When it comes to playing blackjack, one of the most common dilemmas that players face is whether or not to hit on a 15. This hand can be tricky, as it’s not quite high enough to stand on its own, but it’s also not quite low enough to hit without risking busting.
So what should you do? Should you always hit a 15 in blackjack? The answer is not so simple.
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Understanding Basic Strategy
Before we dive into the specifics of whether or not you should hit a 15 in blackjack, let’s review some basic strategy. Basic strategy is the set of rules that dictate how you should play each hand based on your cards and the dealer’s up card. It’s important to note that basic strategy is designed to minimize the house edge, which means it won’t guarantee that you’ll win every hand, but it will give you the best chance of winning in the long run.
The Rules
The decision of whether or not to hit on a 15 in blackjack depends on a few factors:
- The number of decks being used
- The specific rules being used at the table (e.g., whether or not the dealer hits on a soft 17)
- Whether or not surrender is allowed
Generally speaking, if surrender is allowed and your table follows basic strategy, you should surrender if your hand total is greater than 15 and the dealer has an ace or a ten as their up card.
The Strategy
If surrender isn’t an option, then hitting on a 15 becomes more complicated. Here are some general guidelines:
- If the dealer has an up card between two and six inclusive, you should always hit your 15.
- If the dealer has an up card of seven or higher, you should stand on your 15.
- If the dealer has an up card of ace, you should hit if you’re playing with four or more decks. If you’re playing with fewer than four decks, then you should stand.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are just that – guidelines. There are always exceptions and variables that can affect the best play. For example, if you have a soft 15 (i.e., a hand that contains an ace), then you should always hit, regardless of the dealer’s up card.
The Bottom Line
So, should you always hit a 15 in blackjack? The answer is no; it depends on the rules being used at your table and the dealer’s up card.
If surrender is allowed and basic strategy is being followed, then surrendering is often the best play. However, if surrender isn’t an option, then hitting becomes more complicated and depends on the specific circumstances of your hand and the dealer’s up card.
Conclusion
Ultimately, blackjack is a game of strategy and probability. While there are general guidelines for how to play each hand, there will always be exceptions and variables that affect the best play. As with any casino game, it’s important to understand basic strategy and make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of your hand.
