Hitting on 16

Everyone likes giving advice, and some people even like receiving it – especially when it’s good, and even more so when it’s solicited. And there’s no shortage of advice in blackjack. Even if you’re following the strategy card as a beginner, you’re inevitably going to have times where you think you should stray and do something different from what the chart tells you. Statistically, you know better. But we all know games aren’t won on statistics, they’re won inside our television sets.

Enough lame Sportscenter references. Here’s a situation where you could really go either way, as the probability of winning only shifts a slight amount. Still, though, what would you do?

If you have a three-card 16 (meaning you hit once to get 16) and you’re facing a dealer 10 value, is it a good idea to stand, or you should blindly hit every time? It’s a much simpler scenario to others we’ve discussed, but sometimes it’s the easiest situations that present the most challenge. After all, we’re not all great at making tough decisions. It’ll often come down to a gut feeling, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as you don’t get too comfortable trusting your gut too often.

So here’s my two cents. If you’re playing basic strategy, which most players do (be honest), it’s actually a smarter idea to stand. But like I said, the difference between taking the card or standing is minimal. That said, I’d also pay attention to the makeup of your 16. This comes into play if you’re counting cards, as different values affect the true count, and thus that decision might trump or supersede that of basic strategy.

So you can feel comfortable standing, just don’t work that in as a permanent decision on all your variations of 16. Doing it against a power card like a King or a Jack is one thing, but once a move is made, it’s easy for a non-disciplined player to get comfortable and keep making it, even against an eight or a nine. And three-card stands under 17 is a bit of a stretch to begin with. Many experts say if you’re going to go against the strategy sheet and stand, you should only do it if you already have four or more cards in a single hand. I’m personally (and have done it) standing with a three-card 16, though, and you can be, too.

Also worth mentioning is how you’ll be perceived by the other players. If you’re the kind of person that is bothered by this, you might want to follow what the pack would do. Or play your gut and feel them out, and if you get dirty looks consider adjusting your play or getting up. It’s hardly worth the hassle or irritation. Again, only if you’re affected by these type of people.