What Does Soft 17 Mean In Blackjack?
The term soft 17 comes up regularly in blackjack, but it’s not always clear what it means or why it matters. Whether you’re new to the game or just brushing up on the rules, understanding the concept can make your time at the table more straightforward.
Soft hands, particularly soft 17, play a unique role in how blackjack unfolds. Depending on the rules in place, soft 17 can influence not just player strategy, but also how the dealer is required to act.
In this Ivy Casino blog, we break down what a soft 17 is, how it differs from a hard 17, and what players typically do when faced with this hand. We’ll also look at a few examples to help you better understand this concept. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Soft 17 In Blackjack?
A “soft 17” is a blackjack hand that totals 17 and includes an Ace counted as 11—such as Ace-6. What makes it “soft” is the flexibility: the Ace can also be treated as 1 if needed, allowing the hand to adjust without immediately going bust if another card is drawn.
This flexibility is what distinguishes a soft 17 from a “hard 17.” In a hard 17, the total is also 17, but either there is no Ace in the hand, or the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid exceeding 21. With a hard 17, there’s no room for adjustment—the total is fixed.
Soft hands, especially soft 17, play an important role in blackjack strategy. They can affect how players approach their next move and also influence how the dealer is required to act, depending on the house rules.
Soft 17 Blackjack Example
A soft 17 occurs when a hand includes an Ace valued as 11, with the other cards adding up to six. The most common example is an Ace and a 6. Since the Ace can switch between 11 and 1, this hand gives players more flexibility when deciding whether to take another card.
Another possible soft 17 is a combination like Ace, 3, and 3. In this case, the Ace counts as 11, and the threes bring the total to 17. If a player chooses to draw again and the total exceeds 21, the Ace can then be revalued as 1 to keep the hand in play.
Soft hands like these offer more room to manoeuvre compared to hard totals, which is why they often play an important role in blackjack strategy.
Should You Hit or Stand on a Soft 17?
If you choose to play a hand with a soft 17, the decision to hit or stand often depends on the specific rules of the table and what card the dealer is showing.
According to basic strategy, which offers general guidance based on mathematical probabilities rather than guarantees, hitting on a soft 17 is usually the recommended move. This is because the Ace gives the hand flexibility; it can count as either 11 or 1, which means taking another card doesn’t automatically result in going over 21.
In some versions of blackjack, the dealer is also required to hit on a soft 17. This rule can slightly shift the balance of the game and affect how both players and dealers approach the hand. You’ll typically find this information printed on the table layout or in the help section of online games.
If you choose to play, you might want to check the game rules in advance and continue following any spending limits you’ve already set for yourself.
What Is The Difference Between a Soft and Hard 17 In Blackjack?
As outlined earlier, a soft 17 is a hand where an Ace is counted as 11, alongside other cards that bring the total to 17, such as an Ace and a 6. Because the Ace can also be treated as 1, players have some flexibility if they choose to draw another card, as it may prevent the hand from going over 21.
A hard 17, on the other hand, offers no such flexibility. This could be a hand like 10 and 7, or even an Ace and 6, where the Ace already counts as 1 to avoid busting. In this case, any additional card carries a greater chance of pushing the hand over 21, as the total cannot be adjusted further.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.