Should I ever stand on 16 against a dealer's 10?

[Jonah]

In Blackjack, the general recommendation is not to stand on a 16 against a dealer's 10. The optimal play, according to basic strategy, is to hit. Here’s why:
When you have a 16 and the dealer is showing a 10, the dealer has a strong hand with a high probability of making 20 or 21, as their hole card could be a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). Standing with 16 puts you at a disadvantage because you're likely to lose against the dealer's strong hand.
While hitting risks busting (going over 21), the probability of improving your hand (especially if you draw a 5 or 6) is worth taking the risk in this situation. Statistically, hitting gives you a better chance of winning than standing on 16 against a dealer’s 10.
That said, there are some rare circumstances or variations in house rules where standing might be considered (e.g., in games with specific deck counts or if you’re using card counting). But for most standard Blackjack games, hitting is the best
move.

 

[CR7]

In Blackjack, the decision of whether to stand on a 16 against a dealer's 10 is a crucial one that can significantly impact your chances of winning. The general consensus among Blackjack experts and based on basic strategy is to hit when you have a 16 against a dealer's 10. Here’s a detailed explanation of why hitting is the optimal play in this scenario:

1. **Dealer's Strong Hand**: When the dealer shows a 10 as their upcard, they have a strong hand with a high likelihood of making a total of 20 or 21. Given that the dealer's hole card could be any 10-value card, standing on 16 puts you at a considerable disadvantage as you are likely to lose unless the dealer busts.

2. **Increasing Your Chances of Winning**: While hitting on 16 against a dealer's 10 carries the risk of busting (going over 21), the probability of improving your hand to a winning total is higher. Drawing a 5 or 6 would significantly improve your hand and give you a better shot at winning the round. Statistically speaking, hitting in this situation gives you a better chance of winning compared to standing.

3. **Rare Circumstances for Standing**: Although hitting is the standard and recommended play, there are rare circumstances or specific variations in Blackjack games where standing on 16 against a dealer's 10 might be considered. Factors like specific deck counts, house rules, or advanced strategies like card counting could potentially influence the decision. However, in the majority of standard Blackjack games, hitting is the preferred move.

In conclusion, hitting on 16 against a dealer's 10 is the best course of action based on basic strategy and the probabilities involved. By taking the risk of hitting and potentially improving your hand, you increase your chances of winning in the long run. It’s essential to adhere to basic strategy guidelines to maximize your winning potential in Blackjack games.