Can the Dealer Hit Past 17 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The game is simple to learn, yet offers a level of strategy and skill that appeals to both novice and experienced players alike.

One common question that many players ask is whether or not the dealer can hit past 17 in blackjack. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question in detail.

To start, let’s review the basic rules of blackjack. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the goal is to have a hand that’s worth more than the dealer’s without going over 21.

Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points depending on which value would be more beneficial for the player.

At the beginning of each hand, both the player and dealer are dealt two cards. The player’s cards are dealt face-up, while one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face-down (known as the “hole” card). The player then has several options:

– Hit: Take another card from the dealer. – Stand: Keep their current hand without taking any additional cards.

– Double down: Double their initial bet and take one more card. – Split: If they have two cards of equal value, they can split them into two separate hands.

Once all players at the table have made their decisions, it’s time for the dealer to play their hand. This is where our question comes into play – can the dealer hit past 17?

The answer is yes and no – it depends on what type of blackjack game you’re playing. In standard blackjack games (also known as “American” or “Vegas-style” blackjack), dealers must stand on a soft 17.

A soft 17 is any hand that includes an ace that can be counted as 11 without busting. For example, a hand of A-6 would be considered a soft 17 because the ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points.

In these games, the dealer must stand on all hands of 17 or higher – including soft 17s. This means that if the dealer has a hand like A-6, they must stand rather than take another card.

However, there are some variations of blackjack where the dealer is allowed to hit on a soft 17. This is known as “H17” or “hit-soft 17” blackjack. In these games, the dealer will take another card if their hand is a soft 17 (such as A-6).

So, to answer our original question – whether or not the dealer can hit past 17 in blackjack depends on what type of game you’re playing. In standard games, dealers must stand on all hands of 17 or higher (including soft 17s), while in H17 variations they may hit on a soft 17.

It’s important to note that these rules can vary depending on the specific casino and table you’re playing at. Always make sure to check the table rules before placing your bets so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

In summary, whether or not the dealer can hit past 17 in blackjack depends on what type of game you’re playing. In standard games, dealers must always stand on all hands of 17 or higher (including soft 17s), while H17 variations allow them to hit on a soft 17. As always, it’s important to understand the rules and strategies for any game before sitting down at the table – so study up and good luck!