Soft hands
What to do with Ace 5 (soft 16)
Hit when the dealer shows 2, 3 or 7 to Ace. Double down when the dealer shows 4 to 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 16 is an Ace and a 5. It plays the same as soft 15: double against a 4, 5 or 6 and hit everything else.
You cannot bust it with one card, so a hit carries no risk.
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, 3 or 7 to Ace | Hit |
| 4 to 6 | Double, or hit |
Questions players ask
- What should I do with an Ace and a 5?
- Hit when the dealer shows 2, 3 or 7 to Ace. Double down when the dealer shows 4 to 6. If the table will not let you double, hit instead.
- Can soft 16 bust?
- Not with one card. The Ace drops from 11 to 1 if it has to.
Related answers
- What to do with Ace 4 (soft 15)
- Soft 17 strategy: should I hit soft 17?
- Hard vs soft hands in blackjack
- When to double down in blackjack
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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