Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It offers players a chance to test their luck and skill against the dealer, with the goal of getting as close to 21 without going over.
But there are many variations of blackjack, each with its own rules and strategies. One important concept that all blackjack players should understand is soft totals.
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A soft total is a hand that includes an Ace, which can be worth either 1 or 11 points depending on the player’s needs. For example, if a player has an Ace and a 6, they have a soft total of 17 because they can choose to count the Ace as either 1 or 11. If they drew another card and got a 10 or face card, they would have a total of either 27 (if they counted the Ace as 11) or 17 (if they counted it as 1).
Soft totals are important because they give players more flexibility in their strategy. When you have a hard total (a hand without an Ace or with an Ace that must be counted as 1), you have less room for maneuvering because you can easily go over 21 if you take another card. But with a soft total, you can be more aggressive because you know that even if you draw a high card, you still have the option of counting your Ace as just one point.
So how do soft totals affect your strategy? Here are some tips:
1. Always hit on soft totals of less than 17.
When you have a soft total of less than 17, it’s always best to take another card because there’s no risk of going bust (going over 21). Even if you draw a low card like a two or three, you still have the option of counting your Ace as eleven points and getting closer to 21.
2. Double down on soft totals of 13-18 when the dealer is showing a weak card.
If you have a soft total of 13-18 and the dealer is showing a weak card like a four, five or six, it’s usually best to double down. This means you place an additional bet (equal to your original bet) and receive just one more card. This is a risky move because you could end up with a low card and bust, but the rewards are high if you draw a high card and get closer to 21.
3. Stand on soft totals of 19 or higher.
When you have a soft total of 19 or higher, it’s usually best to stand (not take any more cards) because the chances of improving your hand are slim. Even if you draw an Ace, it won’t make much difference because your total will still be close to 20.
4. Surrender on soft totals of 15-17 when the dealer is showing a strong card.
If you have a soft total of 15-17 and the dealer is showing a strong card like an Ace, king or queen, it’s usually best to surrender. This means you give up half of your bet and don’t play out the hand. It might seem like a waste to throw away half your money, but in this situation, your chances of winning are very low.
In conclusion, understanding soft totals is an important part of playing blackjack effectively. By knowing when to hit, double down, stand or surrender on soft totals, you can increase your chances of winning and minimize your losses. So next time you sit down at the blackjack table, remember this important concept and adjust your strategy accordingly!
