Hard 13 vs Dealer Ace
Basic strategy says hit. Here's what the math looks like across common rule sets.
Want to see this play out across 100,000 hands?
Configure the exact rules and bet spread in the simulator.
Run Simulation → Configure the exact rules and bet spread in the simulator.
Why Hit Is Correct
Hard 13 against dealer Ace looks like a trap — hitting busts a lot, but standing is worse. Dealer Ace only busts 11.7% of the time, which means the other ~88% of outcomes you'd lose outright by standing. Hitting and bettering to 17+ is the less bad option.
How the Play Changes Under Different Rules
The correct play is consistent across every common rule set for this hand.
| Rule Set | Best Play |
|---|---|
| 6-deck · H17 · no surrender | Hit |