Blackjack Never Hit On 12

Throughout the year I practice gambling skills to keep sharp in some games while learning how to play some other games. While practicing blackjack for an upcoming vacation I noticed that I kept making the same mistake as I have for my entire life. I never hit a soft 18 against 9 or 10.

I play blackjack games with a nearly perfect basic strategy except for this and a couple other hands but always want to get better. Playing perfect basic strategy is a great way to minimize the casino’s house edge.

In the case of a boozy vacation, it’s a great way to play longer and enjoy more drinks. I realized that I had this habit of not hitting soft 18 a few years ago. This is one of the most commonly misplayed hands in blackjack. Here’s a more involved look at this mistake and some other hands that blackjack players get wrong often.

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Not Hitting Soft 18 When Dealer Has 9 or 10 Showing

If you don't have enough cards for a Charlie and the cards total 11 or less, you should hit. If your cards total 12 - 16 and the dealer has a seven or better showing, you should hit. If the dealer has a 2 - 6 showing, stand. Basic Strategy says we should stand if the dealer is showing 2 through 6 and hit if the dealer is showing 7 and up. Let's look at the returns per dollar to see why this is. If the dealer is showing 2 through 6, the return on the hand when you stand ranges from negative $0.15 to negative $0.29. Weigh the odds and place your bets - it's 21 or bust! Count on a fun online game of Blackjack. Play for free online! Blackjack is a game of decision-making. It is the decisions you make at the blackjack table which will ultimately decide whether you win or lose. Of the decisions you will be called upon to make while playing blackjack, the decision to hit or to stand on your hand is the most important. One of the most painful hands in blackjack is when you get a 12 versus a dealer who is showing a two? Oh sure, there are plenty of hands out there that are worse mathematically, since by the book a 12 against a 2 balances out to a loss of just over $0.25 per dollar bet.

Like many recreational players, I’m a bit timid when it comes to playing high soft hands against high cards. In this case, the Ace-7 is the nemesis. Basic strategy says that players should hit Ace-7 when the dealer has a 9 or 10 showing. Players will lose more often by standing on a soft 18 against these cards. Hitting a soft 18 here is a small winner here and will help keep a bankroll alive a little longer.

Blackjack Never Hit On 12

Not Hitting 12 When Dealer Has 2 or 3 Showing

This never made sense when I first started playing blackjack. I was taught to assume the dealer has a 10 in the hole and that the next card would be a 10. I was also taught not to hit when the dealer has a “bust card” of a 2-6 showing. After learning basic strategy, I understand these premises are not correct. This is a move that either draws praise or anger from other players. Some people know the correct strategy and others just play a mythological game.

Blackjack Never Hit On 12 Days Of

Not Doubling 11

Blackjack Never Hit On 12

Blackjack Never Hit On 12 Days Of

Unless the dealer is showing an Ace the player should double every time they’re dealt an 11. This is a great way to make money playing blackjack. Yes, you should even double when the dealer is showing a 10 or face card. Many players are timid and have a recency bias that only remembers getting burned by doubling when the dealer turns over a winner. Over time doubling 11 will pay off more often than it fails.

Not Splitting Pairs Often Enough

Blackjack Never Hit On 12 String Guitar

Blackjack Never Hit On 12

Even the most recreational blackjack player knows to always split Aces and 8’s. What many players don’t realize is how often they should be splitting pairs. According to the correct basic strategy, you’ll be splitting pairs as high has 9’s. Players should be splitting 9’s against all dealer upcards except 7, 10, and Ace. A pair of 7’s should be split unless the dealer has an 8, 9, 10, or Ace showing. Newer players tend to shy away from splitting 7’s against a 7.

There are plenty more examples of splitting cards but there’s one pair that should never be split. A pair of 5’s should be doubled if the dealer is showing anything besides a 10 or Ace. In this case, players should only hit.

Blackjack Never Hit On 12 Million

Practice Basic Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack Never Hit On 12 Volt

Spend time learning and practicing basic strategy before heading to the casino to play blackjack. The advent of simulators on laptops and mobile training apps allows you to practice blackjack anywhere at any time. I get my practice time for all games in while I’m catching up on the news or watching sports. The distractions offer a close to real life simulation that playing in silence doesn’t offer.

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