Soft 17 Rule in Blackjack: What It Is and How to Play
While luck plays a role, knowing strategic concepts like the soft 17 rule can give you a competitive edge in the exhilarating blackjack world.
Updated July 5, 2024.
Blackjack is a classic casino game that combines luck and strategy. One crucial aspect that can significantly impact your chances of winning is the "soft 17" rule. This rule determines how the dealer must play their hand when they have a soft total of 17, a crucial understanding that can be leveraged by novices and experienced players alike.
» Master the nuances of blackjack, including the soft 17 rule: Play live blackjack tables online
Understanding the Soft 17 Rule
What Is a Soft 17?
A "soft 17" in blackjack is a hand that includes an Ace valued at 11, making the total 17 (e.g., Ace + 6). The key difference from a "hard 17" is that a soft 17 can be adjusted by counting the Ace as 1 instead of 11.
This adjustment provides flexibility, allowing the player more options without the risk of busting. On the other hand, a "hard 17" (e.g., 10 + 7) cannot be adjusted, making it riskier to hit since the player could easily go over 21 and bust.
» Learn the ins and outs of the soft 17 rule by playing live blackjack
Misconceptions About the Soft 17 Rule
Many players mistakenly believe that a soft 17 is a weak hand since the total is 17, and a hit could bust the hand with a 5 or anything higher. However, the hand's flexibility means it's stronger than a hard 17, as it can be improved by taking another card without the risk of busting immediately.
Another common misconception is that the soft 17 rule is universal across all casinos. In reality, the rule can vary, with some casinos requiring dealers to hit on soft 17 (H17) while others require them to stand (S17).
» Clear up common misconceptions and improve your game strategy at live blackjack tables
Variations in the Soft 17 Rule
The soft 17 rule can vary between physical and online casinos, potentially impacting both players and dealers. Online casinos often mirror the rules of their physical counterparts, but they may offer more H17 games due to the increased house edge.
You should adjust your strategies accordingly, as H17 rules generally favor the house, making games slightly harder for players. This variation highlights the importance of understanding the specific rules of the casino or the online gambling platform where you're playing.
TonyBet Live Casino
Play popular blackjack games online for real money: Join TonyBet casino and enjoy classic table games.
Dozens of different blackjack games
Play with live dealers
Welcome bonuses for new players
Practical Implications of the Soft 17 Rule
Impact on Overall Strategy
When dealers hit on soft 17, players need to be more careful. This rule slightly increases the house edge, so you should adjust your doubling down and hitting strategies. Be more conservative with doubling down and more willing to hit on lower total hands, knowing that the dealer has a higher chance of improving their hand.
You should hit if the dealer shows a 6 and you have a soft 17. Their next card could be an ace (giving them a soft 17), and a hit increases their chance of improvement, so aiming for a stronger hand is key.
In general, you should hit more frequently on lower-value hands and reconsider doubling down on hands that are typically strong under S17. For example, doubling down on 11 against a dealer's ace isn't advised, and neither is standing on a soft 17 against a dealer's high card.
» Fine-tune your blackjack strategy for maximum advantage by playing live at TonyBet
Dealer Rules and House Edge
In many casinos, dealers are required to hit on a soft 17, though there are places where this is not the case. This rule can differ depending on the casino and its location, significantly influencing both the game's house edge and the strategies players should adopt.
It's noted that when dealers hit on a soft 17, the house edge may increase by roughly 0.2%. While this increase might seem minimal at first glance, it can impact players' long-term outcomes.
Walkthroughs on Playing a Soft 17
Here are a few detailed walkthroughs on how to play a soft 17 in various scenarios, including common hands and dealer upcards:
Scenario 1: Soft 17 vs. Dealer's 2 Upcard
Action: Double down
Doubling down allows you to wager twice your original bet in exchange for receiving only one more card. In this scenario, the dealer is very likely to bust (because a 2 is a very weak upcard for the dealer), and doubling down capitalizes on this opportunity to win more money when the dealer busts.
Scenario 2: Soft 17 vs. Dealer's 4 Upcard
Action: Stand
In this scenario, the dealer is likelier to bust when they have a 4 because they must hit until they reach at least 17. Even though you cannot bust with a soft 17, it is best to stand because the dealer's risk of busting is higher and you potentially avoid worse outcomes from hitting.
Scenario 3: Soft 17 vs. Dealer's 7 Upcard
Action: Hit
In this scenario, the dealer has a decent chance of drawing a card that will improve their hand, but they are also more likely to bust than to improve their hand to 17 or more. Because you cannot bust with a soft 17, it is best to take a card to improve your hand to a higher total than the dealer's 7.
» Try out these practical tips in real-time blackjack games
Basic Tips for First-Time Gamblers
Practice Online
Use online simulators to practice different hands and scenarios to build confidence without financial risk. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the dynamics of the game and testing your strategy in a risk-free environment.
Also, consider live-dealer blackjack games online that help players experience authentic casino conditions and refine their skills. Many online casinos offer demo accounts to let you practice in real games with identical mechanics without risking real money.
Stay Disciplined
Stick to your strategy and avoid emotional decisions, especially when dealing with soft 17 hands. Remember, consistency is key, and maintaining discipline and responsible gaming practices will help prevent costly mistakes often caused by chasing losses or acting on impulse.
Step into the live blackjack action with TonyBet
Create your free account to play blackjack with live dealers for real money
Elevate Your Blackjack Game
While this article covers the basic essentials of the soft 17 rule in blackjack, there are always opportunities to explore the game further. You can consider exploring variations like Spanish 21 or Pontoon, which have different rules for soft hands.
Additionally, understanding the impact of deck penetration (the proportion of cards dealt from the shoe before a reshuffle) can offer advanced strategic insights for those looking to improve their blackjack skills.
» Explore advanced blackjack variations and refine your strategy at TonyBet's live casino
