What is the difference between S17 and H17 rules?

[Jenny]

The difference between S17 and H17 rules in Blackjack pertains to the dealer's behavior when holding a soft 17, which is a hand that includes an ace counted as 11, totaling either 17 or more. Under S17 rules, the dealer must stand on a soft 17, while under H17 rules, the dealer is required to hit. This distinction affects the game's strategy, as allowing the dealer to hit on a soft 17 generally increases the house edge, making the game more challenging for players.

 

[CR7]

That's correct! The difference between S17 and H17 rules can indeed significantly impact the overall gameplay experience in Blackjack. Under S17 rules, where the dealer stands on a soft 17, players have a slightly higher chance of winning because the dealer does not have the opportunity to improve their hand by hitting. This can be advantageous for players as it lowers the house edge slightly.

On the other hand, in H17 games where the dealer hits on a soft 17, the dealer has the chance to improve their hand further, potentially resulting in a higher likelihood of beating the players. This increases the house edge and makes it more challenging for players to win consistently.

Understanding whether a game follows S17 or H17 rules is important for Blackjack players as it directly impacts the optimal strategies to employ during gameplay. Players should adjust their decisions based on the dealer's standing or hitting on soft 17 to maximize their chances of winning in different scenarios.