Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 13 (A,2): How to Play

A soft 13 is A,2 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 2. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 13 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlayHHHHDhHHHHH

S = stand · H = hit · D = double · Ds = double if allowed else stand

3 of the ten change with the count

Against 4, 5 and 6 the correct play moves once the count does. The other 7 hold across every true count you will see at a six-deck table.

vs 4
HitTC +3 and below
DoubleTC +4 and up
4.34 pts
vs 5
HitTC 0 and below
DoubleTC +1 and up
0.62 pts
vs 6
HitTC -2 and below
DoubleTC -1 and up
1.88 pts

The other 7 never move: against 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 and an Ace the correct play at true count -3 is the same as at +7.

Break points come from the same count-dependent table that powers the strategy charts. The point gaps are computed by the engine for a full six-deck shoe.

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FAQ

How do you play a soft 13 (A,2)?

See the row above for the correct play against each dealer upcard. It's for 6-deck, dealer stands on soft 17, DAS.

What does "soft" mean in blackjack?

A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11, so it can't bust on the next card. Soft 13 is A,2.

Does the count change how you play a soft 13?

Yes, against 3 of the ten upcards. versus 4, hit becomes double at a true count of +4 or higher; versus 5, hit becomes double at a true count of +1 or higher; versus 6, double becomes hit at a true count of -2 or lower. The rest hold at every count you will see at a six-deck table.