Do You Hit 13 Against a 2 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of strategy and skill, and one of the most important decisions a player can make is whether to hit or stand on a particular hand. In this article, we will answer the question: do you hit 13 against a 2 in blackjack?

Firstly, it is important to understand the basics of blackjack. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. Each card in blackjack has a point value, with numbered cards being worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, jacks) being worth 10 points and an ace being worth either 1 or 11 points.

Now let’s focus on the scenario where you have been dealt a hand with a total value of 13 and the dealer’s upcard is a 2. In this situation, you have two options: hit or stand.

Hitting means taking another card from the deck in an attempt to improve your hand. Standing means keeping your current hand and waiting for the dealer to reveal their hand.

The basic strategy chart suggests that players should always hit when they have a total value of 13 against any dealer upcard including a 2. This might seem counterintuitive since hitting could lead to going over 21 or busting if another high-value card is drawn. However, there are several reasons why hitting in this situation is considered optimal.

Firstly, if you stand on 13 against a dealer’s upcard of 2, your chances of winning are very low (around 35 percent). By hitting and potentially improving your hand’s total value closer to 21 while hoping that the dealer busts (since they must draw until they reach at least 17), your chances of winning increase significantly.

Secondly, even if you do bust by hitting, you have not lost the hand yet. If the dealer also busts, both hands lose and your original bet is returned. Therefore, hitting in this scenario is considered a risk worth taking.

However, it is important to remember that basic blackjack strategy charts are designed for a specific set of rules and conditions. These charts may not always apply to every blackjack variation or game. Additionally, individual player preferences and risk tolerance should also be taken into account when deciding whether to hit or stand on a particular hand.

In conclusion, according to basic strategy charts, it is recommended to hit 13 against a dealer’s upcard of 2 in blackjack. While it may seem risky, hitting provides a higher chance of winning than standing on this particular hand. However, it is important to consider individual game variations and personal play styles before making any final decisions at the blackjack table.