What Does It Mean to Stand on a Soft 17 Blackjack?

When it comes to playing blackjack, the rules can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to the game. One of the most important rules to understand is what it means to stand on a soft 17. In this article, we’ll explain what a soft 17 is and why it’s important to know when playing blackjack.

First, let’s define what a soft hand is. In blackjack, a soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as 11 without going over 21.

For example, if you have an Ace and a 6 in your hand, you have a soft 17. This is because the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11.

Now that we understand what a soft hand is, let’s talk about why it’s important to know when the dealer will stand on a soft 17. In most blackjack games, the dealer must hit any hand that totals less than 17. However, some casinos have different rules for when the dealer will stand on a soft 17.

If the dealer stands on a soft 17, it means that they will not take any additional cards once their hand reaches that point. This can have an impact on your own strategy as a player because you may need to adjust your own decisions based on whether or not the dealer will stand on a soft 17.

For example, if you have a hard total of 16 and the dealer has a soft 17 showing, you may want to hit rather than stand because there’s a chance that the dealer won’t take any more cards and could end up with a lower total than yours.

On the other hand, if you have a strong hand like an Ace and an eight (a hard total of 19) and the dealer has a six showing (a soft total of 16), you may want to stand because there’s less chance of busting and the dealer may end up with a lower total if they hit.

It’s important to note that different casinos have different rules when it comes to whether or not the dealer will stand on a soft 17. Some casinos require the dealer to hit on all 17s, while others require them to stand on all 17s, regardless of whether they’re soft or hard. It’s always a good idea to check the rules of the specific casino you’re playing at so you know what to expect.

In conclusion, standing on a soft 17 in blackjack means that the dealer will not take any additional cards once their hand reaches that point. This can have an impact on your own strategy as a player and it’s important to understand the rules of the specific casino you’re playing at. By knowing when the dealer will stand on a soft 17, you can make more informed decisions and improve your chances of winning at blackjack.