3 card soft 18 ????

BS indicates to double 3-6, stand 2,7,8 and hit 9-A. How about 3 card 18 vs 3-6, hit ? or take the 18? A,2,3, can improve your hand 10,J,Q,K keep it the same and 4, 5, 6,7,8, 9 hurt your hand. So you have a little over 50 % chance to improve your hand or keep it the same. I have been hitting it, just wanted to see what others thoughts were ?

The best play is to stand.
Here are the (infinite deck) EVs (dealer card, hit EV, stand EV):
3: 0.0902 vs. 0.1483
4: 0.1185 vs. 0.1759
5: 0.1476 vs. 0.1996
6: 0.1908 vs. 0.2834

This is for S17. For H17 the absolute numbers are lower, but standing is still the best play.

thanks weaselman !!!!

H17

how about 11 vs A double ?
soft 19 vs 6 ?

Splitting 8's vs face/ace ?

Quote: DonPedro

thanks weaselman !!!!

H17

how about 11 vs A double ?
soft 19 vs 6 ?

Splitting 8's vs face/ace ?

what about them? With three cards, you want to hit 11 against ace (obviously), but not 19.
Not sure what is the question about 8s. Split three 8s?

doubling 11 vs ace

spliting 8's against a high up card such as face/ace

Soft 19 vs 6, double

I have been making all of the plays above and done fine, except for the 8's vs 10/A ( big bet ouch)

The way I see it, if it hurts to put up that extra bet when you get 8,8 vs. 10/A, you are betting too much. There should never be any hesitation in making that play. I hate to see people contemplating it. Now, doubling 11 v. A and 19 v. 6 ... you could do away with those and not give up very much in E.V. at all.

By the way, I used to overbet all the time -- learned the hard way!

Thanks Teddys !!!

Make the correct play and go for it, no 2nd guessing !!!! Somewhat new to the game ,played about 40 hrs a month for the past 6.

I have played all the casinos in my area and a few out of state, It is VERY rare that I see a player play BS religiously . I myself never deviate from BS, I guess if I am going to bet my $$, I want to make the correct play, go down swinging if you will. LOL

I am amazed at the rationale I hear at the table : " I always hit 12" " never hit 15/16" etc. etc. Or play almost the opposite of BS- hit when they should stand, or stand when they should hit.

Also the sidebets have taken over: so players dont even care about the BJ bet. They just want the " suited !!"

Thanks for insight !!

Give'em hell at the tables !!! I do !!! ( one way or another )

For a 3 card soft 18 I've been going with stand unless the dealer is showing a 9,10, or ace, then hit. Anyone else do that?

Quote: jamo1599

For a 3 card soft 18 I've been going with stand unless the dealer is showing a 9,10, or ace, then hit. Anyone else do that?

Every Basic Strategy player should be doing that.