Blackjack is a popular casino game that involves beating the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total of 21. While the game may seem simple on the surface, there are many nuances and strategies involved in playing blackjack well. One such concept is the idea of soft hands and hard hands.
In blackjack, a hand is considered to be “hard” if it does not contain an ace or if the ace must be counted as 1 to avoid going over 21. For example, a hand consisting of a 10 and a 7 would be considered a hard 17 because the ace cannot be counted as 11 without busting.
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On the other hand, a hand containing an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 is referred to as a “soft” hand. For example, an ace and a 6 would be considered a soft 17 because the ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting.
Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands is crucial when it comes to making strategic decisions in blackjack. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
– Soft hands give you more flexibility: Because you can choose whether to count the ace as 1 or 11, you have more options for hitting or standing based on what the dealer’s up card is showing. For example, if you have a soft 17 and the dealer’s up card is a low value like a 4 or a 5, you may want to hit in order to increase your chances of improving your hand. – Hard hands require more caution: When you have a hard hand, there are fewer options available to you since hitting could easily cause you to bust. In general, it’s best to stand on hard hands that are closer to 21 (like a hard 18 or hard 19) unless the dealer’s up card is very strong.
– Basic strategy varies based on whether you have a soft or hard hand: When using basic strategy in blackjack, the recommended moves will change depending on whether you have a soft or hard hand. For example, if you have a soft 18 and the dealer’s up card is a 9, 10, or ace, basic strategy dictates that you should hit rather than stand. However, if you have a hard 18 in the same scenario, basic strategy would tell you to stand.
In summary, understanding the difference between soft and hard hands is essential for anyone looking to improve their blackjack game. By knowing when to hit or stand based on the type of hand you have, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of beating the dealer.
