How Do You Play a Soft Hand in Blackjack?

When it comes to playing blackjack, having a soft hand can be beneficial for the player. A soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11. In this article, we will explore how to play a soft hand in blackjack and make the most of this advantage.

Firstly, let’s define what a soft hand is. If you are dealt an Ace and a card with a value of 10 (such as a King, Queen, or Jack), you have a soft 21 – the best possible hand in blackjack. If you are dealt an Ace and any other card (2-9), you have a soft hand with a value between 12 and 18.

The key to playing a soft hand in blackjack is to understand when to hit, stand, double down or split. Here are some tips on how to make these decisions:

1. Hit when your soft hand is below 18
If your soft hand has a value of less than 18, then hitting would be the best option. This increases your chances of getting closer to 21 without busting.

2. Stand when your soft hand is above 18
If your soft hand has a value of more than 18, then standing would be the best option. This is because there is less chance of improving your hand without going over 21.

3. Double down when the dealer has low cards
If the dealer has low cards (2-6) showing and you have a soft hand between 13 and 17, doubling down can be advantageous because it increases your potential payout if you win.

4. Split when you have two Aces
If you are dealt two Aces in your initial two-card hand, it’s always best to split them into two separate hands. This gives you two opportunities to get closer to winning with blackjack.

It’s important to note that these strategies are not foolproof and do not guarantee a win. However, they can help increase your chances of winning when playing a soft hand in blackjack.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to pay attention to the dealer’s card. If the dealer has a high card (7-10 or Ace) showing, it’s best to play more conservatively and stand or hit cautiously. If the dealer has a low card showing, you can take more risks and potentially double down or hit more aggressively.

In conclusion, playing a soft hand in blackjack can be advantageous if done correctly. By understanding when to hit, stand, double down or split, you can increase your chances of winning and make the most of having an Ace in your hand.

Remember to always pay attention to the dealer’s card and play conservatively when necessary. Good luck at the tables!