Hard 12 vs Dealer Ace: Hit or Stand?

With a hard 12 (10-2) against a dealer Ace, basic strategy says to hit. This is the mathematically correct play over the long run — it's exactly what the Blackjack Trainer grades your decisions against.

A dealer showing Ace busts about 12% 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.

This is a stiff total, so busting is a real risk — but against this up-card, hitting still loses less often than standing and hoping.

What the dealer does with a Ace

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

Hard 12 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+