Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 19 (A,8): How to Play

A soft 19 is A,8 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 8. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 19 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlaySSSSSSSSSS

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

4 of the ten change with the count

Against 3, 4, 5 and 6 the correct play moves once the count does. The other 6 hold across every true count you will see at a six-deck table.

vs 3
StandTC +5 and below
DoubleTC +6 and up
10.73 pts
vs 4
StandTC +3 and below
DoubleTC +4 and up
7.13 pts
vs 5
StandTC +1 and below
DoubleTC +2 and up
3.26 pts
vs 6
StandTC 0 and below
DoubleTC +1 and up
1.66 pts

The other 6 never move: against 2, 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 19 (A,8)?

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 19 is A,8.

Does the count change how you play a soft 19?

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