What Is A Soft 17 In Blackjack? | Full Guide

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What Is A Soft 17 In Blackjack?

A Soft 17 is a blackjack hand that totals 17, including an Ace counted as 11. The key feature of a Soft 17 is that the Ace can be adjusted to 1 if necessary, offering more flexibility in gameplay.

For example, if you hold an Ace and a 6, this hand is considered a Soft 17 because the Ace can also be counted as 1 without busting if another card is added.

Soft 17 vs Hard 17 In Blackjack

A Hard 17, on the other hand, is a hand that also totals 17 points but without any Aces counted as 11 or with the Ace counted as 1. A Hard 17 is a more rigid hand because there is no flexibility to change the value of the Ace.

How to play soft 17 Blackjack: Strategies for winning

Soft 17 is significant because it influences both the dealer's and player's strategies. 

• For the Dealer: Many casinos have specific rules requiring the dealer to either hit or stand on Soft 17. If the dealer hits, it slightly increases the house edge because they have a chance to improve their hand.
• For the Player: A Soft 17 is more forgiving than a Hard 17, allowing the player to draw another card without the immediate risk of busting, which opens opportunities to strengthen the hand.

Dealer hits or stands on soft 17 Blackjack: Dealer's rules

In Blackjack, the dealer’s actions when holding a Soft 17 can affect the house edge and the player’s strategy.

• H17 (Dealer Hits Soft 17): The dealer hits on Soft 17, meaning they draw an additional card if they have a hand totaling 17 with an Ace as 11. This rule gives the casino an edge because the dealer has more chances to improve their hand.
• S17 (Dealer Stands on Soft 17): The dealer stands on Soft 17, meaning they do not draw another card. This rule benefits the player more as it reduces the dealer’s opportunity to strengthen their hand.
  Impact on House Edge:
• H17 increases the house edge by about 0.2% because the dealer has more chances to improve.
• S17 reduces the house edge, making it more favorable for players.

Key Tip:

Before playing, check the table rules. If the sign says “Dealer Hits Soft 17,” the H17 rule applies, and the casino has a slight edge. Always be aware of these rules to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Blackjack Strategy Chart: 4/6/8 Decks, Dealer Hit on S17

To help you better understand how the dealer's decisions impact your strategy, refer to the strategy chart below. This chart provides detailed guidance on how you should act in various situations during the game, including when the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.

The explaination: Blackjack soft 17 chart

H: Hit

S: Stand

D: Double if allowed, otherwise hit

Ds: Double if allowed, otherwise stand

R: Surrender if allowed, otherwise hit

Rs: Surrender if allowed, otherwise stand

Hit or stand on a Soft 17

Here’s a table to simplify the strategy for Hit or Stand on a Soft 17:

• When to Hit: Always hit on a Soft 17 if the dealer’s upcard is 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. These cards put the dealer in a strong position, and improving your hand gives you a better chance to compete.
• When to Stand: In most cases, standing on a Soft 17 is not recommended, as the likelihood of improving your hand outweighs the risk.

Doubling Down on Soft 17

Instead of just standing on your hand, you can double your bet, giving you a chance to double your winnings if the next card improves your hand.

If the dealer shows a weak card (2 to 6), doubling down on Soft 17 is recommended. This is because the dealer is in a weaker position, and your chances of improving the hand are good.

While doubling down can greatly increase your potential payout, it also comes with risks. You're increasing your bet, and if the next card is unfavorable, you could lose more money.

Is Soft 17 A Good Hand?

In conclusion, Soft 17 is not only a fundamental concept in blackjack but also a key factor that influences both the player's strategy and the dealer's rules. Understanding Soft 17 in blackjack will help you make smarter decisions at the table, leading to more accurate plays and better chances of success. 

By recognizing when to hit or stand, and knowing how the dealer handles this hand, you can enhance your gameplay and become a more strategic player.