If you’re just starting out with Blackjack, you might have come across the terms “hard” and “soft” and wondered what they actually mean. It’s a common question for new players, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure at first.
These terms are used to describe different types of hands in the game. Knowing the difference between them can help you make more informed choices during play. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more comfortable whether you’re playing online or in a casino.
Getting familiar with this part of the game is a useful step in building your understanding of how Blackjack works. It can also help you avoid simple mistakes and start thinking more clearly about when to hit, stand, or make other decisions at the table.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what “hard” and “soft” hands are, helping to increase your Blackjack knowledge and potentially improve your gameplay.
What Is a Hard Hand In Blackjack?
When you play Blackjack, you may hear the term “hard hand” quite a bit. A hard hand is any hand that doesn’t have an ace or an ace that must count as 1. This means, without that flexible ace, your hand has a specific value you must consider more carefully.
For example, if you hold a 10, a 6 and an ace, you have a hard 17. The ace in this hand must be counted as a 1 to avoid busting. You need to be cautious with hard hands because if you’re too close to 21, like a hard 17, adding any more cards could potentially make you go bust.
Understanding what a hard hand is can help you make more informed decisions about whether to stick with your cards or try your chances by taking another card. It’s all about managing your risk and knowing when to play it safe.
What Is a Soft Hand In Blackjack?
In Blackjack, a soft hand is a hand that includes an ace that can be counted as 1 or 11. The ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 without you going bust, providing a cushion if you’re dealt another card.
For instance, if you’re holding an ace and a 6, you have a soft 17. If you take another card and your total exceeds 21, you can simply count the ace as 1 instead of 11.
The key to playing a soft hand well is making the most of the flexibility it provides. Depending on the situation, you might decide to take a chance on another card since the risk of going bust is lower compared to a hard hand.
As you become more familiar with these options, managing soft hands becomes an essential part of your overall Blackjack strategy.
What Is The Difference Between a Hard 17 And Soft 17?
When playing Blackjack, you may come across both hard 17 and soft 17, and they each offer different strategies.
A hard 17 is a hand totalling 17 without an ace or an ace counting as 1. For example, if you have a 9, a 7 and an ace, you’ve got a hard 17. There’s no flexibility here, and if you choose to take another card, there’s a higher chance of going bust.
On the other hand, a soft 17 includes an ace counted as 1 or 11, like an ace and a 6. This combination gives your hand more flexibility, so if you draw a card that would push you over 21, you can switch the ace’s value to 1 and stay in the game.
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