How to Play a Hard 16 in Blackjack?

A hard 16 in blackjack is one of the most challenging hands for players. There is a big chance of busting when hitting this hand, yet that is the option that players face at various times.

Knowing how to play this troublesome hand can help players in the long run at the blackjack tables, providing the best chance at winning. Keep reading to learn whether to hit or stand on 16 and the challenges that this hand presents.

What is a Hard 16 in Blackjack?

For those new to the game, a “hard 16″ in blackjack is a hand that doesn’t contain an ace to reach a count of 16. An ace counts as 1 or 11, so a hand with this total and an ace is known as a “soft 16.”

The correct plays for these hard and soft hands differ because a soft 16 is much more flexible and players can take a hit without worrying about busting. A hard 16 doesn’t allow for such flexibility and often requires taking a hit. Some examples of a hard 16 include:

Players may also face a hard 16 after hitting a smaller count, such as 2-5-9 or 3-5-8. Players generally hate to see a hard 16 because taking a hit at times, as outlined by basic strategy, often means the hand will bust.

When to Hit on 16 in Blackjack

Basic strategy offers the correct mathematical play to make when considering any dealer upcard. When having to take a hit with hard 16, players face a 62% chance that they will bust. The good news is that you won’t always hit with this hand. The bad news is that sometimes hitting is a must to try and beat the dealer.

So you may be asking: “When should I hit on 16 in blackjack?” The simple answer is that players will hit this hand against dealer upcards that usually indicate the possibility of solid hands for the dealer. Players will want to hit when the dealer upcard is a 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace.

The thinking behind this is that the dealer is likely to have a solid hand because there are so many possibilities for solid hands with these upcards because any 8, 9, 10, or ace downcard is likely to make a winning hand.

Hard 16 Blackjack Strategies

Hitting with 16 isn’t fun because of the likelihood of busting. When dealt this hand, here are a few things to remember in regards to basic strategy.

Even though it may seem that you are likely to bust when hitting against 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace upcards, it’s still the right play and offers the best chance for success.
Make note that players with hard 16 will want to stand against 2 through 6. This is a more favorable scenario for players than having to hit hard 16 as the dealer has a high likelihood of busting.
If surrender is allowed, players may also want to release this hand against the dealer’s 9, 10, or ace, according to basic strategy.
Practice using a basic strategy chart to remember these scenarios so that you’ll know whether to hit or stand on 16.

Conclusion

Hard 16 is a troublesome hand that perplexes many players. A hard hand is set hand that doesn’t have the flexibility of having an ace. A player faces a 62% chance of busting when hitting with this hand, but taking another card is the only option players face at times when utilizing basic strategy.

A player will need to take a hit against a dealer 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace. If surrender is available, this is the right option often against a 9, 10, or ace. Players facing a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 have better odds of winning the hand and are advised to stand. The dealer has a high likelihood of going over 21 in these scenarios, so this can often be a winning play. Playing this hand correctly according to basic strategy offers the best odds of winning.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Blackjack Hard 16

Do you hit on 16 in blackjack?

That depends on the situation. Players should hit against any 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace. You should also surrender on any 9, 10, or ace.

Is it ever a good idea to stand on 16?

Yes, basic strategy says players should stand against any 2 through 6 dealer upcard. These cards give the dealer a better chance of busting.

What happens if I bust on a hard 16?

The dealer will take your cards and your bet when you bust. You can then decide whether to play another hand. Players have a 62% chance of busting when hitting a hard 16, but players are often left with no option other than hitting.