What would you do?

[mrbill]

Last night I ran into a situation that was a first for me. I was dealt a 9-6. When the dealer flipped her card she actually flipped both of them. The up card was an A and the down card flipped accidentally was a 5. The floor person came over and had her show it again so everyone saw it. The we played our hands with the extra knowledge.

I wasn't sure what to do, but figuring there were many ways for a soft 16 to turn into a hand, I played as if I didn't have the knowledge. I of course busted and cost myself $10. The dealer drew a 10 and 9 so she busted also.

Did I make the correct decision or should I have stood with the 15? It will probably never happen again, just wondering.

[Mikeaber]

I'm a little surprised that the Boss didn't allow everyone the option of pulling their bets. When the dealer makes a mistake like that, everyone at the table is often given that option.

However, if surrender was not an option (and even if it was, you probably woulndn't have surrendered against an Ace with a 15), I think you made the correct play. There are 5 cards that are going to "make" the dealer's hand (didn't mention standing on soft 17's.) No card is going to bust the dealer and a second chance to make a hand. Any "made hand (17-21) is going to beat your hard 16.

[mrbill]

I've seen a few mistakes at this casino and I've never had the pit boss allow anyone to pull their bets back. It's happened a number of times at another casino I play at. Given the option, I would've pulled my bet back.

This casino hits soft 17.

[Mikeaber]

MrBill,

After thinking about this a little more, I changed my mind on what the casino should have done. They probably did the right thing in showing everyone the dealer's card. No one was required to make any decision before the card was shown and it didn't alter the "flow" of cards. All players were given the option of knowing the dealer's hand before any decisions were made.

Usually, when the players are given the option of retracting bets, it's because the dealer flips their up-card before realizing that they skipped giving one of the players their second card. Or maybe because they hit someone who signaled "stand." Anything that is nonrepairable that alters the sequence of the cards.

I was in a situation two weekends ago that I really wish the Boss had given the table that option. I was playing at a double deck table where double downs were allowed only on hard 8, 9, 10 and eleven. I was first base and the dealer dealt me a soft 19 and then turned up a 6. This table's rules are different than those I am used to playing in that I always go for all the doubles on soft hands that I can get. I automatically flipped my cards and signaled double down. The dealer honored it and gave me a 10 for a hard 19. Play continued around the table and no one hit. The dealer hit to an 18 I think. She then realized, after other players complained, that I had broken table rules. The Boss came over, pushed my double bet back and allowed the play to stand. Had I not hit, the dealer would have busted. An honest mistake? Sure. But it cost two other players at the table a win! I was embarrased, the dealer probably got her posterior chewed when she went to break and the table was pissed at me <grin.>

With all that said though, I still think you did the right thing on your 9/6 hand.