If you’re new to blackjack, you may have heard the term “soft 17” and wondered what it means. Understanding this hand is important because it influences both player decisions and dealer rules in many blackjack variations.
Key Takeaways
- A soft 17 is any hand with an ace counted as 11 and other cards totalling 6.
- Dealers may be required to hit or stand on soft 17, depending on house rules.
- Soft hands are more flexible than hard hands due to the ace’s dual value.
So, what is a soft 17 in blackjack? A soft 17 is any hand containing an ace counted as 11, plus other cards that total six points. For example:
- Ace + 6 = soft 17
- Ace + 3 + 3 = soft 17
- Ace + 2 + 4 = soft 17
Because the ace can also be counted as 1 if needed, a soft 17 gives players flexibility. But it also affects how the dealer plays, depending on house rules.
This guide explains what a soft 17 is, why it matters and how it fits into the flow of a blackjack game.
Understanding “Soft” Hands in Blackjack
In blackjack, hands are described as either soft or hard:
Soft Hand
A hand with an ace counted as 11. For example: Ace + 5 (soft 16).
Hard Hand
A hand without an ace, or with an ace that must count as 1 to avoid busting. For example: 10 + 7 (hard 17).
The flexibility of soft hands means they are less risky—if drawing another card would cause you to go over 21, the ace’s value can shift from 11 to 1 automatically.
Why Is Soft 17 Important in Blackjack?
Soft 17 is a pivotal hand because of how it affects gameplay:
- For players, it’s a hand that can’t bust with one more card, as the ace can adjust in value.
- For dealers, house rules often specify whether they must hit or stand on soft 17.
Dealer Rules: Hit or Stand on Soft 17
Different casinos and blackjack tables have different rules about how dealers handle a soft 17.
Hit on Soft 17 (H17)
In many games, dealers are required to take another card if they have a soft 17. This is known as “H17.”
Stand on Soft 17 (S17)
In other games, dealers must stand when holding a soft 17, keeping their total as it is.
This small rule variation can slightly impact the house edge. Online and live blackjack tables at 7bet clearly display whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
Examples of Soft 17 Hands
| Hand | Soft or Hard? | Total |
| Ace + 6 | Soft | 17 |
| Ace + 3 + 3 | Soft | 17 |
| Ace + 2 + 4 | Soft | 17 |
If you draw a high card and exceed 21, the ace automatically shifts to count as 1.
How Soft 17 Affects Gameplay
Knowing what a soft 17 is helps you understand:
– Why dealers act a certain way under house rules
– Why the ace’s flexibility makes soft hands less risky for players
– How hand totals can change dynamically during a round
Here at the online casino 7bet, online blackjack software automatically adjusts hand totals based on the ace’s value, so you don’t need to make manual calculations.
Soft 17 vs. Hard 17
| Feature | Soft 17 | Hard 17 |
| Contains an Ace? | Yes (counted as 11) | Possibly (counted as 1) |
| Flexibility | Can take more cards safely | Risk of busting with a hit |
Does Soft 17 Change Basic Rules?
The presence of a soft 17 doesn’t change the core goal of blackjack – reach 21 without busting – but it’s useful to recognise these hands as they give players more leeway than hard hands.
In regulated games, dealer actions on soft 17 are consistent and displayed at the table, whether playing online or at 7bet Live Casino.
Playing Blackjack Online
When playing blackjack online at 7bet, all hand values and dealer rules are displayed onscreen. This makes it easy to identify soft 17 and understand how the dealer will act.
For a real-time experience, live dealer blackjack games stream professional croupiers managing physical cards directly to your device, combining transparency with convenience.
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