Blackjack is a popular card game you might find at any online or land-based casino. It's simple yet full of intriguing strategies, and one of the terms you might hear is "soft 17".
In blackjack, cards from 2 to 10 hold their face value. Face cards like Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10. An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11, which brings us to what a "soft hand" is. A "soft 17" means you have a hand with an Ace valued at 11 and another card worth 6 – together, they make 17.
The reason it's called "soft" is because the Ace gives you the flexibility to switch its value from 11 to 1 if you need to, unlike a "hard hand", where no such flexibility exists. Understanding soft hands can help you make better choices when playing blackjack.
There are different rules surrounding how the dealer must treat a soft 17, and it can influence the way you play. This blog aims to demystify the soft 17 and help you approach your blackjack game with more confidence.
What Is The Difference Between a Soft 17 & Hard 17?
In blackjack, understanding the difference between a soft 17 and a hard 17 is important for making smart decisions during your game.
A soft 17 includes an Ace valued at 11 and another card that adds up to 6. The advantage here is flexibility. If you're dealt a soft 17, you have the option to consider your Ace as 1 instead of 11 if the game situation calls for it. This means you can take another card (or "hit") without the immediate risk of going bust, which happens when your cards exceed 21.
On the other hand, a hard 17 means you have a total of 17 without an Ace, or if you do have an Ace, it's valued at 1, not 11. For example, a 10 and a 7 or an Ace, a 5, and a 1 make a hard 17. You don't have the flexibility to change the value of your Ace in a hard hand, which can be riskier if you decide to hit since exceeding 21 means you lose that round.
Knowing the difference between soft and hard 17 can help you play more wisely and might influence whether you decide to hit or stand based on the hand you're dealt.
Does The Dealer Need To Hit On a Soft 17?
When playing blackjack, the rules can vary from one casino to another, especially regarding what the dealer must do when they have a soft 17.
In some blackjack games, the dealer must hit on a soft 17. This means if the dealer has a hand with an Ace and other cards that total 6, they will take another card. The logic behind this rule is that the Ace can change from 11 to 1, giving the dealer a chance to improve their hand without immediately risking going bust.
However, in other games, the dealer must stand on a soft 17. This means they cannot take another card if they have a soft 17. This rule can affect your strategy and the odds of the game, as dealers standing on a soft 17 usually means slightly more favourable odds for the player.
Before you play, it's always a good idea to check the rules of the specific blackjack game you're playing to know what the dealer will do on a soft 17. This understanding can help you make more informed decisions during your turn.
Should You Hit On a Soft 17?
Deciding whether to hit on a soft 17 can depend on the specific rules of the blackjack game and your comfort with risk.
If you have a soft 17, you actually have a fair bit of wiggle room. This is because the Ace in your hand can be counted as an 11 or a 1. So, a soft 17 can be considered a hand with a total of 7 if you are looking to take another card. Even if you take another card, the likelihood of going over 21, or "busting", is reduced compared to a hard hand.
In many situations, hitting on a soft 17 is a smart move, especially if the dealer's face-up card is strong, like a 7, 8, 9, 10, or an Ace. These cards might suggest the dealer is in a good position, so improving your hand could be a better idea than standing and hoping the dealer does not have a strong hand.
However, if the dealer shows a weaker card, like 4, 5, or 6, standing on your soft 17 might be a safer strategy. These are situations where the dealer is more likely to bust.
Consider the table rules and your own preferences when deciding whether to hit on a soft 17. Making informed choices can help you enjoy the game more and improve your decision-making over time.
Should The Blackjack Dealer Hit Or Stand On a Soft 17?
In blackjack, whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17 can vary based on the game's specific rules. These rules can affect both the house edge and your strategy.
If the rules require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, it means they will take another card when their hand includes an Ace valued at 11 and other cards that total 6. This can make the game slightly more challenging for players, as the dealer has a higher chance to improve their hand and possibly reach a stronger total.
However, in some games, the dealer must stand on a soft 17. When the dealer stands, they don't take another card after reaching a soft 17. This situation generally provides better odds for the players since the dealer has limited their chances of getting a higher total.
When choosing a table or an online game, it's a good idea to check the specific rule on how the dealer plays a soft 17, as this can influence how you decide to play your hand. Understanding these rules in advance can help you feel more confident during your game since you have a better idea of what is going on. Remember to always gamble responsibly and keep realistic expectations because no matter how finely tuned your blackjack strategy is, there is always an element of chance, which means winning is never a sure thing.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.