How Do You Play Soft Hands on Blackjack?

Blackjack is a classic casino game that has been popular for decades. It is a simple game where the objective is to get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. One of the most important strategies in blackjack is knowing how to play soft hands.

A soft hand in blackjack is when you have an Ace in your hand that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting your hand. For example, if you have an Ace and a 2, your hand value would be either 3 or 13 depending on whether you count the Ace as 1 or 11.

Playing soft hands requires a different strategy than playing hard hands (hands without an Ace). Here are some tips on how to play soft hands in blackjack:

1. Always hit on soft 17

Soft 17 is when you have a hand value of 17 with an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11. Many novice players make the mistake of standing on soft 17, but this reduces your chances of winning. Always hit on soft 17 to increase your chances of improving your hand.

2. Double down on certain soft hands

Doubling down allows you to double your bet and receive one more card. This can be a great strategy if you have a strong hand.

When it comes to soft hands, it’s important to know which ones are worth doubling down on. Here are some examples:

– Soft 15 or 16 when the dealer has a low card (2-6)
– Soft 18 when the dealer has a low card (2-6)
– Soft 19 when the dealer has a low card (6)

3. Stand on certain soft hands

Standing means not taking any more cards and being content with your current hand value. There are certain situations where standing on a soft hand can be advantageous:

– Soft 18 when the dealer has a low card (2-8)
– Soft 19 or 20 when the dealer has a low card (2-6)

4. Never split

Splitting is when you have two cards of the same value and decide to split them into two separate hands. This can be a good strategy in some situations, but it’s never recommended to split a soft hand. You’re better off playing the hand as one.

In conclusion, playing soft hands in blackjack requires a different strategy than playing hard hands. Always hit on soft 17, double down on certain soft hands, stand on certain soft hands, and never split. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning at blackjack and have a more enjoyable gaming experience.