Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world, played in casinos and online by millions of people every day. If you’re a fan of blackjack, or even if you’re just getting started, you’ve probably heard the term “dealer must stand on 17”.
But what exactly does this mean, and how does it affect your gameplay? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about whether or not the dealer has to stand on 17 in blackjack.
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Firstly, let’s define what we mean by “stand” and “17”. When a dealer stands in blackjack, it means they are satisfied with their hand and will not take any more cards.
This is also known as “staying”. The number 17 refers to the value of the dealer’s hand when they have an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11. If the dealer has an ace and a six (which can be counted as either 7 or 17), for example, they are said to have a soft 17.
So, does the dealer have to stand on 17 in blackjack? The short answer is that it depends on the casino’s rules.
In some casinos, dealers are required to hit (take another card) until they reach a certain total – usually either 16 or 17. In other casinos, dealers must stand on all totals of 17 or higher. Some casinos even have different rules for different tables or different times of day.
The reason for these varying rules is that they can affect the house edge – i.e., how much advantage the casino has over players. Generally speaking, when dealers are required to hit on soft 17 (i., an ace and one or more cards that add up to six), it gives them a slightly higher edge than when they must stand on all totals of 17 or higher. This is because hitting allows them to improve their hand, whereas standing can sometimes result in a lower total.
However, the difference in house edge is usually quite small – typically less than 0.2%. So, while it’s important to be aware of the rules regarding standing on 17 at your chosen casino, it’s not something that should make a huge difference to your overall strategy.
That being said, there are some basic strategies you can employ when playing blackjack that take into account whether or not the dealer must stand on 17. If the dealer is required to hit on soft 17, for example, it may be more advantageous for you to double down on certain hands (e.g., when you have a total of 10 or 11) since there is a higher chance that the dealer will bust. Conversely, if the dealer must stand on all totals of 17 or higher, you may want to play more conservatively and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
In conclusion, whether or not the dealer has to stand on 17 in blackjack is an important factor that can affect both the casino’s edge and your own strategy as a player. While it varies from casino to casino, and even from table to table within a single casino, it’s ultimately just one of many rules and variables that contribute to the game’s complexity and challenge. So next time you’re playing blackjack – whether online or in person – make sure you know what rules apply and adjust your gameplay accordingly.
