Blackjack Counting Basic Strategy 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You have a hard 8 against a dealer 5. What is the correct play?
- Double down
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Stand
- Split
Correct answer: Hit
Hit hard 8 against any dealer upcard because 8 is too low a total to double profitably.
Question 2: A player holds Ace-5 (soft 16) and the dealer shows a 4. What does basic strategy recommend?
- Stand
- Hit
- Double down (Correct answer)
- Surrender
Correct answer: Double down
Double down on soft 16 against a dealer 4 because the dealer is weak and you cannot bust with one more card.
Question 3: You have a hard 14 and the dealer shows a 10. What is the basic strategy play?
- Stand
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Surrender
- Double down
Correct answer: Hit
Hit hard 14 against a dealer 10 because the dealer is strong and standing gives you almost no chance of winning.
Question 4: When does basic strategy recommend NOT splitting a pair of Aces?
- Against a dealer Ace
- Against a dealer 10
- Never — always split Aces (Correct answer)
- When the count is negative
Correct answer: Never — always split Aces
Basic strategy always calls for splitting Aces because starting two hands with an Ace gives the best possible advantage.
Question 5: You have a pair of 3s against a dealer 8. Basic strategy says to:
- Split
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Stand
- Double down
Correct answer: Hit
Hit a pair of 3s against a dealer 8 because the dealer is too strong to make splitting worthwhile.
Question 6: What does it mean when basic strategy says to 'stand' on a stiff hand against a dealer bust card?
- You expect to win outright
- You are relying on the dealer to bust rather than risking your own bust (Correct answer)
- You have a guaranteed winning hand
- You should take insurance
Correct answer: You are relying on the dealer to bust rather than risking your own bust
Standing on a stiff hand against a weak dealer upcard means you are letting the dealer take the bust risk while you preserve your total.
Question 7: In a standard multi-deck game, what is the correct play for a soft 18 (Ace-7) against a dealer Ace?
- Double down
- Stand
- Hit (Correct answer)
- Surrender
Correct answer: Hit
Hit soft 18 against a dealer Ace because 18 is not strong enough to win against the dealer's powerful upcard.
Blackjack Counting Basic Strategy 5
You have a hard 8 against a dealer 5.
What is the correct play?