How to Play Blackjack Where the Dealer Hits on "Soft" 17?

When the dealer hits on soft 17, it refers to a specific rule in blackjack concerning the dealer's action when their hand totals 17, but one of the cards contributing to that total is an Ace. An Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. Therefore, a "soft 17" typically consists of an Ace and cards that total 6 (e.g., Ace-6, Ace-2-4, Ace-Ace-5). In this variation of blackjack, the dealer is required to take another card, rather than standing, when they have such a hand. This rule generally benefits the house, as hitting on soft 17 allows the dealer to improve their hand or bust, both of which can impact the player's strategy.

The rule where the dealer hits on soft 17 significantly impacts basic blackjack strategy, primarily by increasing the house edge compared to games where the dealer stands on all 17s. Players need to adjust their decisions, particularly regarding when to hit, stand, double down, or split. For instance, in games where the dealer hits on soft 17, you might be advised to hit on certain hands where you would otherwise stand if the dealer stood on all 17s. The increased likelihood of the dealer improving their hand means players must play more aggressively in some situations to compensate. Understanding and implementing these specific strategy adjustments is crucial for minimizing the house advantage.

Whether you should avoid playing blackjack tables where the dealer hits on soft 17 depends on your personal preference and your understanding of basic strategy. While this rule does increase the house edge, it is a common variation found in many casinos. If you are a casual player who is not overly concerned with optimizing every decision, the difference might be negligible to your overall enjoyment. However, for players who aim to minimize the house edge and play optimally, it is generally preferable to seek out tables where the dealer stands on all 17s. If such tables are not available, or if you still wish to play, remember to adjust your basic strategy accordingly to account for this rule.

From a purely mathematical standpoint, there are no direct advantages to the player when the dealer hits on soft 17. This rule is designed to benefit the house by increasing the frequency with which the dealer improves their hand or busts, thereby creating more opportunities for the player to lose. Any perceived advantages would likely be coincidental or based on a misunderstanding of the probabilities involved. The best approach for a player is to recognize that this rule is a disadvantage and to modify their strategy to mitigate its impact as much as possible.

When a dealer hits on soft 17, they are taking an additional card in an attempt to improve their hand. This introduces the possibility of getting a higher total, or busting (going over 21). When a dealer stands on soft 17, they do not take any more cards, and their hand of 17 is final. The difference in these actions directly affects the probabilities of the dealer's final hand. Hitting on soft 17 means the dealer has a higher chance of reaching a total closer to 21 (like 18, 19, 20, or 21) but also a higher chance of busting. Conversely, standing on soft 17 means the dealer's hand is fixed at 17, making it a less dangerous proposition for the player in many scenarios. The former rule gives the house a statistical edge due to the increased variability and potential for improvement in the dealer's hand.