When Should You Hit 17 in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular card game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of strategy, luck, and skill.

The objective of the game is to get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. In this article, we will discuss when you should hit 17 in blackjack.

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Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into when you should hit 17, let’s first understand the basics of the game. In blackjack, each player is dealt two cards face up, while the dealer is dealt one card face up and one card face down. The values of the cards are as follows:

  • Ace – 1 or 11
  • Face Cards (King, Queen, Jack) – 10
  • Numerical Cards – Their Face Value (2-9)

The goal is to have a hand value higher than the dealer’s but not exceeding 21. If your hand value exceeds 21, you lose; if the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, they lose.

When to Hit and When to Stand

In blackjack, you can either hit or stand. Hitting means you want another card to be dealt with your current hand; standing means you are satisfied with your current hand and do not want any more cards.

In general, if your hand value is less than or equal to 11, it’s always best to hit since there are no risks of going bust with only one more card. If your hand value is between 12-16, it’s best to stand if the dealer has low-value cards (2-6) because they have a higher likelihood of busting. However, if the dealer has a high-value card (7-ace), it’s best to hit since there is a higher chance of them making a better hand.

PRO TIP:When playing blackjack, you should hit 17 if the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace showing. The chances of getting a better hand are slim and you will likely win more money if you hit instead of standing.

When to Hit 17

Now the big question is, when should you hit 17 In blackjack, 17 is considered a ‘soft’ hand if it contains an Ace valued at 11.

For example, if you have an Ace and a six, your hand value would be 17. The reason this is considered a soft hand is that you can’t go bust with just one more card. However, if you get another card and its value exceeds four, your Ace will change its value from 11 to 1.

If the dealer’s up-card is between two and six, it’s best to stand on soft 17 since the dealer has a higher chance of busting. However, if the dealer’s up-card is between seven and ace, then hitting on soft 17 would be the better option since there are higher chances of improving your hand.

The Importance of Strategy

In blackjack, knowing when to hit and when to stand can make all the difference in your gameplay. It’s essential to develop strategies that work best for you based on your playing style. Also, knowing when to hit or stand on specific hands can increase your chances of winning.

It’s important to remember that every game of blackjack is different; therefore, every decision should be based on various factors such as the number of decks in play, the dealer’s up-card value, and more.

The Bottom Line

Knowing when to hit and when to stand in blackjack can significantly improve your chances of winning. When it comes to hitting soft 17s, standing against weaker dealer cards and hitting against stronger dealer cards is the best strategy. However, remember that every game of blackjack is unique, and every decision should be based on various factors.

So, the next time you’re playing blackjack and find yourself with a soft 17, consider the dealer’s up-card and make your decision based on the strategies mentioned above.