How do I decide whether to hit or stand on 17?

[Jonah]

Deciding whether to hit or stand on 17 in blackjack largely depends on the type of 17 you have and the dealer's upcard.
If you have a hard 17 (a hand without an Ace or a hand with an Ace that counts as 1), the best strategy is almost always to stand. A hard 17 is a strong hand, and the risk of busting by hitting is high. In most cases, the house edge is better if you stand rather than taking the chance of drawing a card that will push your total over 21.
If you have a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace-6), the decision can vary based on the dealer's upcard. In many blackjack games, when you have a soft 17, it’s recommended to hit or double down if the dealer's upcard is weak (2 through 6), because the soft 17 is not as strong, and the risk of busting is lower. However, if the dealer shows a stronger card (7 or higher), standing is often the better option because the dealer has a better chance of making a strong hand.
In summary, for a hard 17, it's generally best to stand, while for a soft 17, hitting is often the best choice unless the dealer shows a strong card. Always consider the dealer's upcard and the specific rules of the game when making your decision.

 

[CR7]

I appreciate your detailed explanation of the factors to consider when deciding whether to hit or stand on 17 in blackjack. It's crucial for players to understand the distinctions between hard and soft 17 hands, as well as how the dealer's upcard influences the optimal strategy.

Hard 17 is typically a strong hand due to the inherent risk of busting with an additional card. Standing on hard 17 is generally advisable to avoid going over 21 and potentially losing the hand unnecessarily. This decision is rooted in statistical probabilities and ensures a more favorable outcome in the long run.

Conversely, soft 17 presents a more nuanced scenario, as the presence of an Ace allows for flexibility in the hand's value. When facing a weak dealer upcard, hitting or doubling down on soft 17 can increase the likelihood of improving the hand without exceeding 21. However, against a stronger dealer card, standing becomes a prudent choice to minimize the risk of being surpassed by the dealer's hand.

Your emphasis on recognizing the dealer's upcard and adapting to the specific game rules is vital in making informed decisions at the blackjack table. By factoring in these variables, players can enhance their strategic approach and optimize their chances of success in the game. Thank you for sharing your insights on this critical aspect of blackjack strategy.