Hard total · Dealer shows 2
Hard 9 vs a dealer 2
Basic strategyHit. Double 9 only against 3 through 6.
Why
A 9 is a good starting hand, but not good enough to double against a 2. The 2 is the dealer's strongest bust card: it busts less often than 3 through 6, so the extra money on a double doesn't pay for itself.
Hitting earns a little more on average, and it lets you take a second card if the first one is small.
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 | +$7.22Best | +$7.44Best |
| Stand | −$28.65 | −$29.28 |
| Double (2× bet) | +$5.88 | +$6.11 |
| Surrender (if offered) | −$50.00 | −$50.00 |
Dealer hits soft 17: hit beats double by $1.34 per $100. Dealer stands on soft 17: hit beats double by $1.33 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
Treating all five bust cards the same. For doubling 9, the 2 is left out.
Going further
Hi-Lo counters double 9 vs 2 at a true count of +1 or higher.
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
Is 9 vs 7 a double?
No. Hit 9 against 7 through ace.
Does the soft-17 rule change this?
No, 9 vs 2 is a hit under both rules.