Does a Dealer Stay on Soft 17?
Many blackjack strategies rely on understanding how dealers play their hands. In most casinos, the dealer is required to hit on 16s and stand on 17s. But what about “soft 17s”? Does the dealer stay on soft 17?
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In this article, we’ll answer that question and discuss the implications of the dealer’s decision to stay or hit on soft 17. We’ll also cover the following topics:
- What is a Soft 17?
- Why Do Dealers Stay on Soft 17?
- What Does This Mean for Players?
- Is There an Advantage to Staying on Soft 17?
- What If the Dealer Hits on Soft 17?
- Are There Variations of the Soft 17 Rule?
- What Are the Odds of the Dealer Staying on Soft 17?
- The Bottom Line
What is a Soft 17?
A soft 17 is a hand in blackjack that contains an ace and any other card whose value is 6. The ace can count as either 1 or 11, giving the hand two possible values – 17 or 7. A hand like A-6 is known as a “soft 17” because the ace can be counted as either a 1 or an 11.
Why Do Dealers Stay on Soft 17?
The reason that most casinos require the dealer to stay on soft 17 is that it gives the house a slight advantage over the player. When the dealer hits on soft 17, the house advantage increases.
If the dealer hits on soft 17, the player has the opportunity to hit on soft 17 as well. This gives the player a slight advantage, because the player can hit on a soft 17 and still have the opportunity to hit again if the next card is favorable.
What Does This Mean for Players?
For players, the implications of the dealer staying on soft 17 are that they should try to avoid hitting on soft 17. Players should also consider taking insurance when they have a soft 17, as this can help reduce their losses if the dealer has a blackjack.
Is There an Advantage to Staying on Soft 17?
Yes, there is an advantage to staying on soft 17. The advantage is that the player can make more informed decisions when the dealer is required to stay on soft 17. The player can use basic blackjack strategy to determine whether it is best to hit or stand on a soft 17.
What If the Dealer Hits on Soft 17?
If the dealer hits on soft 17, the player has the opportunity to hit on soft 17 as well. This gives the player a slight advantage, as the player can hit on a soft 17 and still have the opportunity to hit again if the next card is favorable.
Are There Variations of the Soft 17 Rule?
Yes, there are variations of the soft 17 rule. Some casinos allow the dealer to hit on soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand. Some casinos allow the player to double down on a soft 17, while others do not.
What Are the Odds of the Dealer Staying on Soft 17?
The odds of the dealer staying on soft 17 depend on the casino. In some casinos, the dealer is required to stay on soft 17, while in others, the dealer may hit on soft 17.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the dealer should stay on soft 17 in most casinos. This gives the house a slight advantage, and it gives the player the opportunity to make more informed decisions when the dealer is required to stay on soft 17.
However, some casinos allow the dealer to hit on soft 17. In these cases, the player has the opportunity to hit on soft 17 as well, giving the player a slight advantage. Players should also consider taking insurance when they have a soft 17, as this can help reduce their losses if the dealer has a blackjack.
