Inconsistency in rule for soft 18 v Ace in Wizard of Odds website
February 10th, 2012 at 1:22:52 AM
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Hi All,
I noticed an inconsistency regarding the correct play for soft 18 vs Ace for blackjack in the Wizard of Odds website.
At the basic strategy calculater page, it recommends hitting soft 18 v Ace for 4 decks and above, dealer stands on soft 17, first 2 cards.
But at appendix 18, the strategy chart shows to stand soft 18 v Ace for multiple decks, dealer stands on soft 17, first 2 cards.
Any comments on which is correct?
I noticed an inconsistency regarding the correct play for soft 18 vs Ace for blackjack in the Wizard of Odds website.
At the basic strategy calculater page, it recommends hitting soft 18 v Ace for 4 decks and above, dealer stands on soft 17, first 2 cards.
But at appendix 18, the strategy chart shows to stand soft 18 v Ace for multiple decks, dealer stands on soft 17, first 2 cards.
Any comments on which is correct?
February 10th, 2012 at 4:11:57 AM
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You are probably referring to a 3 (or more) card soft 18. I think a 3-card soft 18 stands vs an Ace in a 2-deck game; and a 4 (or more card) soft 18 stands vs an Ace in a 4-6 deck game (assuming dealer stands on all 17's).
Plus, a 3-card soft 18 stands vs 2-8. That's how I play it....someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
I believe that's what you'll find within the Wizard's blackjack pages.
Plus, a 3-card soft 18 stands vs 2-8. That's how I play it....someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
I believe that's what you'll find within the Wizard's blackjack pages.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
February 10th, 2012 at 7:41:03 AM
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Both pages are correct. If you don't consider the number of cards in the players hand then the player should hit soft 18 vs ace. However, if we muddy the waters with the number of player cards, then the player should stand with 4 or more cards, because there will be fewer small cards the player needs left in the deck.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 10th, 2012 at 7:42:12 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
February 10th, 2012 at 7:58:26 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
February 10th, 2012 at 8:03:11 AM
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Soft 18 vs. A (assuming S17; with H17 it's clearly a hit as an 18 is weaker in that case) is like 16 vs. 10 (but a much rarer hand) in that it's a close play whose exact composition-dependent strategy varies by the number of decks and what cards are in the hand (here a hand with lots of 3s, 2s, and additional Aces makes hitting a weaker choice).
February 13th, 2012 at 12:10:16 AM
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Quote: WizardBoth pages are correct. If you don't consider the number of cards in the players hand then the player should hit soft 18 vs ace. However, if we muddy the waters with the number of player cards, then the player should stand with 4 or more cards, because there will be fewer small cards the player needs left in the deck.
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I hope you can clarify further for me.
At the basic strategy page, it is recommended to hit with soft 18 v A generally (without considering number of cards). I assume therefore it recommends hitting with 2 card soft 18 v A. At the appendix, standing is recommended for 2 card soft 18 v A.
So my question is, "What is the mathematically correct play for 2 card soft 18 v A (ie A7 v A) for 4 or more decks game?"
Thanks in advance
February 13th, 2012 at 5:03:57 AM
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HIT A7 vs A
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
February 13th, 2012 at 4:54:22 PM
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Sometimes it correct to double A7 (e.g. vs 3-6) but otherwise against 7s or 8s stand all soft 18s (vs 2s it depends whether dealer hit s17). Only hit soft 18s against 9s, 10s and As (the latter is close hence the discussion to sometimes stand with A25, A34).Quote: MakingBook...a 3-card soft 18 stands vs 2-8...
