Soft 17s in blackjack can be tricky to play for inexperienced players. I provide an explanation of what the hand is, compare to hard 17, and share my top tips on how to play.
Let’s start by looking at how soft 17 is formed in blackjack.
What Is Soft 17 in Blackjack?
A soft 17 in blackjack consists of an ace and a six. The ace counts as 11 points in this scenario, but it could also count as one, guaranteeing that you won’t bust if you hit another card.
This is the reason this hand is called “soft”, as the total score of your two cards is not fixed because of the ace. In comparison, any other score of 17 is “hard” because it can’t change if you hit another card.
Soft vs. Hard 17 in Blackjack
Soft and hard 17s have the same point value, but they can call for drastically different strategies due to how they are formed. Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands in blackjack will help improve your skills as a player.
1. Soft vs. Hard 17 Formation
As mentioned above, you form a soft 17 in your starting hand by combining an ace with a six. Hard 17s, on the other hand, are formed with a seven and a 10-point card, or a nine and an eight. The “hard” value of the latter significantly limits your options as a player.
2. Strategy for Hitting on Soft vs. Hard 17
Simply put, you should never hit on a hard 17. The chances of exceeding 21 are too high, so it is better to put pressure on the dealer to beat your hand.
Soft 17s, on the other hand, should always be hit or doubled, depending on the dealer’s upcard.
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- Dealer showing 2: Hit
- Dealer Showing 3-6: Double if allowed
- Dealer showing 7+: Hit
If doubling is not allowed, then simply hit on all soft 17s.
3. House Rules for 17
Knowing when to hit, stand, or double on a 17 is only part of the strategy for playing this hand. Another issue to consider is how the dealer is forced to play 17s.
If the dealer can hit on a soft 17, for instance, then players should be more aggressive by doubling on soft totals involving sixes and sevens. This is because the flexibility of a soft total increases the odds that the dealer will improve their hand. However, at tables where the dealer must stand on all 17s, you can afford to play more conservatively.
Ready to Hit Some Soft 17s?
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