Should I Stand on 17 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a game that has been enjoyed by millions of players worldwide for centuries. It’s a simple yet exciting game that requires luck, skill, and strategy to win.

One of the most common questions that new players ask is whether they should stand on 17 in blackjack. In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail and provide you with the answer.

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Firstly, let’s understand what standing on 17 means in blackjack. When you receive a hand with a total value of 17 (including an ace and a six or a seven and a ten), you have the option to either hit or stand.

If you choose to hit, you’ll receive another card from the dealer, and your hand’s total value will increase. On the other hand, if you decide to stand, you’ll keep your current hand without receiving any additional cards.

Now, let’s address the question at hand – should I stand on 17 in blackjack? The answer is not as straightforward as one might expect. It depends on several factors such as:

1) The dealer’s up-card
2) The number of decks in play
3) Whether the game allows soft 17

Let’s discuss each factor in detail.

The Dealer’s Up-Card:
The dealer’s up-card plays a significant role in determining whether you should stand on 17 or not. If the dealer has an up-card of seven or higher (including ace), it increases their chances of making a better hand than yours. In such cases, it might be better to hit instead of standing.

PRO TIP:When playing blackjack, standing on 17 is generally the safest option, as the chances of going bust (getting a card with a value of more than 21) are higher than getting a card that will give you an improved hand. However, this is not always true; if the dealer is showing a card with a value of 7 or less, it may be better to hit as there is a higher chance of getting something to increase your hand.

On the other hand, if the dealer has an up-card of two through six, their chances of busting are higher when they hit. In these cases, it might be better to stand as hitting could result in busting your own hand.

Number of Decks:
If you’re playing blackjack with multiple decks (usually six or eight), it increases the chances of the dealer making a better hand than yours. In such cases, it might be better to hit instead of standing on 17.

On the other hand, if you’re playing with a single deck, standing on 17 might be a better option as it reduces the chances of the dealer making a better hand.

Soft 17:
Some blackjack games allow the dealer to hit on soft 17 (a hand that includes an ace and a six). In such cases, standing on 17 might not be the best option as the dealer has more chances of improving their hand. If you’re playing a game that allows soft 17, it’s better to hit instead of standing.

In conclusion, whether you should stand on 17 in blackjack depends on several factors such as the dealer’s up-card, number of decks in play and whether soft 17 is allowed. It’s essential to understand these factors before making your decision. As always in blackjack, strategy plays a crucial role in winning.

So make sure to study and practice various strategies before hitting or standing on any hand. Good luck at the tables!