Hard 11 vs Dealer 8: Double Down?

With a hard 11 (9-2) against a dealer 8, basic strategy says to double. This is the mathematically correct play over the long run — it's exactly what the Blackjack Trainer grades your decisions against.

A dealer showing 8 busts about 24% of the time. That's a strong up-card, so the dealer will usually make a made hand. You have to improve your own total rather than hope the dealer breaks.

Doubling is best when it's allowed. If you can't double here (for example after a split), hit instead.

What the dealer does with a 8

Assuming the dealer stands on all 17s, here is how a 8 up-card finishes over the long run:

Hard 11 vs every dealer up-card

H = Hit · S = Stand · D = Double · Sp = Split · Su = Surrender. Tap any card to see that matchup.

For entertainment only. No real-money gambling. 21+