Soft 13 (A,2) vs Dealer 5: Double or Hit?
Double Down, under every common rule set.
Why double down is right
A,2 against a 5 looks like nothing - but the dealer 5 busts about 42% of the time, and your hand literally cannot bust on the next card. That combination is free money on the double: you're betting the dealer breaks while giving yourself a draw to improve. Soft 13 and 14 double only against 5 and 6; from a 4 downward the dealer is sturdy enough that you just hit.
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 | Double Down |
| S17 · no surrender | Double Down |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Double Down |
| H17 · no surrender | Double Down |
Can't double (three or more cards, or the table won't allow it)? Then hit instead.
Common questions
What is the correct play for soft 13 (a,2) against a dealer 5?
Double Down. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to double down. This play holds under every common rule variation.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for soft 13 (a,2) vs a dealer 5?
No. Double Down is correct whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether or not surrender is offered.
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.
Practice Soft Hands →