Should You Hit On A Soft 17 In Blackjack

Blackjack soft 17 rule

You cannot reasonably hit a hard 17 at the blackjack table. Nor can you hit a hard 18 or 19 or 20. These hard totals give you the best chance of winning the hand and you must stand on them in all circumstances. Of course, if the dealer shows a 6 or any lower card then you have a different decision to make based on your own hard total. Hitting a Soft 17 and Doubling Down on Soft 17 The basic strategy when it comes to hitting a soft 17 is simple and straightforward. In a single deck game, always hit if the dealer has an upcard between 7 through to the dealer ACE, In a double and multiple deck games, hit when the dealer’s upcard is 3 or 6 through to the dealer ACE. When you have a strong hand of 18 to 21 you want the dealer to stand on a soft 17. However if you have a weak hand under 17 you want the dealer to hit a soft 17. An example of a strategy difference is you should double soft 19 against a 6 when the dealer hits a soft 17, and stand if the dealer stands on soft 17. A soft 17 however, exists as a six and an Ace, so the Ace counts as an 11. The rule soft 17 means the dealers have to hit when they land a soft 17 hand. Players can figure out whether or not the soft 17 rule is in effect for the dealer by finding the rule written on the virtual table online, or by asking a croupier at land-based venues. A “hard 17” hand is made up of a Seven plus a Ten, Jack, Queen or King. In some versions of blackjack, the dealer hits on soft 17. In others, the dealer stands on either soft or hard 17. The rule will be stated on the blackjack table layout, which will say either: “Dealer Hits Soft 17” or “Dealer Must Stand on all 17.”.

What Is A ‘Soft 17’: An In-Depth Guide On Soft Hands In Blackjack

Over the years, blackjack has grown into one of the most popular games of chance in both online and land-based casinos. In a way, this action-packed card game is an all-American favorite. Meaning, you can play blackjack in US online casinos as well.

But, before you start playing blackjack for real money, it is important to learn the rules of the game.

For instance, it is vital to understand the concept of the so-called Soft 17 rule. Are you familiar with this rule?

Well, our in-depth guide will provide you with everything you need to know about soft and hard hands in blackjack. Moreover, we will explain the principles of blackjack strategy in relation to the soft 17 rule.

So, grab a pencil and start taking notes! Once you learn how to use the soft hands to your advantage, thousands of dollars could go your way.

Types of hands in blackjack

Even though blackjack is a one-of-a-kind game of chance, the rules of this card game are easy to understand. The goal of each hand in blackjack is to beat the dealer, i.e. to reach as close to the magical number 21 as possible, without going over it. If you go over 21, your hand will bust and the casino will take your bet.

In a game of blackjack, the cards have different values assigned to them. The cards from 2 through 9 have their face value, while the cards from 10 through K have a value of 10. And, then comes the Ace, the pivotal card in a game of blackjack.

The interesting thing about the Ace is that it changes its value from one moment to another, like a chameleon. In some situations, the Ace can be counted as 1. Yet, in other moments, you will count the Ace as 11. In a way, Ace is the most important card in online blackjack, so pay attention to this card when playing in a US online casino.

On top of that, the presence of the Ace determines the type of a hand in blackjack. As you know, the dealer will give each player two cards. If one of the cards is an Ace counted as 11 – the hand is soft. For example, the combination of an Ace and a six is called the soft 17. Likewise, a pair consisting of an Ace and a seven is called the soft 18, and so on.

On the other hand, a pair of cards without an Ace counted as 11 is called a hard hand. So, the combinations of 10+7 or 7+9+A are all examples of hard hands in blackjack.

In addition, we should quickly mention the third type – the so-called stiff hands. This particular term indicates that the combined value of your cards is 12 through 16. In short, stiff hands spell trouble for the player. Moreover, they often lead to tough calls or mistakes.

Soft 17 vs. Hard 17: How to play

Speaking of mistakes, it is crazy how many players are misplaying the soft 17 hands. In a way, this hand is famous for causing confusion, and that is why our comprehensive guide should resolve all your dilemmas. After that, you can play blackjack in some of the best New Jersey casinos with confidence.

