Soft 17 is a term used in blackjack to indicate a hand that includes an Ace which is being counted as 11. This means that if you have an Ace and a 6, you have a soft 17 hand. Unlike a hard 17 (where the Ace is counted as 1), a soft 17 gives players more flexibility in their gameplay. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of soft 17 blackjack, including gameplay, house edge, payouts, tips, and where to play.
Gameplay and Features
In soft 17 blackjack, players have the option to hit, stand, double down, or split their hand, depending on the dealer’s upcard. The aim of the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. The flexibility of having a soft 17 hand allows players to make strategic decisions to increase their chances of winning.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Increased flexibility in gameplay | Higher house edge compared to hard 17 |
| More opportunities for strategic play | Can be more challenging for beginners |
House Edge
The house edge in soft 17 blackjack varies depending on the specific rules of the game and the strategy used by the player. On average, the house edge for players in soft 17 blackjack is around 0.2% higher compared to hard 17 blackjack. However, by using basic strategy and making informed decisions, players can minimize the house edge and improve their chances of winning.
Payouts
Typically, the payouts in soft 17 blackjack follow the standard blackjack payout structure. A winning hand that is not a blackjack is usually paid out at 1:1, while a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) is paid out at 3:2. Some variations of the game may offer different payout ratios, so it is important to check the rules of the specific game you are playing.
Game Tips
- Always hit on soft 17 against a dealer’s Ace
- Double down on soft 17 against a dealer’s 3-6
- Stand on soft 17 against a dealer’s 2, 7, or Site 8
- Split Aces and 8s
Where to Play Soft 17 Blackjack
For players looking to try their hand at soft 17 blackjack, there are several reputable online casinos that offer this popular variation of the game. Some of the top casinos for playing soft 17 blackjack include:
| Casino Name | Device Compatibility | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack Ballroom | Desktop, Mobile, Tablet | 4.5/5 |
| Royal Vegas Casino | Desktop, Mobile, Tablet | 4/5 |
| 888 Casino | Desktop, Mobile, Tablet | 4/5 |
Checking Fairness in the Game
When playing soft 17 blackjack, it is important to ensure that the game is fair and transparent. Here are a few tips to help players check the fairness of the game:
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