Decision Library
Soft 19 vs dealer 6 · six decks · dealer stands on soft 17 · double after split allowed
Correct play
StandYou keep a positive expectation of +0.494 per unit here, and standing beats doubling by 0.013 per unit.
Deals soft 19 (Ace-8) against a dealer 6 in the trainer, graded live.
Per unit bet, six decks, dealer stands on soft 17, computed by the engine.
| Option | EV / unit | vs. best |
|---|---|---|
| StandBest | +0.494 | — |
| Double | +0.481 | -0.013 |
| Hit | +0.240 | -0.254 |
| Surrender | -0.500 | -0.994 |
With soft 19 (Ace-8) you already hold a total the dealer has to beat, and the 6 is weak enough that letting the dealer draw is better than risking your own hand. The dealer busts 42.4% of the time showing a 6, while hitting would bust you 0.0% of the time.
Standing is worth +0.494 per unit; the closest alternative, doubling, comes in at +0.481. That 0.013 gap is the price of taking an unnecessary card.
Players hit soft 19 (Ace-8) out of fear of the dealer's 6, but the 6 is exactly why you stand. Hitting costs 0.254 per unit versus the correct standing. Over a few hundred of these hands, that is real money handed back.
Same hand, different table conditions. The correct play holds unless noted.
| Table condition | Correct play |
|---|---|
| 6 decks, stands soft 17 (baseline) | Stand |
| 6 decks, hits soft 17 | Double changes |
| Single deck, stands soft 17 | Double changes |
| Double deck, stands soft 17 | Stand |
| No surrender offered | Stand |
The correct play changes under: 6 decks, hits soft 17; Single deck, stands soft 17. Everywhere else, stand holds. Use the row that matches your table.
Strategy and expected values from a combinatorial engine validated against Wizard of Odds.