How to Play Soft 17 in Online Live Dealer Blackjack

If you're a seasoned player in Zambia, then hitting "soft 17" in blackjack is a term you'll likely recognise. Often, players get puzzled about whether to stand, hit, or double down when faced with this particular hand. This guide is here to break down this common blackjack strategy for Zambian players and show you how to play it like a pro.

What Exactly is the Soft 17 Rule in Blackjack?

In a game of blackjack, a "soft 17" hand, or S17, is any hand that includes an Ace counted as 11. For instance, a hand made up of an Ace and a 6 totals 17 and is considered a soft 17. Likewise, an Ace, a 3, and a 3, or an Ace, a 2, a 2, and a 2 are also soft 17s.

Simply put, the best strategy for playing an Ace + 6 differs significantly from a hand like a 10 + 7. Although both add up to 17, the first hand has an Ace that can be flexible, while the second hand does not. A 10 + 7 is known as a "hard 17" in the world of blackjack.

It's crucial to remember that having an Ace in your hand gives you amazing flexibility at the live casino blackjack table. Since it can be counted as either a 1 or an 11, it allows you to adjust your hand total strategically.

Your Winning Strategy: How to Play a Soft 17 Hand

As mentioned, many punters in Zambia might feel unsure about the best move when dealt this hand. But no worries, here's what the smart money says you should do:

• Never stand on soft 17.
• Double down if the dealer's upcard shows a 3 through to a 6. In games played with a single deck, you should double down if the dealer's upcard is a 2 through to a 6.

If you're new to the game, standing means you're happy with your current total and end your turn. Hitting means you ask the dealer for another card. However, if your total goes over 21, you "bust" and lose the hand.

Why You Shouldn't Stand on Soft 17

The basic blackjack strategy against this hand at a live online casino is never to stand, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. While most players believe that standing on a 17 is a good move, it’s actually the opposite because you may end up losing more money than hitting.

Still not convinced, right? Okay, some casinos require the dealer to hit a soft 17. Reason? The house edge increases tremendously. So equally, the player should hit at S17 rather than stand.

Doubling Down on S17

Many novice blackjack players don’t double down because they understand nothing about this strategy. But here is the thing; you should double down to induce more funds on the table, as the croupier is more vulnerable to busting at this stage.

In a multi-deck game, you should double down if the dealer has a low-value upcard ranging from 3 to 6. For a single-deck game, always double down if the upcard is 2 to 6.

How the Soft 17 Rule Affects the House Edge

First of all, the house edge is the advantage in percentage that the house has in all wagers you make. So, suppose the blackjack game has a 0.50% house advantage; it means the house will walk away with $0.50 on every $100 wager you make. Note that this is whether you win or lose.

Now, if your average bet size is $30 playing 50 hands per hour, you need to calculate your expected loss per hour. Below is the math:

$30/hand x 50 hands/hour x 0.50% = $7.50/hour

With these numbers in mind, the dealer hitting S17 increases the house advantage by at least 0.2%. As small as this number might be, it increases your hourly loss to around $10.50, going by the example above.

Comparing Soft 17 and Hard 17 Strategies

What is Hard 17?

Hard 17 is a blackjack hand that does not contain an Ace counted as 11. It could be a combination like a 10 and a 7 or a 9 and an 8. The 'hard' part implies that the hand has a fixed value; hitting on a Hard 17 carries a high risk of busting.

• Strategic Approach: Playing a Hard 17 requires a more conservative approach. The standard strategy in most live online blackjack games is to stand on a Hard 17. The risk of exceeding 21 is too high to justify taking another card, and standing gives you a chance to win based on the dealer's hand.
• Understanding Dealer Rules: It's also vital to understand how the dealer plays a Hard 17, as this can influence the overall house edge and your strategy.

Dealing with Soft 17 and Hard 17

• Soft 17: Given its flexibility, players often choose to hit when dealt a Soft 17, seeking to improve the hand without the risk of busting. The strategy can change based on the dealer's visible card, with players sometimes standing if the dealer shows a weaker hand.
• Hard 17: Conversely, the strategy for a Hard 17 is typically more conservative. The common advice is to stand, as the risk of busting is high with any additional card. The strength of the dealer's hand can influence this decision, but standing is usually the safest bet.

Adapting your gameplay based on whether you have a Soft or Hard 17 is a key skill in live online blackjack. It influences both the immediate decision-making and overall gameplay strategy.

Conclusion

Up to this point, you now know a few things about the soft 17 rule. However, it takes more than just reading on paper to master this strategy. So, start by sharpening your skills on the free demo versions before risking anything in a live dealer room.