Soft hands
What to do with Ace 9 (soft 20)
Stand against every dealer card.
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 20 is an Ace and a 9. It is as strong as a hard 20.
Stand on it every time.
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 Ace | Stand |
Questions players ask
- What should I do with an Ace and a 9?
- Stand against every dealer card.
- Can soft 20 bust?
- Not with one card. The Ace drops from 11 to 1 if it has to.
Related answers
- What to do with Ace 8 (soft 19)
- Hard vs soft hands in blackjack
- When to double down in blackjack
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
Learn blackjack from someone who dealt it for 15 years
Card Sharp is a blackjack trainer built on our own system, taught by someone who dealt the game for 15 years. You play hands on your phone with play money and practice making the right play.