Playing 10 vs. 9 in Blackjack

Here's the situation:

You're involved in a multiple deck game where you can double down on 10 or 11. You get dealt a seven and a three for a two-card total of ten, while the dealer gives himself a nine as an upcard.

Having ten is certainly one of the strongest positions you can find yourself in at the outset of a round. So you figure this might be a circumstance where you can take advantage of getting more money down on the table.

Are you right in that way of thinking? What is your proper play - hit or double?

You are correct if you double this hand.

Some people may be a little scared by the presence of a nine as the dealer's upcard because the dealer can indeed make a hand out of this situation. What happens with the nine? Well, with a nine showing, the dealer gets 19 or better 53% of the time and will have a "pat" (standing) hand in 77% of all instances.

But remember that ten is a very strong starting point for the player. There are a lot of cards you can get "pat" with - 7,8,9,10,J,Q,K, and of course, the Ace. The dealer has fewer cards he can benefit from - obviously, the seven does him no good at all.

If you choose not to double this hand you're going to win 50% of the hands, with 38.5% losses (the rest being pushes). That's a 12.5% edge, compared to just 7% if you double. But remember, for hitting to be the preferable option, it would have to bring a win/loss ratio of hands which is twice that of doubling. It doesn't. So we double here.

US vs. THEM Blackjack Strategy Series
An Analysis
By Charles Jay

Best Blackjack Bonuses

These bonuses allow you to play blackjack to clear the bonuses wagering requirements.

More on How to play Blackjack

• Playing A-A vs A
• Playing A-2 vs 6
• Playing A-3 vs 2
• Playing A-4 vs 3
• Playing A-4 vs 7
• Playing A-5 vs 2
• Playing A-5 vs 5
• Playing A-5 vs 7
• Playing A-6 vs 6
• Playing A-7 vs 2
• Playing A-7 vs 4
• Playing A-7 vs 7
• Playing A-7 vs 9
• Playing 2-2 vs 7
• Playing 3-3 vs 3
• Playing 4-4 vs 6
• Playing 6-6 vs 2
• Playing 7-7 vs 7
• Playing 9-9 vs 7-8
• Playing 10-10 vs 5
• Playing 8 vs 6
• Playing 8 vs 5
• Playing 9 vs 7
• Playing 9 vs 6
• Playing 9 vs 2
• Playing 10 vs 9
• Playing 11 vs 7
• Playing 12 vs 2
• Playing 12 vs 3
• Playing 12 vs 4
• Playing 12 vs 6
• Playing 13 vs 2
• Playing 13 vs 7
• Playing 15 vs 10
• Playing 15 vs 6
• Playing 15 vs 9
• Playing 16 vs 10
• Playing 16 vs 7
• Playing 16 vs 9
• Playing 17 vs A
• Playing Ace Seven in Blackjack
• Playing Two's in Blackjack (222)
• Playing Three's in Blackjack (3-3)
• Playing Eight's in Blackjack (8-8)
• Playing Nine in Blackjack
• Playing Ten in Blackjack
• Playing Thirteen through Sixteen in Blackjack (13, 14, 15, 16)