Hard 14 vs Dealer 8
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 14 against dealer 8 looks like a trap — hitting busts a lot, but standing is worse. Dealer 8 only busts 23.9% of the time, which means the other ~76% 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 |