Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games played across the world. It is also known as 21, where players aim to get a hand total of 21 or less but above the dealer’s hand total. One of the most common questions that arise while playing blackjack is whether the dealer has to hit on 17 or not.
To answer this question, let’s first understand what hitting means in blackjack. Hitting is when a player takes a card from the dealer to increase their hand total. When a dealer hits, they take another card from the deck to increase their hand total.
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In traditional blackjack rules, dealers have to hit on any hand value less than 17 and stay on any hand value equal to or greater than 17. This rule is known as the “dealer must hit soft 17” rule.
A soft hand in blackjack is when you have an Ace in your hand that can be counted as either one or eleven. For example, if you have an Ace and a six in your hand, your total would be either seven or seventeen depending on whether you count the Ace as one or eleven. In contrast, a hard hand does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as one.
So, if the dealer has an Ace and a six (soft 17), they would have to hit according to traditional blackjack rules because their hand value is less than 17. However, if they have a ten and a seven (hard 17), they would not have to hit because their hand value is equal to or greater than 17.
But why do dealers have to follow this rule? The reason behind this rule is that it gives players a better chance of winning against the dealer.
According to basic strategy in blackjack, players should always assume that the dealer’s downcard is ten since it accounts for most cards in the deck. By hitting on soft 17, dealers can increase the chances of getting a better hand value and beating the players.
However, not all casinos follow this rule. Some casinos have different blackjack rules where the dealer may have to hit on a soft 17.
This variation is known as “dealer hits soft 17” or “H17”. In this variation, the casino has a higher house edge because the dealer has more chances of getting a better hand total.
To summarize, in traditional blackjack rules, dealers have to hit on any hand value less than 17 and stay on any hand value equal to or greater than 17. However, some casinos may have different rules where the dealer may have to hit on a soft 17. It’s always best to check with the casino before playing blackjack to know their specific rules.
In conclusion, understanding if dealers have to hit on 17 in blackjack is crucial for players who want to increase their chances of winning. By following traditional blackjack rules and assuming that the dealer’s downcard is ten, players can make informed decisions that can lead to better outcomes in their games.
