M
Mike_25
Guest
A hard 16, man, that's a hand that'll give you some stress! On the one hand, 16 ain't too shabby. On the other hand, you're just one busted card away from going over 21 and losing your whole bet.
So what do you do with a hard 16? Well, it depends on a few factors:
• The dealer's upcard: If the dealer is showing a 7, 8 or 9, hit that 16. The odds are with you that they'll bust, and you got a shot at improving to a solid 18 or better. But if the dealer has an ace, king or queen showing, stand. No point in risking going bust on a hand that's already pretty good.
• The deck position: How many tens and aces are left in the deck? If tons are left, the odds favor the dealer. But if the deck's running low, you got an edge. Double down for some extra money in that case. But only if you think the odds really do favor you.
• Your chip stack: If you're on your last chip, you can't afford to bust. But if you're way ahead, a little risk could be worth it. Your risk tolerance comes into play here based on your stack size.
• Other options: Splitting aces and eights is sometimes recommended, but with just a 16 you ain't splitting nothing. And forget the insurance too, that's a sucker bet.
The basics say stand, hit or double down for a 16. But the details make all the difference. Here's a good rule of thumb:
• Play it safe if the hand ain't in your favor.
• Consider taking a chance if the odds seem to be on your side.
• But don't chance going bust if the worst will only lose you a little.
In the end, read all the signs, estimate your options's value and go with what feels right in your gut. The harder hands, the more of the "art" comes into play. The math alone never tells the whole story at that table.
So what do you do with a hard 16? Well, it depends on a few factors:
• The dealer's upcard: If the dealer is showing a 7, 8 or 9, hit that 16. The odds are with you that they'll bust, and you got a shot at improving to a solid 18 or better. But if the dealer has an ace, king or queen showing, stand. No point in risking going bust on a hand that's already pretty good.
• The deck position: How many tens and aces are left in the deck? If tons are left, the odds favor the dealer. But if the deck's running low, you got an edge. Double down for some extra money in that case. But only if you think the odds really do favor you.
• Your chip stack: If you're on your last chip, you can't afford to bust. But if you're way ahead, a little risk could be worth it. Your risk tolerance comes into play here based on your stack size.
• Other options: Splitting aces and eights is sometimes recommended, but with just a 16 you ain't splitting nothing. And forget the insurance too, that's a sucker bet.
The basics say stand, hit or double down for a 16. But the details make all the difference. Here's a good rule of thumb:
• Play it safe if the hand ain't in your favor.
• Consider taking a chance if the odds seem to be on your side.
• But don't chance going bust if the worst will only lose you a little.
In the end, read all the signs, estimate your options's value and go with what feels right in your gut. The harder hands, the more of the "art" comes into play. The math alone never tells the whole story at that table.
