Hard 10 vs Dealer 10: Double or Hit?
Hit, under every common rule set.
Why hit is right
Ten doubles against everything except a dealer 10 or Ace. Against a 10, the dealer simply makes too many pat 20s - putting double money out there turns a profitable hit into a coin flip you paid extra to take. Hit, take your chances at 20, and save the double for dealer 2 through 9.
How the rules change the answer
This one is easy to memorize - the play doesn't change with the table rules.
| Table rules (6 decks) | Correct play |
|---|---|
| S17 · late surrender offered | Hit |
| S17 · no surrender | Hit |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Hit |
| H17 · no surrender | Hit |
🃏 Card counter's note
Counters double 10 vs 10 at True Count +4 or higher - with the shoe rich in tens, your chance of catching 20 justifies the double bet.
Common questions
What is the correct play for hard 10 against a dealer 10?
Hit. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to hit. This play holds under every common rule variation.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for hard 10 vs a dealer 10?
No. Hit is correct whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether or not surrender is offered.
When should card counters play hard 10 vs a dealer 10 differently?
Counters double 10 vs 10 at True Count +4 or higher - with the shoe rich in tens, your chance of catching 20 justifies the double bet.
Reading charts doesn't build reflexes. Drill this exact decision until it's automatic - our trainer deals from a real 6-deck shoe and grades every move.
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