If you’re new to blackjack and want to learn the rules, you’ll want to read on. In this article, I’ll answer one of the most commonly asked (and frequently misunderstood) questions that new players often ask.
Knowing when to hit or stand on soft 17 can be crucial in winning your blackjack game. If you’re unsure of what to do in a particular situation, it’s always best to consult with an expert before making any decisions.
What is soft 17 in blackjack?
Soft 17 is a hand that contains an Ace being counted as 11 and any other combination of cards totaling six.
This can also be referred to as a soft hand. The term “soft” refers to the fact that the hand has two possible values: 7 or 17.
When should you hit soft 17?
The general rule of thumb is that you should always hit on soft 17, unless the strategy calls for you to double (see below for when you should do this).
The logic behind this is that 17 is a good hand, but not a great hand. By hitting, you have a chance of making your hand better and possibly even getting 21.
With the expectation of a 10, it is unlikely that hitting will make your hand any worse.
When should you double down on soft 17?
The general rule of thumb is that you should double down on soft 17 when the dealer is showing a low card between 2 and 6 in a single deck game.
In a multi deck game, you should double down when the dealer shows between 3 and 6. You should hit, not double, when the dealer shows a 2.
How do the blackjack rules on soft 17 rule affect gameplay?
The blackjack rules on soft 17 have a significant effect on gameplay. The main reason for this is that 17 is such a common hand value.
As a result, when the dealer is forced to hit on soft 17, they will bust more often, but also improve losing hands more often.
Additionally, if the player knows when to double down, they can take advantage of situations where the dealer is likely to bust.
What difference does it make if the dealer hits or stands on soft 17?
If the dealer hits on soft 17, it is true that they will bust more often.
However, while that may seem like good news for you as a player, in fact, the dealer gets an opportunity to improve their hand by hitting which they would not get if they are forced to stand.
When you factor this in, the overall RTP is actually 0.2% better if the dealer stands soft 17.
For example, a typical ruleset might give a 0.47% house edge if the dealer stands all 17, which would increase to 0.67% if the dealer hits.
It might not sound like much, but it this actually represents a 40% increase in profit margin for the house, which is significant over time.
For this reason, I always recommend you look for tables where the dealer stands all 17 wherever possible.
What to do when the dealer hits soft 17?
If your blackjack table rules state that the dealer hits soft 17, you need to make a few changes to your basic strategy.
The strategy charts for dealer hitting soft 17 can be found as part of our ultimate blackjack strategy guide.
The changes are subtle, and they amount to a slightly less aggressive strategy in certain situations. It is important to follow the correct strategy for the table rules in order to get the best possible RTP.
You can download copy of the blackjack strategy tables using the link above, or bookmark the page to refer back to it whenever you’re playing.
Which blackjack variations make the dealer stand soft 17?
There are a few blackjack variations that make the dealer stand on all 17. These include:
These variations are available through most good online & mobile blackjack apps.
Last Updated on September 23, 2022
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