What’s a Soft 16 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that involves strategic gameplay and a bit of luck. One of the most confusing hands in blackjack is the soft 16. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what constitutes a soft 16 and how to play this hand effectively.

Firstly, let’s understand what a soft hand means. In blackjack, a soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace valued at 11. For example, if you have an Ace and a five (A-5), your hand is considered a soft 16 because the Ace can be counted as either one or eleven.

So, what makes a soft 16 different from any other soft hand? Well, it’s because it’s on the cusp of being either a strong or weak hand.

If you decide to count the Ace as eleven, your total would be 17, which is a strong hand in blackjack. However, if you count the Ace as one, your total would only be 6 – which is one of the weakest hands in blackjack.

Now that we know what constitutes a soft 16 let’s talk about how to play it effectively. The strategy for playing this hand depends on whether you’re playing with multiple decks or just one deck.

If you’re playing with multiple decks, then it’s best to hit on soft 16 if the dealer has anything between two and six as their upcard. This strategy works because dealers are more likely to bust with these cards since they must hit until they reach at least seventeen.

On the other hand, if the dealer has seven or higher as their upcard when playing with multiple decks, then it’s best to stand on soft 16. This strategy works because there are fewer cards that can help you improve your hand.

If you’re playing with just one deck of cards, then it’s best to always hit on soft 16 regardless of the dealer’s upcard. This is because there are fewer cards in play, making it more likely that you’ll draw a card that improves your hand.

In conclusion, a soft 16 is a tricky hand to play in blackjack. It’s on the cusp of being either a strong or weak hand, which makes it important to understand how to play it effectively.

Remember, the strategy for playing this hand will vary depending on whether you’re playing with multiple decks or just one deck. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be able to make the most out of your soft 16 hands and increase your chances of winning at blackjack!