The Casino Answer Man

Q. In blackjack, I know the rule is you should either hit or double down on soft 17. I was playing last week at the last position (third base) and was dealt Ace-6. The dealer had a 6 showing, and the rest of the table stood pat. All had 13 or higher. I also chose to stand pat.

The dealer pulled a 4 for 20, and the whole table looked like they were about to kill me for making a horrible error. If I would have hit and received a 10, then the dealer hits a 4, I still am the goat for not sticking and taking the 10 from the dealer.

What is the proper move in this situation?

A. First of all, you are playing for yourself, not for the whole table, and in the long run your decisions have no effect on the overall results of others. Sometimes your plays will help 'em, and sometimes they'll hurt 'em, but they'll balance out. No one has any business being angry at you, regardless of what decision you make.

Nevertheless, the best play with Ace-6 against a 6 is to double down. It is never to your advantage to stand on soft 17.

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