INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING WITH BLACKJACK SOFT 17

WHAT IS A SOFT 17 HAND IN THE BLACKJACK GAME

A soft hand is any Blackjack hand that contains an ace that is counted as 11. The ace card is the only card that can have two different values, it could be counted as a 1 or else as 10. For example, an ace-6 is a soft 17; so is ace-3-3 and 2-ace-2. The basic strategy for, say, an ace-6 is much different than it is for a 10-7 which is known as a hard hand.

This hand is generally associated with standing, a soft 17 requires the player or the dealer to stand, this rule might vary from table to table.

MAIN FEATURES OF SOFT 17 IN BLACKJACK GAMES

1. Flexible Ace Value:
   • The Ace in a Soft 17 can be counted as either 11 or 1. This flexibility gives the dealer an advantage, as they can choose the value that best improves their hand.
2. Hitting on Soft 17:
   • In many casinos, the dealer is required to take an additional card when holding a Soft 17. This action increases the chances of improving the dealer’s hand.
3. Increased Dealer Potential:
   • Hitting on a Soft 17 can result in the dealer achieving a higher total, potentially reaching a strong hand like 18, 19, or 20.
4. Impact on Player Strategy:
   • Players often adjust their strategy based on whether the dealer hits or stands on a Soft 17. The strategy charts and decisions may vary accordingly.
5. House Edge Variation:

• Whether the dealer hits or stands on a Soft 17 can affect the overall house edge of the game. Casinos that require the dealer to hit on Soft 17 typically have a slightly higher house edge.

Understanding the dealer’s options with a Soft 17 and adapting your strategy accordingly is crucial for a successful blackjack experience. It adds an extra layer of complexity and decision-making to the game.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE BLACKJACK SOFT SYSTEM 17

ADVANTAGES

1. Increased Dealer Action:
   • The Soft 17 rule requires the dealer to take an additional card, leading to more dynamic gameplay. This can enhance the overall excitement and engagement for players. Usually the dealer will bust more often which is good for the player. However, when he doesn’t bust, what would have been a 17 often ends up to be a higher hand that more often then not will beat the player’s hand.
2. Casino Revenue Boost:
   • Casinos that implement the Soft 17 rule with the dealer hitting often have a slightly higher house edge. This can result in increased revenue for the casino over the long term.
3. Strategic Complexity:
   • The Soft 17 rule adds an extra layer of strategy for players. They must consider the dealer’s potential for improvement when making decisions, contributing to a more intellectually stimulating gaming experience.
4. Edge for Skilled Players:
   • Skilled players who are well-versed in optimal blackjack strategy can use the knowledge of the Soft 17 rule to their advantage. Understanding how the dealer’s actions affect the game allows skilled players to make more informed decisions.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Less Predictability:
   • The flexibility of the Ace in a Soft 17 introduces an element of unpredictability. Players can’t always anticipate the dealer’s final hand value, making it more challenging to make optimal decisions.
2. Strategic Adjustments:
   • Players need to adjust their strategy based on whether the dealer hits or stands on a Soft 17. This requires a deeper understanding of the specific rules of the game being played.
3. Varied Casino Rules:
   • The Soft 17 rule is not consistent across all casinos and variations of blackjack. Players may need to familiarize themselves with the rules of each specific game they play, adding complexity and potential confusion.
4. Potential for Larger Dealer Totals:
   • Allowing the dealer to hit on Soft 17 increases the chances of the dealer obtaining higher totals, such as 18, 19, or 20. This can lead to more instances where players lose their bets.

HOW TO PLAY SOFT 17 WITH SINGLE-DECK BLACKJACK GAMES

In a single-deck blackjack game where the dealer hits Soft 17, players facing this scenario should adjust their strategy accordingly. When holding a Soft 17 (an Ace and a 6), players should always hit rather than stand. This allows for the flexibility of the Ace’s value, aiming to improve the hand without the risk of busting. With the dealer having the option to enhance their hand on a Soft 17, players must consider this in their decision-making process. Additionally, awareness of the specific rules of the single-deck game being played is crucial, as variations can impact strategy. Overall, in such a game with a dealer hitting on Soft 17, players optimize their chances by embracing the dynamic nature of the Ace and making strategic decisions based on evolving game conditions.

