One of the most common questions that blackjack players ask is whether dealers stay on 16. The answer is not as straightforward as a simple “yes” or “no.”
It depends on the specific rules of the casino or table where you are playing. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios in which dealers may or may not stay on 16 in blackjack.
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Dealer Rules in Blackjack
Before we dive into the specifics of when dealers stay or hit on 16, let’s go over some basic dealer rules in blackjack. The dealer’s job is to facilitate the game by dealing cards to each player and enforcing the rules. In most variations of blackjack, including standard American and European versions, the dealer must follow a set of predetermined rules when it comes to hitting or standing on certain values.
In general, dealers must hit on any hand that totals less than 17 (including soft hands, which we will discuss later). They must stand on any hand that totals 17 or more. This rule applies regardless of whether the dealer’s hand includes an ace (which can be counted as either 1 or 11).
Soft Hands vs. Hard Hands
Understanding soft hands versus hard hands is crucial when it comes to determining whether dealers stay or hit on 16. A hard hand is any hand that does not include an ace, or if it does include an ace, that ace can only be counted as one point without busting (going over 21). For example, a hand consisting of a ten and a six would be considered a hard total of 16.
A soft hand, on the other hand, includes an ace that can be counted as either one point or eleven points without busting. For example, a hand consisting of an ace and a five would be considered a soft total of 16 (because the ace can be counted as either one or eleven).
Dealer Rules for Soft 17
Now that we understand the difference between soft and hard hands, let’s move on to how dealers handle specific values. In most cases, dealers are required to hit on any hand that totals less than 17 (including soft hands). However, there is one notable exception to this rule: when the dealer has a soft 17.
A soft 17 is a hand that includes an ace and totals either seven or seventeen. For example, a hand consisting of an ace, six, and ten would be considered a soft 17 (because the ace can be counted as either one or eleven).
In some casinos or blackjack variations, dealers are required to hit on soft 17. This means that if the dealer has a hand consisting of an ace-six combination, they must take another card until their total is at least 17 (even if they end up with a hard total). This rule gives the casino an additional advantage because it increases the likelihood that the dealer will improve their hand.
In other casinos or variations of blackjack, however, dealers are required to stand on soft 17. This means that if the dealer has an ace-six combination, they must stand even if their total is only 7. This rule gives players a slight advantage because it decreases the likelihood that the dealer will improve their hand.
Dealer Rules for Hard Totals
When it comes to hard totals (totals that do not include an ace), dealers must hit on any hand that totals less than 17 and stand on any hand that totals 17 or more. For example, if the dealer has a hand consisting of a ten and a six, they must hit until their total is at least 17. If they have a hand consisting of a ten and a seven, however, they must stand.
Conclusion
So, do dealers stay on 16 in blackjack It depends on the specific rules of the casino or table where you are playing.
In most cases, dealers must hit on any hand that totals less than 17 (including soft hands) and stand on any hand that totals 17 or more. However, some casinos or variations of blackjack require dealers to hit on soft 17, which can impact the game’s odds and give the casino an additional advantage.
As a player, it’s essential to understand these rules before sitting down at a blackjack table. By knowing whether dealers stay or hit on 16 in your specific game, you can make more informed decisions about when to hit or stand yourself.
- Key Takeaways:
- Dealers must hit on any hand that totals less than 17 (including soft hands).
- Dealers must stand on any hand that totals 17 or more.
- If the dealer has a soft 17 (an ace-six combination), they may be required to either hit or stand depending on the specific casino rules.