In a nutshell, the main rule is that you should NEVER stand on soft 17! In other words, you should either hit or double down, depending on the dealer’s upcard. So, it is best to consult the basic strategy chart before making the move. In case you don’t know it yet, the basic strategy chart in blackjack can be an important ally.

When it comes to hard 17 in blackjack, the rule of thumb is that you should ALWAYS stand! So please, try to take at least these two things away from this article and remember them next time you play blackjack in one of the online casinos in the USA.

But, why you should stand on hard 17? Well, if you would take another card – the chances of going bust would skyrocket. Thus, it is best to sit tight and hope for the best when having a hard 17 combo in your hands.

To sum up, the soft 17 and hard 17 hands in blackjack are played in a different way. With that being said, let’s take a look at the available options when you receive a soft 17.

Double down

The main logic behind doubling down on soft 17 is to get more money on the table. However, you need to look at the dealer’s upcard before deciding to double down. In case the dealer is vulnerable to bust, channel your inner shark and go after the smell of blood.

To clarify, you should never miss the opportunity to double down when:

• The dealer’s upcard is 3 through 6 (2 through 6 in a single deck blackjack)

On the other hand, you should never double down when:

• The dealer’s upcard is 7 through Ace.

Needless to say, these ‘rules’ can vary from a casino to casino. For that reason, always make sure you are familiar with the casino rules for blackjack before playing the game.

Hit

As we already mentioned, one of the biggest mistakes when playing blackjack is to stand on a soft 17. So, you should either hit or double down. But, we already said that certain situations are not suitable for doubling down. Thus, your only remaining option is to hit, i.e. to ask the dealer to provide you with one more card.

To sum up, you should always hit when:

• The dealer’s upcard is 7 through Ace.

It is important to note that rules can also vary depending on the number of decks in the game. As you know, blackjack can be played with different numbers of card decks. We already mentioned the single deck blackjack, but New Jersey online casinos can offer multi-deck blackjack as well. In other words, the so-called shoe can contain six or even eight decks of cards.

Does the dealer hit on soft 17?

While we are on the subject of cards, it is important to explain the ‘behavior’ of the dealer when he or she receives a soft 17. In a game of blackjack, the dealer is also proactive and they need to make certain decisions as well.

Thus, the decision of whether to hit or stand on soft 17 is a big one for the dealer. As a matter of fact, this particular segment of the game is so important that the rule is typically written on the layout of the table. So, pay attention to the words written in front of the dealer.

As a rule of thumb, US online casinos will tell their dealers to stand on 17 or more. In all other cases, i.e. when they have 16 or more – the dealers should hit. Well, when it comes to the soft 17, things are a bit more complicated.

In recent years, more and more casinos are asking their dealers to hit on soft 17. By doing so, the dealers are increasing the house edge in favor of the casino by 0.20%. In translation, the house advantage ‘jumps’ from 0.56% to 0.63% when the S17 rule is in play at a 6-deck blackjack. Therefore, players should always be aware that the S17 rule favors the casino. With a higher house edge, the casino will win more hands in the long run.

The bottom line is – always try to play online blackjack in a casino where the dealers will stand on soft 17!

Key elements to remember when playing online blackjack

Online casinos in the US can provide players with exceptional service. For that reason, we recommend playing online blackjack at some of the best casinos in New Jersey. Not only that this method of playing is convenient and efficient, but it also comes with great potential for winning thousands of dollars. Of course, the potential comes from a wide array of casino bonuses that will await you at these online casino sites.

However, there are some things you should keep in mind when playing online blackjack. First and foremost, it is imperative that you sign up with a reputable and trustworthy casino. After that, it is best to play single deck blackjack because it offers better odds of winning. And, once you start playing – have in mind all the elements we mentioned earlier in the article. Also, some players decide to have a basic strategy chart somewhere within reach when playing blackjack. So, consider using this helpful tool as well.

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Final thoughts

All in all, the soft 17 rule is a concept that can make or break your hand when playing blackjack. Of course, skilled and experienced players are aware of the importance of this rule. That is why our guide can provide smart bettors with a convenient and comprehensive way to step up their game. By doing so, players can boost their odds of winning. In short, they could be leaving the blackjack table with a big smile on their face.

Some players avoid blackjack because they don’t quite understand the ‘dealer must hit on soft 17’ rule on a blackjack table, but this rule can be quite favourable to a player provided they know how to play their hand.

