Hard totals
Should I hit 12 against a 2 or a 3?
Hit. With a hard 12, take a card when the dealer shows 2 or 3.
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
A 2 or a 3 is a weak dealer card, but not weak enough. The dealer busts less often from a 2 or 3 than from a 4, 5 or 6.
Your 12 also busts only on a 10, Jack, Queen or King. That is four ranks out of thirteen, so most of the time the card does not bust you.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2, 3 or 7 to Ace | Hit |
| 4 to 6 | Stand |
Questions players ask
- Should I hit 12 against a 2 or a 3?
- Hit. With a hard 12, take a card when the dealer shows 2 or 3.
- What is the right play with hard 12?
- Hit when the dealer shows 2, 3 or 7 to Ace. Stand when the dealer shows 4 to 6.
- Does it matter how many cards make my 12?
- Not for these answers. A hard 12 made of two cards or four cards is played the same way.
Related answers
- Should I stand on 12 against 4 to 6?
- Should I hit 12 against 7 to Ace?
- Should I stand on 13 against 2 to 6?
- Should I hit or stand on 12 to 16?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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