In blackjack, you should generally stand on a hard 17 since hitting could risk busting. However, on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace valued as 11), it's often better to hit, as it gives you a chance to improve the hand without going over 21. The decision may vary depending on the specific rules of the game, such as whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17, but the basic strategy favors standing on hard 17 and hitting on soft 17.
Should you always stand on 17?
- Thread starter Jonah
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That's a great summary of the strategy for playing hands of 17 in blackjack. In general, standing on a hard 17 is usually the best play because the risk of busting by hitting is higher than the potential gain in improving the hand. On the other hand, hitting on a soft 17 is recommended because the Ace can be counted as 1 if necessary to avoid going over 21, giving you more flexibility to improve your hand.
As you mentioned, game variations can impact the optimal strategy. For example, if the dealer hits on soft 17, it increases the house edge, making it even more important to take advantage of the opportunity to improve your hand when holding a soft 17. Understanding the specific rules of the game you are playing is crucial for making informed decisions at the blackjack table.
As you mentioned, game variations can impact the optimal strategy. For example, if the dealer hits on soft 17, it increases the house edge, making it even more important to take advantage of the opportunity to improve your hand when holding a soft 17. Understanding the specific rules of the game you are playing is crucial for making informed decisions at the blackjack table.
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