Does a Blackjack Dealer Have to Hit a Soft 17?

A blackjack dealer’s job is to hit a soft 17, but not every dealer does so. Some dealers prefer to hit a hard 17, while others will stand on a soft 17.

There is no right or wrong answer, but there are pros and cons to both options.

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PRO TIP:It is generally accepted that a blackjack dealer must hit on any hand value of 16 or lower and stand on any hand value of 17 or higher. However, when the dealer’s hand contains an Ace, the rules may differ. A “soft 17” is any combination of cards that adds up to a total of 17 with the Ace counting as 11. Depending on the house rules, the dealer may be required to hit on a soft 17 in order to increase their chance of beating your hand.

Hitting a soft 17 gives the dealer a better chance of winning the hand, but it also means that the dealer is more likely to bust. Standing on a soft 17 gives the dealer a better chance of drawing a card that will improve their hand, but it also means that the dealer is more likely to lose if the player has a blackjack.

ultimately, it is up to the individual dealer to decide whether to hit or stand on a soft 17. Some casinos may have specific rules in place about whether the dealer must hit or stand, but in most cases, it is up to the dealer’s discretion.