When it comes to playing blackjack, one of the most confusing aspects for new players is whether or not to hit soft 17. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly this means and provide some guidance on whether you should hit or stand on a soft 17 hand.
What is Soft 17
In blackjack, the term “soft” refers to any hand that contains an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting. For example, if you have an ace and a six (A-6), your hand is considered a soft 17 because the ace can be counted as either one or eleven. If you were to hit and receive a card with a value of four, your new total would be either 11+6+4=21 or 1+6+4=11 depending on whether the ace is counted as 1 or 11.
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What Does it Mean to Hit Soft 17
In blackjack, hitting means taking another card from the dealer. So when we say “hit soft 17,” we mean taking another card when you have a hand that adds up to exactly seventeen points and contains an ace that can be used as eleven points without busting.
Should You Hit Soft 17
The answer to this question depends on the specific rules of the blackjack game you are playing. Some casinos require their dealers to stand on all seventeens (hard and soft), while others allow their dealers to hit on any seventeen (hard or soft).
If the casino you’re playing at allows dealers to hit soft seventeen, then it’s generally recommended that players also hit their own soft seventeen hands. This is because by hitting, you increase your chances of getting a better hand, while standing might result in losing to the dealer’s higher hand.
However, if the casino requires their dealers to stand on all seventeens, then you should also stand on your own soft seventeen hands. This is because the dealer is less likely to bust in this scenario, so it’s better for you to play it safe and try to beat the dealer’s hand with the cards you already have.
Conclusion
So, whether or not you hit soft 17 in blackjack depends on the specific rules of the game you’re playing. If the dealer hits on soft seventeen, it’s generally recommended that you also hit your own soft seventeen hands. But if the dealer stands on all seventeens, then it’s usually best to stand on your own soft seventeen hands and hope that the dealer busts.
Remember that blackjack is ultimately a game of chance, so there’s no guarantee that any particular strategy will work every time. The best thing you can do is follow basic blackjack strategy and have fun while playing!
