M
Mike_25
Guest
Getting dealt a soft 17 in a tournament with a ton of chips, now that's a sweet spot to be in! On one hand, you got an 8-9 total that could really boom if things break right. On the other hand, one wrong move means losing everything you built up so far.
So how do you play this soft 17 hand with a deep stack? Aggressively but careful, that's how. Here are some tips:
• Avoid busting at all costs. A big stack means more room forError, but any bust still sends you packing. So make sure the odds really do favor you NOT busting before you go all-in.
• Consider hitting for a shot at 18-21. With a ton of chips, improving to one of those totals gives you an excellent chance at doubling or tripling your stack. Especially if the dealer is showing a weak 7 or less. Only stand if the dealer has an ace, king or queen showing.
• Double down if the math clearly says to. You've got cushion to make a bad beat, so if calculating the deck position and count cards suggests doubling would have a positive expected value, don't hesitate. One double-down at the right time could parlay into dominating the table!
• Split aces and 8s. With a deep stack, splits are less risky than with fewer chips, so consider splitting a soft 17 if dealt a pair, especially if counts are high or low. Each split hand provides another chance to win using the same strategy as the original hand.
• Take insurance if the numbers give it justification. Insurance is scary, but with unlimited chips in a tournament you've got to weigh the risk versus reward. Only consider it if a significant portion of your stack is put at risk if the dealer has a blackjack.
• Stay aggressive and take risks. You're here to win the tournament, not just avoid elimination, so make sure the blinds don't chip away at your stack through constant standing! Take calculated risks while still avoiding busts. Winning at a high rate will allow your huge stack to counter the rising blinds.
• Know when to go all-in for broke. If your stack grows huge throughout the tournament to the point of going all-in on soft 17 providing an expected value win, that risk could put you in an uncatchable chip lead! Only do it if the odds so clearly favor the player though.
• Pay attention to the remaining field. Positioning and chip distributions influence how aggressively you should play. As chips narrow and Field thins, take more chances as your stack leapfrogs others. Sitting atop a wide chip lead and a large remaining field calls for minimizing risks. Adapt accordingly!
Does this help explain how to make the most of a soft 17 with a big stack in a blackjack tournament? Let me know if any other strategy questions come up for you. I'm here to keep the chips coming and the losses at bay!
So how do you play this soft 17 hand with a deep stack? Aggressively but careful, that's how. Here are some tips:
• Avoid busting at all costs. A big stack means more room forError, but any bust still sends you packing. So make sure the odds really do favor you NOT busting before you go all-in.
• Consider hitting for a shot at 18-21. With a ton of chips, improving to one of those totals gives you an excellent chance at doubling or tripling your stack. Especially if the dealer is showing a weak 7 or less. Only stand if the dealer has an ace, king or queen showing.
• Double down if the math clearly says to. You've got cushion to make a bad beat, so if calculating the deck position and count cards suggests doubling would have a positive expected value, don't hesitate. One double-down at the right time could parlay into dominating the table!
• Split aces and 8s. With a deep stack, splits are less risky than with fewer chips, so consider splitting a soft 17 if dealt a pair, especially if counts are high or low. Each split hand provides another chance to win using the same strategy as the original hand.
• Take insurance if the numbers give it justification. Insurance is scary, but with unlimited chips in a tournament you've got to weigh the risk versus reward. Only consider it if a significant portion of your stack is put at risk if the dealer has a blackjack.
• Stay aggressive and take risks. You're here to win the tournament, not just avoid elimination, so make sure the blinds don't chip away at your stack through constant standing! Take calculated risks while still avoiding busts. Winning at a high rate will allow your huge stack to counter the rising blinds.
• Know when to go all-in for broke. If your stack grows huge throughout the tournament to the point of going all-in on soft 17 providing an expected value win, that risk could put you in an uncatchable chip lead! Only do it if the odds so clearly favor the player though.
• Pay attention to the remaining field. Positioning and chip distributions influence how aggressively you should play. As chips narrow and Field thins, take more chances as your stack leapfrogs others. Sitting atop a wide chip lead and a large remaining field calls for minimizing risks. Adapt accordingly!
Does this help explain how to make the most of a soft 17 with a big stack in a blackjack tournament? Let me know if any other strategy questions come up for you. I'm here to keep the chips coming and the losses at bay!
