Blackjack, one of the most popular casino games worldwide, is a game of strategy and skill. A critical aspect of blackjack is understanding the concept of a soft 17, which can significantly impact both the dealer's and the player's decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning of a soft 17, the difference between soft 17 and hard 17, and how the soft 17 rule affects the game's overall strategy and house edge.
Understanding Soft 17 in Blackjack
A soft 17 is a blackjack hand worth 17 points, which includes an Ace counted as either 1 or 11. The term "soft" refers to the flexibility of the Ace's value, allowing the hand to potentially improve without the risk of busting. Examples of soft 17 hands include Ace-6, Ace-3-3, and Ace-Ace-2-4.
In contrast, a hard 17 is a hand without an Ace or with an Ace that can only be counted as 1. The primary difference between a soft 17 and a hard 17 is that a soft hand cannot bust with an additional card, while a hard hand can.
The Soft 17 Rule Explained
While players have the freedom to choose how to play their hands, the dealer must follow a predetermined set of rules. In every blackjack game, the dealer either stands on soft 17 or higher, or hits on soft 17, meaning they can only stand on hard 17 or any hand worth 18 or more.
The soft 17 rule is a crucial aspect of blackjack, as it directly affects the house edge and the player's strategy. In most cases, the dealer's actions regarding soft 17 are prominently displayed on the table, either as "S17" (dealer stands on soft 17) or "H17" (dealer hits on soft 17). Generally, S17 games are more favorable for players, while H17 games benefit the house.
Impact of the Soft 17 Rule on the Dealer
When the dealer is required to hit on a soft 17, it affects their chances in two main ways:
- Increased chance of busting: Hitting a soft 17 increases the dealer's likelihood of busting, which can be beneficial for the player.
- Increased chance of improving the hand: Hitting a soft 17 also increases the dealer's chances of making a better hand, which can be unfavorable for the player.
Overall, the soft 17 rule slightly favors the dealer, as their odds of making an 18 or higher increase more than their chance of busting.
Effect of the Soft 17 Rule on the House Edge
The soft 17 rule significantly affects the house edge in blackjack games. Assuming all other rules are the same, an H17 game increases the house edge by approximately 0.2% compared to an S17 game. In the context of blackjack, where the house edge is typically around 0.7%, an additional 0.2% can have a meaningful impact on the player's expected returns.
However, it is essential to consider the entire set of rules when assessing a blackjack table, as other factors can also influence the house edge. For instance, you might find a game with the H17 rule but a lower overall house edge due to other favorable rules for the player.
Adjusting Your Strategy for the Soft 17 Rule
When playing blackjack with four or more decks, the optimal basic strategy depends on whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17. In general, you should be more aggressive with your decisions when the dealer hits on soft 17, such as doubling down in certain situations. Here are the main adjustments to consider based on the soft 17 rule:
- Double 11 against an Ace when the dealer hits soft 17, instead of hitting.
- Surrender 88 against an Ace when the dealer hits soft 17, instead of splitting.
- Surrender 15 against an Ace when the dealer hits soft 17, instead of hitting.
- Surrender hard 17 against an Ace when the dealer hits soft 17, instead of standing.
Additionally, card counters can use the soft 17 rule to adjust their strategy based on the deck's composition. For example, if the True Count (a measure used in card counting) is positive, a player may double down on soft 17 against a dealer's 2 upcard. In an S17 game, the True Count must be +1 or higher, while in an H17 game, it only needs to be -1 or higher.
Soft 17 vs Hard 17: Key Differences and Strategies
The primary difference between soft 17 and hard 17 is the presence of an Ace in the soft hand, providing flexibility and a safety net against busts. This distinction is crucial when determining the optimal strategy for each hand type.
Playing a Hard 17
In general, players should stand on a hard 17, as hitting this hand carries a high risk of busting. The basic strategy for hard 17 hands is straightforward and primarily revolves around standing to avoid going over 21.
Playing a Soft 17
The basic strategy for soft 17 hands is more nuanced and depends on the dealer's upcard and the specific game rules. Here are some guidelines for playing a soft 17:
- Never stand on a soft 17, regardless of the dealer's upcard.
- Double down when the dealer's upcard is 3 through 6 in double- and multi-deck games, or 2 through 6 in single-deck games.
- Hit when the dealer shows a 2, 7 through Ace in double- and multi-deck games, or when the dealer shows a 7 through Ace in single-deck games.
Keep in mind that these strategies may change based on the game's specific rules and the player's card counting abilities.
Multi-Card Soft 17
Occasionally, a player may hit their hand and draw one or more cards, resulting in a multi-card soft 17. For example, if a player is dealt a 2-4 and the dealer's upcard is a 6, the player may hit and draw an Ace, creating a soft 17 (2-4-A).
In most land-based and online casinos, the rules prohibit doubling down on a hand after drawing a third card. Therefore, if you hold a multi-card soft 17, you should hit. If the game rules only allow doubling down on hard hands or you are playing a video blackjack game that does not permit doubling on soft hands, always hit soft 17.
Hitting Soft 17: Basic Strategy Rules
The basic strategy for hitting a soft 17 is as follows:
- In double- and multi-deck games, hit when the dealer's upcard is a 2 or 7 through Ace.
- In single-deck games, hit when the dealer's upcard is a 7 through Ace.
After hitting a soft 17, your next move will depend on your hand's total and the dealer's upcard. Consult a basic strategy table or chart for specific guidance on how to play your hand based on these factors.
Basic Strategy Table for Soft 17
The following color-coded strategy table summarizes the rules for playing a soft 17:
| Dealer's Upcard | Double- and Multi-Deck Strategy | Single-Deck Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Hit | Double (or hit) |
| 3 | Double (or hit) | Double (or hit) |
| 4 | Double (or hit) | Double (or hit) |
| 5 | Double (or hit) | Double (or hit) |
| 6 | Double (or hit) | Double (or hit) |
| 7 | Hit | Hit |
| 8 | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Hit | Hit |
| A | Hit | Hit |
Card Counting and Soft 17
Card counters may occasionally deviate from the basic strategy based on the count. However, it is rare for a card counter to deviate with a soft 17, as the potential gains are minimal. Nonetheless, there are two situations when a card counter might consider adjusting their strategy:
- If the count is positive, double down on soft 17 against the dealer's 2 upcard.
- If the count is negative, hit against the dealer's 3 through 6, rather than double down.
To accurately determine the best course of action, consult a table of index numbers for the specific counting system you are using.
Soft 17 Summary: Not Ideal for Players, but Not Fatal
In conclusion, the soft 17 rule is a prominent feature of blackjack rules and has a noticeable impact on the game's strategy and house edge. While it is not ideal for players, understanding the differences between soft and hard hands, the special exceptions to basic strategy, and the adjustments required based on the dealer's actions with soft 17 can help you make informed decisions and improve your overall blackjack experience.