What are 'Soft 17' and 'Hard 17,' and why is this distinction crucial for dealer rules?

Hey there, friend! You've hit on a crucial point here – a very important detail in blackjack that often gets overlooked by new players. Let me break it down for you, trying to keep it as simple and easy to understand as possible.

First, let's understand what "soft" and "hard" hands are.

To grasp soft and hard 17s, you first need to understand the soul card of blackjack – the Ace.

This card is very special; it can be counted as 1 point or 11 points, like a chameleon, entirely depending on what benefits you most. Whether your hand is "soft" or "hard" depends on the role the Ace plays in it.

What is a "Soft Hand"?

Simply put, when you have an Ace in your hand, and that Ace can be counted as 11 points, your hand is called a "soft hand".

• For example: You have an Ace and a 6.
  • This could be 7 points (1+6), or it could be 17 points (11+6).
  • We usually call this a "Soft 17".

Why "soft"? Because it's flexible and adaptable. If you hit on a soft 17, you absolutely cannot bust. For instance, if you get a 5, your hand becomes A+6+5, totaling 12 (1+6+5), not 22. The Ace automatically "reduces" from 11 to 1, protecting you from busting.

What is a "Hard Hand"?

This is also easy to understand; it refers to hands without flexibility. There are two scenarios:

1. No Ace in your hand at all.

   • For example: You have a 10 and a 7. That adds up to 17 points, no discussion, this is called a "Hard 17". If you hit again and get any card greater than 4, you'll bust.

2. You have an Ace, but that Ace can only be counted as 1 point.

   • For example: You have an Ace, a 6, and a 10. That adds up to 1+6+10 = 17 points. Here, the Ace must be counted as 1, otherwise 11+6+10=27 points, which would have busted you long ago. So, even though this hand has an Ace, it is also a "Hard 17".

To summarize: If you have an Ace and it can be counted as 11, it's a soft hand; if there's no Ace, or if the Ace can only be counted as 1, it's a hard hand.

Why is this so important for dealer rules?

Here's the crucial part. On a blackjack table in a casino, there are typically two rules regarding what the dealer does when they have 17 points, and this rule is usually printed directly on the felt of the table:

1. Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (S17)

   • Rule interpretation: Under this rule, if the dealer's hand is a "hard 17" (e.g., 10+7), they must stand. But if their hand is a "soft 17" (A+6), they must take another card (hit).
   • Impact on players: This is more favorable to the dealer. Because the dealer has a chance to turn a soft 17 into a better hand (e.g., drawing a 2, 3, or 4 to make 19, 20, or 21). Although there's also a possibility for them to make their hand worse (e.g., drawing a 5, making it 12 points), from a long-term mathematical probability perspective, this rule slightly increases the casino's advantage (House Edge).

2. Dealer Stands on All 17s (H17)

   • Rule interpretation: This rule is simpler. Whether it's a hard 17 or a soft 17, as long as the dealer's total reaches 17, they must stand and cannot take any more cards.
   • Impact on players: This rule is better news for players. Because the dealer is "locked in" at 17 points, which is a relatively low total, you'll win if you get 18, 19, 20, or 21. This rule slightly reduces the casino's advantage, making it a bit fairer for players.

Here's a summary for you:

So, the next time you sit down at a blackjack table, take a few seconds to check the fine print on the felt. If it says "Dealer Must Stand on All 17s", that's a small advantage for you. If it says "Dealer Hits Soft 17", then you know the casino's rules are slightly less favorable.

While this difference is very subtle, for those who want to play seriously, understanding these details will give you a clearer picture of the situation you're in. I hope this explanation helps, and good luck at the tables!