What Does Hard and Soft Mean in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular games played in casinos all around the world. It’s a game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

But there are certain terms in Blackjack that players often find confusing – one such term is “hard and soft”. In this article, we will explain what hard and soft mean in Blackjack and how they affect your gameplay.

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Hard Hand:
In Blackjack, a hard hand is a hand that doesn’t contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as 1. For example, a hand with a 10 and a 4 is considered a hard hand because the Ace can only be counted as 1. Similarly, a hand with a Queen, 7, and 2 is also considered to be a hard hand because it does not contain an Ace.

Soft Hand:
A soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6 in your hand, you have what’s called a soft 17. If you decide to hit and get another card that’s worth 9 points (for example), your hand will still be considered to be soft because the Ace can now be counted as 1 instead of 11.

PRO TIP:When playing Blackjack, understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is essential. A hard hand refers to a hand where there are no aces, while a soft hand includes one or more aces which can count for either 1 or 11. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6, the total can be either 7 or 17. Knowing the difference between hard and soft hands can help you make better decisions when placing bets and when deciding whether to hit or stand.

Why Does It Matter?
Understanding whether you have a hard or soft hand is important because it affects the decisions you make in the game. For example, if you have a hard hand with a total value of 12 (like having a Queen and two Aces), it’s generally better to stand because hitting could result in busting (going over the value of 21). However, if you have a soft hand with only two cards (like having an Ace and six), it’s usually better to hit because there’s less risk of busting and you have a good chance of improving your hand.

Basic Strategy:
When playing Blackjack, it’s important to have a basic strategy that takes into account whether you have a hard or soft hand. Here are some basic tips:

  • If you have a hard hand with a total value of 12 or more, it’s generally better to stand.
  • If you have a soft hand (such as Ace and 6), it’s usually better to hit.
  • If the dealer has an upcard of 4, 5, or 6 and you have a hard hand with a total value of 12 or more, it’s better to stand because the dealer is more likely to bust.
  • If the dealer has an upcard of 2 or 3 and you have a soft hand with a total value of 16 or less, it’s usually better to hit because the dealer is less likely to bust.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between hard and soft hands in Blackjack can give players an advantage in the game. By using basic strategy based on whether they have a hard or soft hand, players can make better decisions that increase their chances of winning. So next time you’re at the Blackjack table, make sure you know your hard from your soft!

3 Related Question Answers Found

What's Hard and Soft in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been around for centuries. It’s a game of strategy and luck, but there are certain terms that players need to be familiar with in order to fully understand the game. Two of these terms are “hard” and “soft”.

What's Soft and Hard in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It combines skill, strategy, and luck to create an exciting and thrilling experience for players. One of the key concepts in Blackjack that players need to understand is the difference between “soft” and “hard” hands.

What Is a Soft in Blackjack?

A soft hand in blackjack is a hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11. This gives the player a lot of flexibility in how they play their hand, and can often lead to some very advantageous situations. There are a few things to keep in mind when playing a soft hand, however.