by tapping the table next to your hand.

First, we'll look at hands where the first two cards don't include an ace. You should hit if your hand totals

• 8 or less.
• 9, and the dealer has anything except 3, 4, 5 or 6.
• 10, and the dealer has 10 or ace.
• 11, and the dealer has an ace.
• 12, and the dealer has anything except 4, 5 or 6.
• 13 to 16, and the dealer has 7 or higher.

When your first two cards do include an ace, hit based on the value of the other card:

• 2 or 3, where the dealer has anything except 5 or 6.
• 4 or 5, where the dealer has anything except 4, 5 or 6.
• 6, where the dealer has anything except 3, 4, 5 or 6.
• 7, where the dealer has 9, 10 or ace.

Continue to take hits until your hand reaches a total where you should stand, as per yesterday's post.

I've left out situations where you may wish to double down on your first two cards, as that's tomorrow's topic!

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