Playing 15 in Blackjack: A Guide on Mastering a Tricky Hand
Getting a 15 in blackjack puts you in a rather tough spot. It’s one of those hands that can go either way. Should you hit and risk busting? Or stand and hope the dealer goes over 21? In this guide, you’ll learn what to do in this tricky situation to improve your chances of making the right move with a 15.
Table of Contents:
What Does it Mean to have a 15 in Blackjack?
A total of 15 is one of the most uncomfortable hands in blackjack. It’s too low to stand confidently, yet it’s high enough that hitting may cause you to bust. Knowing how to handle it depends on a few key factors, like the dealer’s upcard and the specific game rules of your table. In blackjack, success often comes down to understanding probabilities. Playing a hand totaling 15 is about weighing the odds of busting versus the dealer’s chances of going over 21. Let’s break down the best strategies for this tricky hand.
Strategies with a 15 in Blackjack
When you find yourself in a situation with a 15-card hand, you’ve got three options: hit, stand, or surrender. Each decision hinges on the dealer’s upcard and the current gameplay at the table.
When to Hit
You’ll want to hit when the dealer shows a strong upcard - like a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. In these instances, the dealer has a solid chance of landing on 17 or higher, which puts your 15 at a clear disadvantage. Hitting allows you to improve your hand, even if there’s a chance of busting.
Let’s say the dealer is showing a 10. Since they’re likely sitting on a total of 20, standing on 15 pretty much guarantees a loss. Despite the risk, hitting is often the better choice in this scenario.
When to Stand
Standing is your best bet when the dealer shows a weak upcard of between 2 and 6. These cards increase the chances of the dealer going bust. In this case, standing and hoping they do just that - get a hand over 21 and bust - is the wiser move.
If the dealer shows a 5, they’re in a tricky position. If they take a card and hit 15, they'll need to take another and will likely bust, so standing on 15 gives you a better chance of winning the hand without risking going bust.
When to Surrender
Surrendering might feel like giving up, but it’s the most adequate move in certain situations. This option lets you forfeit half of your bet and sit out the rest of the hand, saving you from losing everything.
With a 15, it’s usually best to surrender when the dealer shows a 10 or an Ace. Here, the odds are against you, and surrendering can help you avoid losing more.
Essential Tips for Playing 15 in Blackjack
While basic strategy offers guidelines for playing a 15, a few additional factors can help you make smarter decisions. Understanding the difference between hard and soft 15, adjusting your play according to the table rules, and knowing when not to double down are all essential strategies.
Know the Difference Between Hard 15 vs. Soft 15 in Blackjack
A hard 15 is a hand where no Ace counts as 11. For example, a hand with a 10 and a 5 is a hard 15. There’s no flexibility, which limits your options since hitting could easily cause you to bust.
A soft 15, on the other hand, includes an Ace that can count as either 1 or 11. So, it would be a hand with an Ace and a 4. This type of hand gives more freedom because the Ace can switch values depending on the card you draw. With a soft 15, hitting carries less risk, allowing you to be more aggressive with your choices.
Adjust Your Strategy Based on Table Rules
The rules at each blackjack table can change how you play a 15. Let’s say the dealer has to hit on a soft 17. This changes the odds and may influence your decision to stand or hit with a hard 15. Knowing the specific rules of the table, such as whether it’s a single-deck or multi-deck game, if surrender is an option, or if you can double down after splitting, can affect how you approach a hand of 15.
Single-deck games have a lower house edge, so you can adjust your strategy more freely. In multi-deck games, sticking closely to basic strategy becomes more important because the odds shift slightly in favour of the house.
Never Double Down
When you’ve got a total of 15, doubling down is never a good idea. This move works best when you’ve got a strong hand and a high chance of winning. With 15, you’re already in a tough spot; doubling down will only increase your risk. Instead, stick to hitting, standing, or surrendering, depending on the dealer’s upcard.
Conclusion
Playing a 15 in blackjack feels like a gamble, right? But with smart choices, you can make the right play. It’s all about weighing the risks of hitting, standing, or surrendering based on what the dealer shows. There are a few things to consider to improve your gameplay. First, know if your 15 is hard or soft. Then, get familiar with the table rules. Finally, avoid risky moves like doubling down. After reading this guide, where we’ve discussed all of these aspects, you’ll know exactly what to do when you get a 15 in blackjack.
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions related to playing a 15 in blackjack:
Why is 15 considered such a difficult hand to play?
A hand totaling 15 is tricky because it’s neither strong nor weak. Hitting carries a high risk of busting while standing, leaving you with a vulnerable hand that could easily lose to the dealer.
What is the best way to play a hard 15 in blackjack?
The best strategy for a hard 15 depends on the dealer’s upcard. Stand if the dealer shows a 2 through 6, as their chances of busting are higher. If the dealer has a 7 through Ace, hitting or surrendering (if available) is often the better move.
When should I surrender with a 15 in blackjack?
Surrender is the best option when the dealer shows a 10 or an Ace. In these situations, the odds are not in your favour and surrendering allows you to minimize your losses.
Learn about other blackjack strategies in our guides: