Hard total · Dealer shows 10
Hard 10 vs a dealer 10
Basic strategyHit. Don't double.
Why
Doubling makes sense when you're the favorite. With 10 against a 10, you and the dealer start with the same card value, but the dealer acts last and you can bust first. You're roughly even, so there's nothing to press.
Hitting keeps your options open. If you draw a 2 to make 12, you can hit again; a double would lock you into that 12.
By the numbers
Average result per $100 initial bet, after the dealer checks for blackjack. A negative number is an average loss; the best play is the one that loses least or wins most.
| Play | Dealer hits soft 17 | Dealer stands on soft 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | +$2.53Best | +$2.53Best |
| Stand | −$54.04 | −$54.04 |
| Double (2× bet) | −$0.87 | −$0.87 |
| Surrender (if offered) | −$50.00 | −$50.00 |
Without surrender, hit beats double by $3.40 per $100 bet under either soft-17 rule.
Infinite-deck model, which tracks a 6–8 deck shoe closely. Double after split allowed, no resplits. How we calculate.
How the table rules change it
| Table rules (4–8 decks, double after split unless noted) | Play |
|---|---|
| Dealer hits soft 17, no surrender Most Florida and Las Vegas tables | Hit |
| Dealer hits soft 17, surrender allowed Some higher-limit tables | Hit |
| Dealer stands on soft 17, no surrender Felt says “stands on all 17s” | Hit |
| Dealer stands on soft 17, surrender allowed Best common shoe game | Hit |
The answer is the same under every common rule set.
Common mistake
Doubling every 10 because "10 and 11 are doubling hands." Double 10 only against 2 through 9.
Going further
Hi-Lo counters double 10 vs 10 at a true count of +4 or higher, when the extra tens favor your one-card draw.
Drill it
This hand first, then the spots people mix it up with. The switches match your table’s rules and carry over to the full trainer.
Questions
What about 10 vs an ace?
Hit as well.
And 5,5 vs 10?
Play a pair of 5s as hard 10: hit against a 10. Never split 5s.