How to Play a 12 Hand in Blackjack
A 12-hand in blackjack is not a strong total, but it’s not weak enough for you to play aggressively either. This makes it tricky, so you’ll need to watch the dealer’s next move to determine yours. You’ll also need to understand some basic strategy. Below are simplified scenarios, so that you can make the best call every time.
The different variations of a 12-hand you could receive
The first thing to note is that not all 12 hands play the same way, even though they add up to the same total. As such, the cards you’re dealt can influence your decisions, especially when you’re facing different dealer upcards. Below are some combinations that can make a hand totalling 12:
- 10 and 2: This hand gives you little flexibility, so you’ll want to consider the dealer’s card carefully before deciding.
- 9 and 3: While a lot like a 10 and 2, this pair might leave you feeling uncertain when the dealer shows a stronger upcard.
- 8 and 4: This feels somewhat safer, but your decision still depends on whether the dealer is likely to bust.
- 7 and 5: A slightly uncommon pair that still demands smart choices, especially if the dealer has a low card.
- 6 and 6: This is a better hand for 12 if you have the option to split, depending on the variation of blackjack you’re playing.
- Face card and 2: A jack, queen or king with a 2 gives you a solid 12, but hitting could push you into risky territory.
- Ace and Ace: A rare pair, but is the soft 12 hand available as both aces can be changed to equal 11 or 1 each. You can hit on this and aim for a total closer to 21.
Each pair brings its own challenges, but understanding these combinations can come in handy when you want to apply strategies.
How to play a 12 hand for each scenario
Once you have a 12 hand, you need to calculate when to stand or hit. Below are a few things you can do based on what the dealer’s upcard is:
- 12 vs dealer’s 2: Take a hit. A 12 isn’t strong enough to stand, and you’ll want to try for a better total.
- 12 vs dealer’s 3: Hit again. The dealer has a small edge with this card, so improving your hand is the smarter move.
- 12 vs dealer’s 4, 5 or 6: Stand. These are weak dealer cards, and the odds of them busting are high, so let them take the risk.
- 12 vs dealer’s 7 or higher: Hit. You can’t compete with a strong dealer hand unless you improve your total.
12 hand vs dealer’s 2
For a 12 against 2 scenario: Hit.
The dealer’s 2 may seem like a weak card, but it doesn’t mean that they’re guaranteed to bust. Your 12 isn’t strong enough to stand as it’s too far from 21. By hitting, you can try to build a better hand, which gives you a stronger chance of staying in the game. Even a low card can help here while standing might leave you in a losing position.
12 hand vs dealer’s 3
For a 12 vs 3 scenario: Hit.
The dealer’s 3 is still considered a weak card, but it’s slightly less risky for them than a 2. With your 12, standing isn’t a great option, as the dealer is likely to build a stronger hand.
Hitting gives you a chance to draw a low or mid-value card to improve your total. Even adding a small card puts you in a better position than standing, which leaves you stuck at 12. This move keeps you in the game and prepares you to challenge the dealer’s hand.
12 hand vs dealer’s 4
For a 12 hand vs a dealer’s 4: Stand.
When the dealer has a 4, they’re in a tough spot as this is one of the weakest upcards. With your 12, hitting would only increase the risk of going over 21. By standing, you avoid that risk and leave the dealer to play from a vulnerable position.
There’s no need to take extra chances when the dealer is already at a disadvantage. Let them draw the cards and possibly bust while you hold steady. Standing here is the smartest move to keep yourself in a winning position.
12 hand vs dealer’s 5
For a 12 vs 5 blackjack: Stand.
The dealer’s 5 is one of the weakest cards they can show. They’ll likely have to draw more cards, increasing their chances of going bust. Blackjack hit on 12 here means that you risk going over 21 when the dealer is already at a disadvantage.
When you stand, you let the dealer play from a tough position. There’s no need to take extra risks when the odds are already working in your favour. Consider sticking with your 12 and let the dealer make the next move.
12 hand vs dealer’s 6
For a 12 hand vs a dealer’s 6: Stand.
The dealer’s 6 is a weak card, often forcing them to draw several cards to reach 17 or higher. This increases their chances of busting, so standing with your 12 is the safer option. Taking another card here could easily push you over 21, which isn’t worth the risk.
Standing here puts pressure on the dealer to make the next move. Their weak position gives you an edge, and there’s no need to take unnecessary risks.
Should players consider doubling down on 12?
Doubling down on 12 is almost always a bad idea. The total is too low to take full advantage of a double-down bet, and even if you draw a low card, you’re not guaranteed a strong hand. With so much at risk, it’s better to stick to a basic strategy and focus on improving your hand one step at a time.
Think about it: doubling down means doubling your bet, but with 12, the odds of ending up with a winning total aren’t great. Save the double downs for hands where you have a stronger chance of success. Play it smart and keep your bets safe on this one.