Blackjack is a popular card game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of skill and strategy, with players trying to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it.
One of the most confusing hands in blackjack is soft 17. In this article, we will explore what makes a soft 17 in blackjack.
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Firstly, let’s start with the basics of blackjack. The game is played with one or more decks of cards, with each card having a value from 2 to 10. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) have a value of 10, while an Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11.
A soft hand in blackjack refers to 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 six (or any other card that totals to six), you have a soft 17. The reason it’s called “soft” is that you can’t bust by taking another card.
Now let’s look at what makes a hard hand in blackjack. A hard hand is any hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that must be counted as one because counting it as eleven would cause the player to bust. For example, if you have a ten and a seven (or any other combination totaling to seventeen), you have a hard 17.
The difference between soft and hard hands lies in their flexibility during gameplay. A player with a soft hand has more options available to them since they cannot bust by taking another card. In contrast, players with hard hands must be more cautious when hitting since they risk going over 21.
So what happens when the dealer has a soft 17? This depends on the rules of the specific casino or variant being played. In some cases, the dealer must hit on all soft hands (including Soft-17), while in others, the dealer must stand on all soft hands.
In general, the rule of thumb is that the dealer must hit on a soft 17. This gives them a better chance of improving their hand and beating the players at the table. However, some casinos have different rules, so it’s important to check before you play.
It’s also worth noting that some blackjack strategies differ based on whether the dealer has a soft 17 or not. For example, if the dealer has a soft 17 and you have a hard 16, it may be more advantageous to stand rather than hit. This is because hitting may result in going over 21 and losing the game.
In conclusion, understanding what makes a soft 17 in blackjack is crucial for any player looking to improve their game. A soft hand can offer more flexibility during gameplay, but it’s important to be cautious when hitting.
Additionally, knowing how dealers play their soft hands can help you make better decisions during gameplay. Remember to always check the rules of the specific casino or variant before playing and incorporate these strategies into your gameplay for maximum success.
