Blackjack › Questions
Blackjack questions
The decisions players ask about most, each answered with the exact value of every option on seven common tables.
- Hit or stand on 16 against a dealer 10?
Surrender if the table allows it. If it doesn’t, hit.
- Should you split 8s against a dealer ace?
Split them, except in shoe games where the dealer hits soft 17 and late surrender is offered: there, surrender.
- Should you double 11 against a dealer 10?
Yes. Double down on 11 against a 10.
- Should you double 11 against a dealer ace?
Double when the dealer hits soft 17. In a shoe game where the dealer stands on soft 17, just hit.
- Should you take insurance in blackjack?
No. Insurance loses money unless you count cards, and even money on a blackjack is the same bet.
- Should you surrender 16 against a dealer 9?
Yes, in shoe games that offer late surrender. Without surrender, hit.
- Should you split 10s in blackjack?
No. Stand on 20, even against a dealer 5 or 6.
- Hit or stand on soft 18 against a dealer 9?
Hit. Soft 18 is an underdog against a 9, and one card can’t bust it.
- Should you hit 12 against a dealer 2?
Yes. Hit 12 against a 2.
- Should you split 9s against a dealer 7?
No. Stand on 18 against a 7.
- Should you stand on soft 17 in blackjack?
Never. Against a 2, hit in shoe games; in single deck, double.
- Should you split 4s against a dealer 5?
Split them if you can double after splitting. If you can’t, hit, or double in single deck.