Hard Hand Strategy

What to do with every non-Ace hand, from hard 8 up to hard 17 and above, based on verified 4-8 deck S17 basic strategy.

Rows = your hard total. Columns = dealer's upcard. No surrender offered, so 'Rh' plays as Hit.

Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
Hard 8	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 9	Hit	Double	Double	Double	Double	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 10	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Hit	Hit
Hard 11	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Double	Hit
Hard 12	Hit	Hit	Stand	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 13	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 14	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 15	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 16	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
Hard 17+	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand

Hit Stand Double Split

Hard 12 through 16 is the danger zone

These totals can bust on almost any card, so the correct play hinges entirely on the dealer's upcard. Against a dealer 2 through 6 (a weak card that busts often), stand and let the dealer take the risk. Against 7 or higher, you usually have to hit even though it's uncomfortable.

10 and 11 are the best doubling totals

A hard 10 or 11 has the highest chance of drawing to a strong final total (20 or 21) on the very next card, which is exactly when doubling your bet pays off most.

Hard 17 and up always stands

Once you're at hard 17 or higher, the bust risk from hitting outweighs any realistic gain, so you should stand no matter what the dealer is showing.

Want the play for your exact hand?

Use the free Blackjack Odds Calculator. Pick your cards and the dealer's upcard to get the correct Hit, Stand, Double, or Split instantly.