What Does a Soft Hand Mean in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been around for centuries. It is a game of skill and strategy that requires players to make quick decisions based on the cards they are dealt.

One of the key terms in blackjack is a “soft hand.” If you are new to the game, you may be wondering what exactly a soft hand means and how it affects your gameplay. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about soft hands in blackjack.

What is a Soft Hand?

In blackjack, a soft hand refers to a hand that contains an Ace that is being counted as 11. For example, if you have an Ace and a 7, your total hand value would be 18. However, if you have an Ace and a 6, your total hand value would be 17 because the Ace would be counted as only 1.

Why is it Called a Soft Hand?

A soft hand is called so because the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. This means that even if you draw another card and “bust” (go over 21), your Ace can still be counted as 1 instead of 11. In other words, having an Ace in your hand makes it “soft” because it gives you more flexibility in how you play your hand.

How to Play Soft Hands

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

• If you have an Ace and any card with a value of 9 or higher, stand.
• If you have an Ace and any card with a value of 8 or lower, hit.
• If you have an Ace and any card with a value of 7 or lower, double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3, 4, 5, or 6.
• If you have an Ace and any card with a value of 6 or lower, double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3, 4, 5, or 6.
• If you have an Ace and any card with a value of 5 or lower, double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4, 5, or 6.

Examples of Soft Hands

Here are some examples of soft hands in blackjack:

• Ace and a King – total hand value of 21
• Ace and a Queen – total hand value of 21
• Ace and a Jack – total hand value of 21
• Ace and a 9 – total hand value of either 20 or 10 (depending on how the Ace is counted)
• Ace and an 8 – total hand value of either 19 or 9 (depending on how the Ace is counted)
• Ace and a 7 – total hand value of either 18 or 8 (depending on how the Ace is counted)

Conclusion

Having a soft hand in blackjack can give you an advantage over the dealer because it gives you more flexibility in how you play your hand. However, it is important to remember that playing soft hands requires a different strategy than playing hard hands. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of winning at blackjack by knowing when to hit, stand, or double down.