Hard total · Dealer shows 2
Hard 12 vs a dealer 2
Basic strategyHit.
Why
This is the hand most people get wrong, because the usual rule says to stand on stiff hands against 2 through 6. The exceptions are 12 vs 2 and 12 vs 3.
Only one kind of card busts 12: a 10-value card, 4 in 13. Everything else improves you. A dealer 2 busts only about 35% of the time, so standing on 12 gives away too much. Hitting saves about $3 per $100 bet.
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 | −$25.38Best | −$25.34Best |
| Stand | −$28.65 | −$29.28 |
| Double (2× bet) | −$50.75 | −$50.68 |
| Surrender (if offered) | −$50.00 | −$50.00 |
Dealer hits soft 17: hit beats stand by $3.28 per $100. Dealer stands on soft 17: hit beats stand by $3.94 per $100.
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
Standing because "never hit a stiff against a bust card." The 12 vs 2 and 12 vs 3 hands are the exceptions to that rule.
Going further
Hi-Lo counters stand on 12 vs 2 at a true count of +3 or higher, when the shoe is rich in tens.
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 if I hit and get a small card, like 12 to 14?
Then you stand. Once you have 13 or more against a 2, you stand.
Is 12 vs 4 a hit too?
No. Stand on 12 against 4, 5 and 6.