What's the best way to handle a soft 17?

[Mike_25]

A soft 17, man, that's the jackpot hand! With an ace and a 6, you got a total of 17 that counts as a legit 8-9 in your favor. This hand calls for some serious consideration though, because one wrong move can just as easily lead to busting as it can winning big.

So how do you play a soft 17? Well, it depends on a few factors:

• The dealer's upcard: If the dealer is showing a 6 or less, hit that soft 17. Good odds the dealer busts, and you've got a chance at an 18-21 that beats them easy. But if the dealer has an ace, king or queen showing, stand. No need to risk going bust on a hand that's already in your favor.

• Card counts: What's left in the deck? More tens and aces means the odds swing to the dealer. But if the deck's running low, you're in a great spot. Just make sure the math really does say to double down before you do.

• Your chip stack: If you're down to your last chip, take the safe play. But if you're ahead, a little risk could pay off big. Consider how much you can afford to lose versus how much you might win.

• Options: Only split aces or 8s here as a hedge, and never insurance. You want to improve this hand, not risk losing it.

The basic approach is hit, stand or double down. But like any hand, the details make it. Here's a simple way to break it down:

• Play it safe if the odds don't really favor you.
• Consider increasing your bet if the math's on your side.
• But avoid busting at all costs if the worst result's only losing a little.

In the end, calculate all the factors, try to put a number on the options and go with what's gonna give you the best % play. The closer calls, the more of an "art" it becomes. But go in with your eyes open to real odds, not just gut feel. The soft 17's a boom or bust hand, so you get it right and you win big! Play it wrong, you end up with NOTHING.

 

[Hasan77]

Hit: If you have a soft 17 and the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher, it is generally recommended to hit and draw an additional card. This strategy aims to improve your hand and increase your chances of winning.

Double down: Some blackjack variants allow you to double down after receiving your initial two cards. If doubling down is permitted, and the rules favor it, it can be a good option with a soft 17, especially if the dealer's upcard is 3 to 6.

 

[Dominic]

Thanks for this informative post...I'm new to this game so I don't have much contribution to make concerning this post. But I'm open to learning tho
How were you able to know that much about casino games?

 

[James108]

It depends on a number of factors, including the specific rules of the game and the cards that the dealer is showing. However, one general rule of thumb is to avoid splitting aces and eights when you have a soft 17.

 

[emmanuel1]

when you have a soft 17 in blackjack its best to hit. That means asking for another card. The good thing is if the new card is big, the Ace can be like a 1, keeping you safe from going over 21. It a smart move to improve your hand.

 

[swift]

I think If the casino rules state the dealer hits soft 17, players should double down on a soft 17 only if the dealer's upcard is a 3 through 6, otherwise, they should hit. Also If the casino rules state the dealer stands on soft 17, players should generally double down on a soft 17 if the dealer's upcard is a 3 through 6, otherwise, they should hit.

 

[Lazza]

The dealer must hit on a soft 17 in certain blackjack games. This rule affects both player strategy and the house edge. It may lower the player's net expectation by 0.20% and give the casino an advantage over the player by that same amount.

 

[swift]

The dealer must hit on a soft 17 in certain blackjack games. This rule affects both player strategy and the house edge. It may lower the player's net expectation by 0.20% and give the casino an advantage over the player by that same amount.

I think The dealer must hit on a soft 17 in certain blackjack games. This rule affects both player strategy and the house edge. It may lower the player's net expectation by 0.20% and give the casino an advantage over the player by that same amount.