Whether or not to hit soft 17 is a personal decision that should depend on a variety of individual factors. While the general blackjack strategy is to always hit soft 17 against a dealer’s 7, it has been theorized that there are situations in which the best option is to stand on soft 17.
The theory behind this is that standing on soft 17 gives the player a higher expected return over the long term. This is based on the fact that the player will lose just one unit in the short term, but will gain a higher amount over the long term when hitting the soft 17 and potentially busting.
Of course, the most important factor in making a decision is to understand the particular rules of the casino and the game you are playing. Knowing the house rules is essential, because they can have a significant impact on the house edge and, consequently, your decisions.
The best advice any Blackjack player can take away is to use whatever decision method feels right for them. Ultimately, the personal comfort and preference of the individual should take precedence when deciding whether or not to hit soft 17 against a dealer’s 7.
Is it better to hit soft 17 or stand soft 17?
When playing Blackjack, it is generally better to stand on soft 17 (a hand that totals to 17 with an Ace) than to hit. This is because the Ace can either be counted as 1 or 11, giving you a versatile hand that may be beneficial to you in the long run.
Standing on a soft 17 is the better option than hitting because it puts you in the best position to win. The odds of making a pat (non-bust) hand are better if you stand on 17, versus if you hit and risk going Bust or making a worse hand.
Furthermore, dealers will typically stand on a soft 17, therefore if you stand you will be able to see what cards the dealer has before making your next move. This gives you the chance to make a more informed decision and act according to what the dealer has.
All in all, it is generally better to stand on soft 17 than to hit.
What is the soft 17 rule in blackjack?
The soft 17 rule in blackjack is when a player has an Ace combined with a 6 as their card values, which as a total gives them a ‘soft’ total of 17. Under this rule, the dealer is required to hit (take an additional card) instead of stand (not take any more cards).
From the dealer’s perspective, this gives them the opportunity to potentially improve their hand. Conversely, for the player, the soft 17 total provides a greater chance of the dealer busting (scoring over 21) and the player winning the hand.
The soft 17 rule is generally considered unfavorable to the player, as it increases the house advantage by around 0.22%.
Many casinos have adopted the -k-17 rule, which alters the rule slightly, requiring the dealer to stand when they have a soft 17 total. The -k-17 rule decreases the house advantage and is believed to be the most favorable version of the soft 17 rule towards the player.
Do dealers have to hit on soft 17?
The answer depends on the specific game of blackjack being played and the rules of the casino. Some casinos require dealers to stand on soft 17 (an ace and any other combination totaling six points) while others require the dealer to hit.
Many casinos allow players to decide which rule the dealer must follow. It is important to check the rules of the specific game before playing to make sure you understand whether or not the dealer must hit on soft 17.
It is also essential to understand the implications of the rule; for instance, if the dealer must stand, players may want to hit against the dealer’s hand if the house edge is slightly lower in that situation.
Do most casinos hit soft 17?
Most casinos do hit on soft 17, meaning the dealer will take an additional card when the initial hand is made up of an ace and a six, for a total of 17. This is sometimes referred to as a “soft” 17, because the ace can either count as one or eleven.
Allowing a dealer to hit on a soft 17 increases the house advantage by about 0.2%, so a majority of casinos choose to go with this rule. Certain blackjack variations, like Pontoon, Spanish 21, and Blackjack Switch, may have different rules when it comes to soft 17.
It is always wise to check the specific rules at the casino you are playing at before you start placing bets.
What are the odds of hitting or standing on soft 17?
The odds of hitting or standing on soft 17 depend on what type of blackjack game you’re playing. According to most blackjack strategy guides, if you’re playing a single-deck game, the odds of hitting or standing on soft 17 are to hit if the dealer shows a 2 through 6, and to stand if the dealer shows a 7 through ace.
In a multi-deck game, where a lot of cards remain in the shoe, the strategy changes slightly. The odds are still to hit if the dealer shows a 2 through 6, but now, the odds of standing on soft 17 increase if the dealer shows a 7 through ace.
Overall, it is generally advised to hit soft 17 unless the dealer shows a 7 or higher, as doing so gives you the best odds of winning the hand.
Do you hit on 16 when dealer has 7?
No, you should not hit on 16 when the dealer has a 7 showing. In blackjack, the optimal way to play is to use basic strategy, which is a predetermined set of tactics that have been proven to produce the best results in the long term.
According to basic strategy, the best choice to make with a 16 is to stand when the dealer has a 7 showing since that has the greatest chance of producing a favorable outcome. So, it is best to stay with your 16, rather than hit and risk busting.
What does dealer must draw to 16 mean?
When playing blackjack, the dealer typically must draw to 16, meaning that whenever their total hand value is below 16, the dealer must draw an additional card. It is the dealer’s responsibility to always draw an additional card if their total hand is 16 or below, regardless of the total hand values of the other players.
This rule exists to ensure the house always has a better chance of winning, without having to depend entirely on luck. Since the house doesn’t have to depend on luck, this also means that blackjack players must also play strategically to maximize their odds of winning.
