Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 15 (A,4): How to Play

A soft 15 is A,4 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 4. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 15 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlayHHHDhDhHHHHH

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

One of the ten changes with the count

Against 4 the correct play moves once the count does. The other 9 hold across every true count you will see at a six-deck table.

vs 4
HitTC 0 and below
DoubleTC +1 and up
0.21 pts

The other 9 never move: against 2, 3, 5, 6, 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 15 (A,4)?

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 15 is A,4.

Does the count change how you play a soft 15?

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