Do You Hit on 17 in Blackjack?

Most blackjack experts say that if the dealer is showing a seven, eight, nine, ten, or ace, you should hit on a soft 17. The logic is that a dealer showing a seven is more likely to have a ten in the hole (remembering that an ace can count as either one or eleven), thus giving the house an edge.

The basic strategy for hitting on a soft 17 is pretty simple: always hit when the dealer is showing a seven or higher, and always stand when the dealer is showing anything less than seven. But what if the dealer is showing a seven and you have a soft 17? That’s where it gets tricky.

Some experts say you should always hit in this situation, while others say you should stand. The logic behind hitting is that you’re more likely to get a ten and improve your hand to 17, 18, or 19.

The logic behind standing is that if the dealer has a seven in the hole, she’s more likely to bust than improve her hand.

So what’s the right play? The answer might surprise you: it depends on the rules of the game you’re playing.

If the dealer hits on soft 17s, then you should hit on soft 17s against her seven. The reason is simple: if the dealer hits on soft 17s, she’s more likely to bust than improve her hand, so your chances of winning are better if you hit as well.

On the other hand, if the dealer stands on soft 17s, then you should stand as well. In this case, the dealer isn’t likely to bust, so your chances of winning are better if you stand pat.

Of course, these are just general guidelines; the right play in any given situation depends on factors like what cards have been dealt out already and what cards are left in the deck. But if you remember one thing, it should be this: in blackjack, always follow the lead of the house.