The decision to hit or stand when holding 16 points in Blackjack is always a controversial one. It’s an unlucky and risky hand, but if you understand the right strategy, you can still turn the tide when betting at the Phspin bookmaker.
In this article, we will analyze in detail when to hit and when to stand with a 16-point hand!
Why is 16 Points in Blackjack Considered an Ugly Hand?
A 16-point hand falls into the danger zone of Phspin Blackjack. It’s too low to be safe, but too high to easily hit without busting (exceeding 21 points).
With a high probability, you will:
- Lose when standing because the dealer easily reaches 17–21.
- Lose when hitting because the chance of drawing a 10-value card (which makes up 30% of the deck) is very high.
Therefore, the key is not to avoid this hand – but to handle it correctly when playing online Blackjack at the Phspin bookmaker.
Understanding Hard 16 and Soft 16 When Playing Blackjack
Hard 16 is when the total of your cards is 16 points and there is no Ace, or the Ace must be counted as 1 (e.g., 10 + 6 or 9 + 7).
Soft 16 is when you have 1 Ace and a 5, and the Ace is counted as 11 points (e.g., Ace + 5 = 16). The advantage is that the Ace can be flexible in its point value.
Strategy with Soft 16: Don’t Be Afraid to Hit
With a Soft 16 (Ace + 5), you have a safe space to hit without worrying about busting. Therefore, if the dealer shows a 5 or 6, you should consider doubling down to take advantage of the chance they will bust.
If the dealer shows another card: Hit to improve your hand.
>> Read more: What are Trash Cards in Poker? How to Handle Trash Cards
Hard 16 – Analyzing Strategy Based on the Dealer’s Upcard
Now is the most crucial time. You have 16 points from any two non-Ace cards like 10 + 6, 9 + 7, 8 + 8 (without splitting), 7 + 9, etc. At this point, look closely at the dealer’s upcard to make your decision:
- If the dealer’s upcard is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6: You should stand.
- Conversely, if the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace: You should hit!
Why Act This Way?
When the dealer shows a weak card (2–6), the probability of them busting is quite high (35–42%). You shouldn’t risk hitting further; let the dealer make a mistake. Conversely, if the dealer holds a strong card (7–Ace), they are almost certain to reach at least 17 points. In that case, you absolutely must hit to find an opportunity to turn the tables.
The Case of a Pair of 8s – The Golden Rule: Always Split
If you are dealt 8 + 8, you have a total of 16 points. But this is a special situation. Always split eights, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. This helps you create two independent hands, each starting with an 8, a fairly decent starting point to hit further. Even if the dealer has a 10 or an Ace, you should still split because 16 points has almost no chance of winning.
What if you hit and get another 8? Continue to split if the rules allow. This is how you turn risk into opportunity.
Don’t Let Emotions Control Your Blackjack Strategy
There will be times when you hit according to strategy but still lose. For example, you hit on 16, draw a Queen, and bust. Conversely, the dealer flips a 6 + 6 = 12, then draws a 9 = 21. At this point, you’ll think, “If only I had stood, I would have won!” But remember, strategy doesn’t guarantee winning every hand; it only helps you win in the long run.
Blackjack is a card game of probability. If you follow the strategy correctly, even if you lose a few hands, overall, you will have an advantage over emotional players.
Summary of the 16-Point Strategy in Blackjack
| Your 16 Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Suggested Action |
| Soft 16 (Ace + 5) | 5 or 6 | Double Down if allowed |
| Soft 16 | Other | Hit |
| Pair of 8s | Any | Split |
| Hard 16 | 2 – 6 | Stand |
| Hard 16 | 7 – Ace | Hit |
Blackjack is a game of both intellect and emotion. 16 points is a bottleneck that every player faces. But if you understand the strategy clearly, you won’t fear it anymore. Practice quickly analyzing the dealer’s upcard and acting according to probability when betting online at the latest Phspin.
Wishing you always make wise decisions and have good luck at the Blackjack table! Don’t forget to regularly log in to your account and follow the attractive promotional programs to receive huge bonus amounts at Phspin.
