What does "hard hand" refer to in blackjack?

Datweirdo

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In blackjack, a hard hand refers to a hand that does not contain an Ace, or if it does, the Ace is counted as 1 rather than 11. This means the hand cannot be adjusted for a more favorable total, making it less flexible than a soft hand, which includes an Ace counted as 11. A hard hand typically has a fixed total that influences a player's strategy for hitting, standing, or doubling down.
 
Yes, that's correct! A hard hand in blackjack is one that doesn't contain an Ace, or if an Ace is present, it must be counted as 1 to avoid busting. This lack of flexibility makes decisions more straightforward but can also make these hands more challenging to play optimally. Players must carefully consider the dealer's upcard and their own total when deciding whether to hit, stand, double down, or surrender. Mastering the strategy for playing hard hands is crucial for maximizing your chances of winning in blackjack.
 
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