As you access different blackjack games online, you will likely notice every tables states an important rule – “Dealer Stands on Soft 17.” This simply means that the dealer will draw another card if they have a combination of an ace and other cards that total 17. As is always the case with blackjack, though – there’s more to it than that.

First of all, the soft 17 rule in blackjack affects many things. The game’s house edge to the proper strategy you should be using are both affected, for starters. Standing on a soft 17 is generally a good rule for us players, but there are many more details to consider. Let’s discuss those details and the nature of the soft 17 black jack rule.

What is Soft 17 in Blackjack?

In short, a soft 17 is any hand that has a total value of 17 and contains an Ace. For example, a hand of Ace +6 is a Soft 17. Why is this important?

Well, an Ace ca be counted as both 1 and 11 according to most blackjack rulesets. In most cases, it starts out at an 11 and is switched over to a 1 if you bust and go over 21. This is what makes an Ace such a universally powerful card. Not only is it the only way to get a blackjack, but is also adds a safety net against busts.

Soft 17 rules are universal in regards to what soft 17 means in blackjack. It always means the same thing, period. However, table rules may vary in regards to whether a dealer stands or doesn’t on a soft 17.

Soft 17 vs Hard 17

When determining blackjack rules, pay close attention to the term Soft and Hard 17. This means that the value of an Ace can be both 1 and 11 and will help you create better hands.

With Hard 17, the cards use will not contain an Ace, such as hands that have 10 and 7,9 and 8 and so on.

The soft 17 is only created with an Ace. The Ave does not always equal 11, as sometimes it can be worth 1, as discussed above.

In fact, any hand that uses an Ace is considered a “soft” hand. For example, an Ace and a 6 are soft 16 and so on. It is important for players to know the difference between soft and hard hands so they can better understand game rules and know which strategies to use when playing for real money.

Soft 17 Rules

Soft 17 rules in blackjack tables generally come in two variants depending on dealer behavior. In all cases, the dealer must stand on a hard 17. However, the dealer’s behaviour in case of a soft 17 changes.

Most live casino blackjack tables these days force the dealer to stand on a soft 17. This is usually written right in the middle of the table because it’s a relatively important rule. Note that some tables state that the ‘dealer must stand on all 17.’ This includes both hard and soft 17s, so such tables are identical to ones that state the dealer must stand on a soft 17. We are yet to see a rule variation in which the dealer does not stand on a hard 17.

If the table only says that the dealer must stand on a hard 17, it generally means they hit on a soft hand. We trust you can figure out what this means – the dealer stands on a hard 17, but hits on a soft 17.

Are ‘Dealer Hits on Soft 17 Tables’ Better?

Most tables these days force the dealer to stand on a 17 even if it’s soft. It’s a good thing, too – this is a favorable rule for players.

Being able to hit on a soft 17 benefits the dealer in most cases as it allows them to hit and possibly get a better hand without risking going over 21. If they happen to go over 21, the Ace simply counts as 1 and the dealer does not bust.

However, when the proper strategies are used, the rules does not alter the chances for the player much, especially when playing games that use fewer decks of cards. The statistical advantage of Soft 17 rules is minuscule. That said, advantage players know that every little bit helps.

Conversely, a “dealers stand on soft 17” rule favors the player over the dealer. The house edge is slightly smaller in this case.

All in all, variations of the rules and features can have profound impact on how you should approach your game plan.