Blackjack Counting Basic Strategy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the basic strategy play for a hard 9 against a dealer 2?
- Double down
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Stand
- Split
Correct answer: Hit
Hit hard 9 against a dealer 2 because the dealer's upcard is not weak enough to justify doubling on 9.
Question 2: You hold a pair of 5s against a dealer 6. The correct play is:
- Split
- Double down (Correct answer)
- Hit
- Stand
Correct answer: Double down
Never split 5s; instead double down on the hard 10 against the dealer's weak upcard of 6.
Question 3: You have a hard 13 and the dealer shows a 6. Basic strategy says to:
- Hit
- Stand (Correct answer)
- Double down
- Surrender
Correct answer: Stand
Stand on hard 13 against a dealer 6 because the dealer has a high probability of busting.
Question 4: What is the correct play for a soft 13 (Ace-2) against a dealer 5?
- Hit
- Stand
- Double down (Correct answer)
- Surrender
Correct answer: Double down
Double down on soft 13 against a dealer 5 because the dealer is weak and you can capitalize with an aggressive play.
Question 5: You hold a pair of 8s against a dealer 10. What is the basic strategy play?
- Hit
- Stand
- Surrender
- Split (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Split
Always split 8s regardless of the dealer's upcard because 16 is the worst hand and splitting gives two chances to improve.
Question 6: You have a hard 10 against a dealer 10. What does basic strategy say?
- Double down
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Stand
- Surrender
Correct answer: Hit
Hit hard 10 against a dealer 10 because the dealer is too strong to justify doubling.
Question 7: A player has a soft 19 (Ace-8) against a dealer 6. The correct play is:
- Stand (Correct answer)
- Double down
- Hit
- Surrender
Correct answer: Stand
Stand on soft 19 because you already have a strong hand and the risk of doubling is not worth it in most rule sets.
What is the basic strategy play for a hard 9 against a dealer 2?