Understanding hard and soft totals is one of the fastest ways beginners can improve their blackjack skills. Once you know how these hands work—and what the math says you should do—you’ll instantly make fewer mistakes, lose less money, and take advantage of profitable situations.
This guide breaks down exactly how hard and soft totals work, why they matter, and how to play each one correctly based on basic strategy.
What Are Hard Totals in Blackjack?
A hard total is any hand without an Ace counted as 11.
It either has no Ace at all, or the Ace must count as 1 because counting it as 11 would bust.
Examples of Hard Totals
- 10 + 6 = Hard 16
- 9 + 7 = Hard 16
- Ace + 5 + 10 = Hard 16 (Ace counted as 1)
Hard totals are dangerous because most of them have a higher bust risk. That’s why the correct move often depends heavily on the dealer’s upcard.
How to Play Hard Totals (Quick Reference)
Hard 17+
Always stand. These totals win more long-term when you don’t touch them.
Hard 13–16
- Stand if the dealer shows 2–6
- Hit if the dealer shows 7–Ace
You’re hoping the dealer busts when they start with a weak card.
Hard 12
- Stand against 4–6
- Hit against 2–3 and 7–Ace
Hard 12 looks strong, but it loses against most dealer cards.
Hard 10 and Hard 11
These are powerful doubling hands:
- Hard 11 – Double against everything except an Ace
- Hard 10 – Double against 2–9
These totals win because they turn into strong 20s and 21s more often than any other hands.
Hard 9
- Double against 3–6
- Hit against 2 and 7–Ace
Hard 5–8
Always hit. These totals cannot bust, so you always improve or stay safe.
What Are Soft Totals in Blackjack?
A soft total is any hand where an Ace counts as 11 without causing a bust.
These hands are flexible and powerful because if you “miss” with a hit, the Ace automatically drops to 1.
Examples of Soft Totals
- Ace + 8 = Soft 19
- Ace + 6 = Soft 17
- Ace + 2 = Soft 13
How to Play Soft Totals (Quick Reference)
Soft 20 (A + 9)
Always stand. This hand already wins most of the time.
Soft 19 (A + 8)
- Stand
- Double if the dealer shows 6 (in most casino rules)
Soft 18 (A + 7)
This is a tricky hand:
- Stand vs 2, 7, 8
- Double vs 3–6
- Hit vs 9–Ace
Soft 17 (A + 6)
- Double vs 3–6
- Hit vs everything else
Soft 16 (A + 5) or Soft 15 (A + 4)
- Double vs 4–6
- Hit vs everything else
Soft 14 (A + 3) or Soft 13 (A + 2)
- Double vs 5–6
- Hit vs everything else
Why Hard and Soft Totals Matter
Mastering these totals gives you:
Fewer Busts
You avoid hitting at the wrong time—especially with hard 12–16.
Bigger Wins From Strong Totals
Soft totals let you double more often because you won’t bust.
More Control Over House Edge
Basic strategy cuts the casino edge to as low as 0.5%, giving you far better long-term odds.
Quick Decision Cheat Sheet
Hard Totals
- 17+ → Stand
- 13–16 → Stand vs 2–6, Hit vs 7–Ace
- 12 → Stand vs 4–6
- 11 → Double
- 10 → Double vs 2–9
- 9 → Double vs 3–6
- 5–8 → Hit
Soft Totals
- Soft 20 → Stand
- Soft 19 → Stand (Double vs 6)
- Soft 18 → Stand vs 2,7,8 | Double vs 3–6 | Hit vs 9–Ace
- Soft 17 → Double vs 3–6
- Soft 13–16 → Double vs 4–6
Final Tips for Using This Guide
- Memorize just the dealer weakness rule:
When the dealer shows 2–6, play aggressively. When they show 7–Ace, play defensively. - Use this chart while practicing online or with a free app.
- Combine hard/soft total knowledge with bankroll discipline and pair-splitting rules for maximum profit.
Kevin Collier is the founder of BlackjackBetter.com, where he helps beginners learn blackjack in a simple, stress-free way. After years of studying basic strategy and breaking down real gameplay situations, he created this site to help new players avoid common mistakes and understand the game step by step. His writing focuses on clarity, confidence, and smarter decision-making at the table.
