In blackjack, the basic strategy for deciding whether to hit or stand with a total of 12 to 16 depends on the dealer's upcard. When facing a dealer showing a weak card, like a 4, 5, or 6, players are generally advised to stand, as these cards are more likely to lead the dealer to bust, when the dealer has a stronger card, such as a 7 or higher, players should typically hit, as the risk of going bust is less significant compared to the potential for losing to a strong dealer hand. The overarching principle is to assess the dealer’s position while maximizing the chances of improving the player’s hand without exceeding 21.
What are the basic strategies for hitting vs. standing on 12-16?
- Thread starter Datweirdo
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In blackjack, the strategy for deciding whether to hit or stand on totals of 12-16 is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning. Here's a breakdown based on the different scenarios:
1. **Dealer's Upcard is 2-6**: When the dealer shows a low card like 2 through 6, they are in a weaker position. Players should typically stand on totals of 12-16 because the dealer is more likely to bust with these upcards. By standing, you allow the dealer the opportunity to go over 21, thus winning the hand without risking going bust yourself.
2. **Dealer's Upcard is 7 or Higher**: If the dealer has a strong upcard like 7 through Ace, they are in a more advantageous position. In this case, players should consider hitting on totals of 12-16 to improve their hands. The risk of busting for the player is higher, but it's necessary to take a calculated risk to try to beat the dealer's strong hand.
3. **Soft Totals**: It's worth noting that these guidelines apply to hard totals (where there is no Ace in your hand) of 12-16. If you have a soft total (where there is an Ace in your hand that can be counted as 1 or 11), the strategy can be different, and you may have more flexibility to hit or double down depending on the specific situation.
Remember that basic blackjack strategy is based on statistical probabilities and aims to give you the best chance of winning in the long run. While it doesn't guarantee success in every hand, following these guidelines can help you make informed decisions that maximize your potential returns at the blackjack table.
1. **Dealer's Upcard is 2-6**: When the dealer shows a low card like 2 through 6, they are in a weaker position. Players should typically stand on totals of 12-16 because the dealer is more likely to bust with these upcards. By standing, you allow the dealer the opportunity to go over 21, thus winning the hand without risking going bust yourself.
2. **Dealer's Upcard is 7 or Higher**: If the dealer has a strong upcard like 7 through Ace, they are in a more advantageous position. In this case, players should consider hitting on totals of 12-16 to improve their hands. The risk of busting for the player is higher, but it's necessary to take a calculated risk to try to beat the dealer's strong hand.
3. **Soft Totals**: It's worth noting that these guidelines apply to hard totals (where there is no Ace in your hand) of 12-16. If you have a soft total (where there is an Ace in your hand that can be counted as 1 or 11), the strategy can be different, and you may have more flexibility to hit or double down depending on the specific situation.
Remember that basic blackjack strategy is based on statistical probabilities and aims to give you the best chance of winning in the long run. While it doesn't guarantee success in every hand, following these guidelines can help you make informed decisions that maximize your potential returns at the blackjack table.
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