In the game of Blackjack, one of the most common questions that players have is whether the dealer should hit or stay on a hand that totals 17. This is an important question to answer because it affects the strategy that players should use when playing their own hands. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios in which a dealer might hit or stay on 17, and what this means for players.
Firstly, it is important to note that different casinos may have different rules regarding whether or not a dealer should hit or stay on 17. Generally speaking, there are two main types of Blackjack games: those where the dealer must stand on all 17s and those where the dealer must hit on soft 17s.
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In games where the dealer must stand on all 17s, the dealer will not take any additional cards if their hand totals 17 or higher. This means that if a player has a hand that totals less than 17, they may be at a disadvantage because the dealer will not bust as frequently.
On the other hand, in games where the dealer must hit on soft 17s, the dealer will be required to take another card if their hand totals 17 but includes an Ace (which counts as either one or eleven). This means that there is a greater chance of the dealer busting if they are required to hit on soft 17s.
So how does this affect players? Well, in general, players should always assume that the dealer will hit on any hand of less than 17.
This means that if a player has a hand totaling less than 17 (excluding soft hands), they should consider hitting until they reach at least 17. However, if a player has a soft hand (one including an Ace), they may be able to safely stand pat with less than 17 because there is less risk of busting due to the flexibility of the Ace.
It is also important to note that the dealer’s strategy can be affected by the number of decks in play. In games with fewer decks, the dealer is more likely to bust on a hand of 17 or higher because there are fewer cards left in the deck. Conversely, in games with more decks, the dealer is less likely to bust on a hand of 17 or higher because there are more cards left in the deck.
In summary, whether or not a dealer hits or stays on 17 depends on the specific rules of the game being played. In general, players should assume that the dealer will hit on any hand totaling less than 17 (excluding soft hands), and should adjust their own strategy accordingly. It is also important to consider factors such as the number of decks in play when making decisions about hitting or standing.
Overall, understanding how dealers handle hands of 17 can help players make better decisions when playing Blackjack and increase their chances of winning.
