The dealer determines when to hit or stand based on the house rules of the game, which are typically standardized in casinos. In games like blackjack, the dealer will hit if their hand totals 16 or lower and stand on 17 or higher. If the dealer has a "soft" hand a hand containing an Ace that can be valued as either 1 or 11 they may hit or stand depending on specific conditions, such as whether they have a soft 17. The dealer follows these rules strictly and does not make decisions based on personal judgment, emotion, or strategy, ensuring a consistent gameplay experience for all players.