Hard 12 in blackjack: the verdict vs every dealer card
Hard 12 is a stiff — one card can bust you, the dealer’s can’t. The row splits cleanly: hit against 2–3, stand against 4–6 and hit against 7–A.
The row, at a glance
| You | Dealer’s upcard | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A | |
| 12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
Every cell links to the full page: exact EV of each action, win/push/lose odds, and the math behind the call.
Character of the hand
Best-play win chance runs from 27.0% against a 10 to 42.3% against a 6. The clearest call is Hard 12 vs A — the wrong pick costs about 31.6¢ per $1. And vs 4 is a genuine coin-flip: the gap is under a cent, either top action is fine.
All ten matchups
Hard 12 vs 2Hitwin 34.8%Hard 12 vs 3Hitwin 35.9%Hard 12 vs 4Standwin 39.4%Hard 12 vs 5Standwin 41.6%Hard 12 vs 6Standwin 42.3%Hard 12 vs 7Hitwin 35.5%Hard 12 vs 8Hitwin 32.5%Hard 12 vs 9Hitwin 29.0%Hard 12 vs 10Hitwin 27.0%Hard 12 vs AHitwin 28.2%
Quick answers
Do you ever double hard 12?
No. Its EV trails the best simple action against every upcard — this total is strictly hit-or-stand. Full breakdown: Hard 12 vs 2.
Hit or stand on hard 12 against a dealer 2?
Basic strategy says Hit. Your chance of winning with the best play is about 34.8% (push 5.0%). Full breakdown: Hard 12 vs 2.