Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 20 (A,9): How to Play

A soft 20 is A,9 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 9. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 20 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlaySSSSSSSSSS

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
StandTC +6 and below
DoubleTC +7 and up
19.88 pts
vs 5
StandTC +4 and below
DoubleTC +5 and up
15.61 pts
vs 6
StandTC +4 and below
DoubleTC +5 and up
12.76 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 20 (A,9)?

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 20 is A,9.

Does the count change how you play a soft 20?

Yes, against 3 of the ten upcards. versus 4, stand becomes double at a true count of +7 or higher; versus 5, stand becomes double at a true count of +5 or higher; versus 6, stand becomes double at a true count of +5 or higher. The rest hold at every count you will see at a six-deck table.