What’s Soft and Hard in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It combines skill, strategy, and luck to create an exciting and thrilling experience for players.

One of the key concepts in Blackjack that players need to understand is the difference between “soft” and “hard” hands. In this article, we will explain what these terms mean and how they affect your gameplay.

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What is a soft hand in Blackjack?

A soft hand in Blackjack is any hand that contains an Ace that is valued at 11. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6, your total hand value would be 17 (11+6).

However, since the Ace can also be valued at 1, you have some flexibility in how you play the hand. If you draw another card and it puts you over 21 (bust), you can choose to value the Ace as a 1 instead of an 11 to keep your hand alive.

What is a hard hand in Blackjack?

A hard hand in Blackjack is any hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that must be valued at 1. For example, if you have a 10 and a 7, your total hand value would be 17 (10+7). This is considered a hard hand because there are no Aces to give you any flexibility.

PRO TIP:When playing Blackjack, it is important to know that the dealer’s cards are always considered ‘hard’ (not affected by any additional cards), while players’ cards can be either ‘soft’ (affected by additional cards) or ‘hard’. Knowing this distinction will help you make informed decisions when playing.

How does this affect my gameplay?

Knowing whether you have a soft or hard hand can greatly affect your strategy in Blackjack. If you have a soft hand, it’s generally safer to hit (draw another card) because if you bust, you still have the option of valuing your Ace as a 1. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6 (soft 17) and the dealer has a face-up card of 10, it’s recommended that you hit because there is a higher chance that you will improve your hand without busting.

On the other hand, if you have a hard hand, it’s generally riskier to hit because there is a higher chance of busting. For example, if you have a 10 and a 7 (hard 17) and the dealer has a face-up card of 10, it’s recommended that you stand (not draw any more cards) because there is a higher chance of busting than improving your hand.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands in Blackjack is crucial to developing an effective strategy. Knowing when to hit or stand based on your hand type can greatly increase your chances of winning. So next time you’re at the Blackjack table, keep these concepts in mind and watch as your gameplay improves.