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HOW TO PLAY SOFT 17 WITH DOUBLE AND MORE DECK

When there are more cards and more than one deck is being used, one should always take into account the different cards that can be dealt. The basic strategy player needs to keep in mind that when it comes to hitting a soft 17 it’s easy and straightforward, in a double deck or multiple hits when the dealer’s face-up card is 3 or 6 through to the dealer ace. On the other hand, the strategy for doubling down in blackjack is to games on a soft 17 is to double down if the dealer has an upcard between 3 to 6.

THE IMPACT OF SOFT 17 ON BLACKJACK BASIC STRATEGY

Unfortunately, the number of casinos that are switching to the soft 17 rule is increasing. One can remember not too long ago, when nearly all of the casinos in Las Vegas had the S17 rule on their shoe games. That is not the case anymore. Based on information only around 20% of all casinos offer this rule nowadays.

For many these soft hands on multiple decks offer a bit of a headache as they complicate the blackjack rules as the ace counted either 1 or 11. Different people employ different strategies to go around this rule.

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THE IMPACT OF BLACKJACK SOFT 17 ON THE HOUSE EDGE

Assuming all other rules are the same, the difference between an H17 game and an S17 game to players is a whopping 0.2% in-house edge over the long run. To put that small number in perspective, typical European blackjack tables in online casinos have a house edge of only 0.7%, so 0.2% is a meaningful amount.

If you want to learn more about house edge and it’s application in different games, make sure to read the HotSlots casino blog dedicated to House Edge.

SOFT 17 AND CARD COUNTING IN BLACKJACK

Card counters will sometimes vary their playing strategy depending upon the count; however, it’s rare when a card counter deviates with a soft 17 because there’s not much to be gained. The two times a card counter might consider doing so is if:

The count is positive, double down on soft 17 against a dealer’s 2 upcard

The count is negative, hit against dealer’s 3 through 6.

To be absolutely accurate, one should always consult a table of index number for whatever counting system is being used for the specific index number for the above two plays.

WHAT MISTAKES SHOULD BLACKJACK PLAYERS NOT MAKE ON SOFT 17?

1. Standing on Soft 17:
   • One of the most significant errors is standing on a Soft 17. Since the Ace can be valued as 1, hitting gives you the chance to improve your hand without risking a bust. Always hit on Soft 17.
2. Not Adapting to Dealer’s Upcard:
   • Failing to adjust your strategy based on the dealer’s upcard is a mistake. Consider the dealer’s potential hand and adjust your decisions accordingly. When the dealer stands on 17s, he busts about 30%.
3. Overlooking Doubling Opportunities:
   • In certain situations, doubling down on a Soft 17 can be advantageous, especially when the dealer has a weak upcard. Don’t overlook the potential for doubling your bet in favorable conditions.
4. Not Using Basic Strategy:
   • Relying on intuition rather than following basic strategy is a mistake. Basic strategy charts guide you on the optimal moves in various scenarios, including Soft 17 situations.
5. Fearing Bust Too Much:
   • Since the Ace in a Soft 17 can be valued as 1, players sometimes fear busting and avoid hitting. However, the flexibility of the Ace allows you to hit more liberally without the risk of busting.

SOFT 17 AND HARD 17 IN LIVE BLACKJACK

The story is the same when it comes to soft and hard hands in live blackjack. When you have a soft 17, it means one of the cards is an Ace, which can count as 1 or 11.

So, for example, if you have an Ace and a 6, it could be counted as either 7 or 17. But a hard 17 is when you have a hand that adds up to 17 without an Ace, like a 10 and a 7. In this case, you can’t change the value because there’s no Ace.

All the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned in this post serve for live blackjack as well, so there’s nothing new to learn.