Soft hands
What to do with Ace 2 (soft 13)
Hit when the dealer shows 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace. Double down when the dealer shows 5 or 6. If the table will not let you double, hit instead.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Soft 13 is an Ace and a 2. One card cannot bust it, because the Ace can drop to 1.
It is a weak total, so you only put more money on it when the dealer is at the weakest, a 5 or a 6.
With three or more cards you can no longer double, so a double becomes a hit, and a double or stand becomes a stand.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace | Hit |
| 5 or 6 | Double, or hit |
Questions players ask
- What should I do with an Ace and a 2?
- Hit when the dealer shows 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace. Double down when the dealer shows 5 or 6. If the table will not let you double, hit instead.
- Can soft 13 bust?
- Not with one card. The Ace drops from 11 to 1 if it has to.
Related answers
- What to do with Ace 3 (soft 14)
- Hard vs soft hands in blackjack
- When to double down in blackjack
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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