Additionally, players who have played blackjack with the soft 17 rule, may have been tricked into thinking the basic strategy chart is universal and there is only one applicable to every set of rules. This is incorrect. S

o for players who either avoid the game because they can’t understand the rule, or for those have have been using the wrong strategy chart, we offer some information on the rule which may come in handy, the different basic strategy charts involved, as well as the best variations that offer the rule to help players play 21 at their optimum.

What is a soft 17 in blackjack?

A soft 17 not only affects the dealer, but it also effects the player. A soft hand occurs with an Ace, while a hard hand can occur with an Ace but it has to equal one, not 11. A soft hand is when the Ace exists as 11. So when we are talking about whether a 17 is hard or soft, the Ace is integral to the hand.

Basically, a hard 17 is when an Ace, seven, and nine occurs, with the Ace existing as one, as if the Ace was an 11 it would bust as it is amounts over 21.

A soft 17 however, exists as a six and an Ace, so the Ace counts as an 11.

The rule soft 17 means the dealers have to hit when they land a soft 17 hand. Players can figure out whether or not the soft 17 rule is in effect for the dealer by finding the rule written on the virtual table online, or by asking a croupier at land-based venues.

Why would a dealer hit on a soft 17?

Since it is soft, once dealers draw their third card, they can change the Ace amount from 11 to one. For example, say the dealer got a soft 17, so an Ace and a six, then drew a nine. It would appear they had 26 meaning they busted, but since the Ace can turn into a one, the amount actually totals 16.

So why is this a favourable rule for players?

Well take the aforementioned example. Drawing a nine totalled the dealer’s hand to 16, which is considered a terrible hand in blackjack and carries a 62% bust out rate with it, which in turn is favourable to the player. However, if the dealer revealed a two, three, four, or even a five when hitting on a soft 17, players may not be so lucky.

Should You Hit On A Soft 17 In Blackjack Games

There tends to be this idea that standing on a soft 17 is more favourable, but it may not always be the case. Regardless, the best thing to do is ensure you take the basic strategy chart in account when considering which rule variant to play, which we discuss below.

Can players hit on a soft 17?

This rule isn’t exclusive for dealers; however, it’s only included in some variants, while players can hit on soft 17 in all titles. It isn’t advised for players to always hit on a soft 17 and that is when the basic blackjack strategy enters, suggesting to double down if allowed depending on the dealer’s up card.

What is the basic blackjack strategy?

The basic blackjack strategy is a chart, or multiple charts due to the amount of blackjack variations, which basically tells you the best move to make when the dealer has a certain card in relation to your hand. It isn’t a sure thing, but it is the best move to make according to mathematical calculations.

There are actually two predominant charts involved with one specifically made for variants where the dealer hits on a soft 17 and another for where the dealer stands on a soft 17. This is because it is recommended to do certain actions differently in accordance to whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.

Basic strategy with soft 17

As mentioned above, there are modifications needed to be made when playing with the soft 17 rule. This in includes a number of hands against certain dealer cards. We have listed most of them, but remember to look it up yourself, especially if you are playing with less than four decks.

1. Player has a total of 11 and dealer has an Ace: Double Down instead of hit
2. Player has a soft 18 and dealer has a two: Double down instead of stand
3. Player has hard 15 and dealer has an Ace: Surrender if allowed instead of hit
4. Player has a pair of eights and dealer has an ace: Surrender if allowed instead of split

Blackjack variations with the soft 17 rule

There are multiple variations available online which offer the soft 17 rule where the dealer hits. It is important to note which title you are playing and even the software provider incase they have varying payouts. When searching for a strategy chart ensure you have the right game rules along with the soft 17 rule.

Single Deck Blackjack Pro – This title is by Net Entertainment and includes the dealer hits on soft 17 rule. With just a single deck, players will need to look up a basic strategy chart with one deck and the soft 17 rule. There is also a high and low limit version which both offer the same rules.

Should You Hit On A Soft 17 In Blackjack Machine

Spanish 21 – From Micgrogaming, this is an interesting variation of blackjack which offers the soft 17 rule. Players will need to look up a blackjack strategy chart specific to the Spanish 21 title and the soft 17 rule.