What’s Hard and Soft in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been around for centuries. It’s a game of strategy and luck, but there are certain terms that players need to be familiar with in order to fully understand the game.

Two of these terms are “hard” and “soft”. In this article, we’ll explain what these terms mean and how they affect the gameplay.

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Hard Hands:

A hard hand in blackjack is any hand that does not contain an ace or contains an ace that can only be counted as 1. For example, a hand of 10-6 would be considered a hard 16 because it does not contain an ace or the ace can only be counted as 1.

When playing with a hard hand, the player has to make some tough decisions. The player must hit if they have a hand value of 8 or less, and stand if they have a hand value of 17 or more. If the player has a hand value between 9 and 16, then they have to decide whether to hit or stand based on the dealer’s upcard.

Soft Hands:

A soft hand in blackjack is any hand that contains an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting the hand. For example, a hand of Ace-5 would be considered a soft 16 because the ace can be counted as either 1 or 11.

When playing with a soft hand, players have more flexibility than when playing with hard hands. The player should always hit if they have a soft hand value of less than or equal to 17.

PRO TIP:In Blackjack, the Hard and Soft hands refer to the total value of the hand. A Hard hand is any total value that does not contain an Ace or an Ace that is counted as 1 (hard 1 or 11). A Soft hand is any total value containing an Ace that can be counted as 11 without busting.

If their soft hand value is between 18 and 19, then they should double down if the dealer shows cards between two and six. If their soft hand value is between 20 and 21, then they should always stand.

How Hard and Soft Hands Affect Gameplay:

Knowing whether you have a hard or soft hand is crucial in the game of blackjack. It affects the decisions that you make and can ultimately determine whether you win or lose.

When playing with a hard hand, the player has to be more cautious. They have a higher risk of busting if they hit, so they must carefully consider their options before making any moves.

On the other hand, playing with a soft hand allows for more flexibility. The player has more options at their disposal and can be more aggressive in their gameplay.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is essential to becoming a successful blackjack player. Knowing when to hit, stand, or double down based on your hand type can make all the difference in your gameplay. Remember to always keep these terms in mind when sitting down at the blackjack table and use them to your advantage!

  • Hard Hand: Any hand that doesn’t contain an ace or contains an ace that can only be counted as 1.
  • Soft Hand: Any hand that contains an ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting the hand.
  • Hard Hands Affect: Players have to be cautious and carefully consider their moves.
  • Soft Hands Affect: Players have more flexibility and can be more aggressive.