Playing 13 vs. 7 in Blackjack

Here's the situation:

You're participating in a multiple deck game (the specific rules variations are unimportant). You're dealt an eight and a five for a two card total of 13 which you must play against the seven the dealer is showing. Playing 13 vs 7 in Blackjack

 It's a hitting/standing decision here. Which one is it going to be?

Well, the correct play is to hit this hand.

The "no bust" attitude (meaning you don't take a hit and therefore make sure you don't bust out) is not going to work here.

When the dealer has a seven as his upcard, he's going to bust out only about 26% of the time. That leaves you with a losing hand on the rest. With your 13, of course, you're only going to bust on the first hit if you draw a nine or ten value card.

Our knowledge of the deck, based on the data we have before us, and without counting cards, indicates that the nines and tens add up to 20 cards in the deck. Three cards are gone (your eight and five and the dealer's seven), so there are 29 cards with which you will not bust.

By hitting the 13 here, not only does your WINNING percentage go up 7 percent, your LOSING percentage decreases 14%! It really does make sense to hit your "stiff" hands against dealer's "pat" upcards, because in situations where you are a percentage loser you can actually have a chance to salvage something out of it; to preserve some of your playing bankroll. This play is a huge gain over the alternative. Do it without hesitation!!

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.

    • info
      • MrO Casino
      • Sign up Bonus

        400% UP TO $10000 + 400 free spins
        New customers only. T&C apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. Plus 400 Free Spins, 80 spins for 5 consecutive days. Min Deposit: $10. Max Bet: $10. Max Cashout: None.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      3.9 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.8 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.9 /5
      3.9/5
    • info
      • Kats Casino
      • No Deposit Bonus

        $120
        New customers only. T&C apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. Max cashout: $100. Players cannot redeem consecutive multiple free bonuses.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      2.8 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.5 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.2 /5
      3.2/5
    • info
      • ComicPlay Casino
      • No Deposit Bonus

        $30
        New players only. T&Cs apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. $30 Free Chip. Players need to sign up from our link, activate bonus code in profile (email should be verified). Maximum cashout: $60. Restricted games: No. Max bet amount for no deposit bonuses: no restrictions.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      4.1 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.6 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.9 /5
      3.9/5
    • This Casino has a Warning
      info
      • Red Dog Casino
      • Sign Up Bonus

        $1700 + 70 free spins
        New customers only. T&C apply. 18+. Up to $1,700 Slots & Cards Bonus + 70 Spins on Bonus Wheel Jungle. The minimum deposit is $10 for Neosurf, $20 for BTC, $20 for ETH, $20 for LTC, $20 for Flexepin, $20 for USDT, and $30 for Credit Card. Max bet:  $10. Max cash out: 30x deposit amount. 

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      2.3 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.8 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.1 /5
      3.1/5

More on How to play Blackjack