What Is Hard vs Soft in Blackjack?

Most blackjack games are played with a “hard” hand, meaning that the only way to improve it is with an ace, since an ace can be worth either one or 11 points. A “soft” hand is one where an ace can be worth either one or 11 points, so it can be improved by hitting.

A hard hand is any hand in blackjack that doesn’t contain an ace, or any hand that contains an ace that can only be counted as one point. A soft hand is any hand that contains an ace that can be counted as either one or 11 points.

The main difference between hard and soft hands in blackjack is the way they are played. Hard hands cannot be improved with a hit, so you have to stand on them.

Soft hands can be improved by hitting, so you have to make a decision on whether to hit or stand.

In general, you should always hit on a soft hand because it gives you a better chance of improving your hand and winning the pot. However, there are some situations where you should stand on a soft hand, such as when the dealer has a weak upcard.

The bottom line is that hard hands are played by standing, while soft hands are played by hitting. Knowing when to do each will help you make better decisions at the blackjack table and improve your chances of winning.