Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 16 (A,5): How to Play

A soft 16 is A,5 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 5. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 16 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlayHHDhDhDhHHHHH

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

2 of the ten change with the count

Against 3 and 4 the correct play moves once the count does. The other 8 hold across every true count you will see at a six-deck table.

vs 3
HitTC +4 and below
DoubleTC +5 and up
1.68 pts
vs 4
HitTC -3 and below
DoubleTC -2 and up
1.71 pts

The other 8 never move: against 2, 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 16 (A,5)?

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 16 is A,5.

Does the count change how you play a soft 16?

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