Soft 13 vs Dealer 5
Basic strategy says double. Here's what the math looks like across common rule sets.
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Why Double Is Correct
Soft 13 can't bust on a single draw, which gives doubling a safety net: any draw from 2–9 either improves your hand or converts it to a hard total you can play normally. Against dealer 5 (42.8% bust rate) the basic-strategy chart says double — if the table allows it. Otherwise hit and keep the 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 | Double |