What Is a Soft 17 in Blackjack?
- The Bonus Box
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 6
The Blackjack Dealer and a Soft 17: A Complete Guide to the Rule that Changes Everything
If you’re just learning how to play blackjack, you should know that a seemingly small detail—what the dealer does on a soft 17 can be one of the most important rules to understand. While dealers are always required to hit on a hard 16 and stand on a hard 17 or higher, the rule for a soft 17 can vary between casinos and even online games. Mastering this rule is a crucial step toward becoming a more skilled player.
Soft 17 vs. Hard 17 Blackjack
A soft hand in blackjack is any hand that contains an Ace valued at 11, which means there are soft hands ranging from a soft 12 to a soft 20. Because they include a flexible Ace, these hands are called "soft" and allow players to draw another card without the risk of immediately busting (going over 21).
A soft 17 specifically adds up to 17 points, and it's called soft because the Ace is counted as 11, but it becomes 1 if the next card you draw takes you over 21.
The most common examples are:
Ace-6
Ace-2-4
Ace-Ace-5
On the other hand, a hard hand in blackjack is one that does not contain an Ace, or where the Ace is already counted as 1. With hard hands, there is a real risk of going over 21 when drawing another card, as their value is fixed. For example, a 10-7 is a hard 17, as drawing a 5 would make your hand a total of 22 and result in a bust.
The Dealer's Rules on a Soft 17
For players, the rules of basic strategy are set in stone. However, for the dealer, a single rule can change the game's dynamics: what do they do when their hand is a soft 17? Casinos are required to post this rule clearly on the table felt.
Stand on Soft 17 (S17): This is the most favorable rule for players. The dealer must stop drawing cards once they reach 17, including a soft 17. The house edge is lower in these games.
Hit on Soft 17 (H17): This is more common and less favorable for players. In this version, the dealer must take another card on a soft 17. This increases the chance of the dealer improving their hand or reaching a higher total, which slightly raises the house edge.
Why This Single Rule Matters
This seemingly minor difference in rules is a big deal because of the way it affects the house edge. The house edge is the casino's built-in advantage. When a dealer must hit on a soft 17, the house edge increases by approximately 0.22%. While this may seem small, it adds up over time and affects your long-term expected returns.
By being aware of this rule and using the corresponding chart, you ensure you are making the most mathematically correct decisions possible. This is the difference between playing based on intuition and playing with a solid, proven strategy.
How to Adjust Your Strategy for the Soft 17 Rule
Your basic strategy chart will often have slightly different instructions depending on the dealer's rule. While the changes are subtle, they are mathematically significant.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive basic strategy chart for 4-8 deck games, which covers most casino situations you'll encounter. Pay close attention to the sections for 'Soft Hands' and the key below, as they provide the crucial details for adjusting your play.
CRUCIAL! SOFT 17 STRATEGY: Notice in the 'Soft Totals' section for A,6 (Soft 17), your chart will always tell you to Hit or Double Down. You never Stand on a soft 17 as a player because it's impossible to bust and you always have a chance to improve your hand.
Understanding the Chart:
Hard Totals: These are hands without an Ace, or where the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting.
Soft Totals: These hands contain an Ace that can be counted as 1 or 11.
Pairs: This section is for when your first two cards are of the same rank.
When the Dealer Stands on Soft 17 (S17): In this scenario, you'll generally play more conservatively. Your strategy is designed to capitalize on the fact that the dealer cannot improve a soft 17.
When the Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (H17): The house edge is higher in this game, so your strategy becomes slightly more aggressive in certain situations to counteract it. This is why you will sometimes see different instructions on a strategy chart for the same hand.
Example: Your Hand is a Pair of 8s This is a classic example of where the rule can change your play.
Against an Ace: In most games, you should surrender against a dealer's Ace if surrender is permitted. If it is not, you should hit.
Against a 2: You will almost always split your eights.
It's important to know how to play a soft 17 in blackjack if you are dealt this hand. If you’re dealt this hand, what you should do is very simple:
If the dealer’s upcard is between 3 and 6 and doubling down is allowed, double down.
Otherwise, always hit.
As you can see, there’s no reason to stand on a soft 17 in blackjack, since it’s impossible to bust and an extra card can only improve your hand.
Simplified Strategy Adjustments Chart
This chart provides a quick overview of how the dealer's Soft 17 rule changes your strategy on a few key hands.
Card Counting and the Soft 17 Rule
The article mentions that while both card counting and the soft 17 rule can influence the house edge, they are relatively minor factors in the grand scheme of the game. Card counting can reduce the house edge by 1% to 2% in single-deck games, but it is not a guaranteed way to win. It is also a practice casinos actively try to prevent.
Key Takeaways
Rule Variation is Crucial: Always check if the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, as this is one of the most significant rule variations.
H17 is Less Favorable: The "Hit on Soft 17" rule increases the house edge by approximately 0.22%.
You Never Stand on a Soft 17: If you are dealt a soft 17, you should always hit or double down. You cannot bust, and an extra card can only improve your hand.
In conclusion, understanding the soft 17 rule is an essential part of an optimal blackjack strategy. By being aware of the rule at your table and making the correct strategic adjustments, you can minimize the house edge and maximize your chances of success. Always remember to arm yourself with the right knowledge it's the only way to truly turn the odds in your favor at the blackjack table.
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