What is a soft 17?
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Oliver Wilson
Works at the International Renewable Energy Agency, Lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
As a casino gaming expert with years of experience in analyzing and understanding the intricacies of card games, particularly blackjack, I am delighted to provide a comprehensive answer to your question about a "soft 17."
In the game of blackjack, a player's hand is evaluated based on the total value of the cards they are dealt. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The cards are valued as follows: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points each, and an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would bring the player closer to 21.
Now, let's dive into what a "soft 17" means. A hand with an ace valued as 11 is referred to as "soft" because it is flexible and has the potential to change without causing the player to bust. The term "soft" in this context implies that the ace can be revalued to 1 if necessary, which would prevent the hand from going over 21. This is in contrast to a "hard" hand, where the total value is fixed and cannot be adjusted without the risk of busting.
For example, if a player is dealt an ace and a 6, their hand is a "soft 17" because the ace is counted as 11, giving them a total of 17 points. If they were to receive another card, they could potentially bust if the ace were to remain at 11. However, if they receive a 10 or another face card, the ace can be revalued to 1, thus avoiding a bust and keeping the hand at a total of 17 points.
The dealer's hand is also subject to certain rules. After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must follow specific rules based on the casino's policy. In many casinos, the dealer must hit on a "soft 17." This means that if the dealer's upcard is an ace (making their hand a "soft 17"), they must draw another card, regardless of the value of their hidden card. The rationale behind this rule is to increase the house edge slightly, giving the casino a slight advantage over the players.
It's important to note that not all casinos follow the same rules. Some casinos may have a "soft 17" rule where the dealer stands on a soft 17, meaning they do not draw another card. This can significantly change the dynamics of the game and the strategies employed by players.
In conclusion, a "soft 17" is a blackjack term that refers to a hand that includes an ace valued as 11. It is considered "soft" because the ace can be revalued to 1 if necessary, preventing the player from busting. The dealer's actions on a "soft 17" are determined by the casino's rules, with some requiring the dealer to hit and others to stand, which can impact the game's strategy and odds.
In the game of blackjack, a player's hand is evaluated based on the total value of the cards they are dealt. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The cards are valued as follows: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points each, and an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would bring the player closer to 21.
Now, let's dive into what a "soft 17" means. A hand with an ace valued as 11 is referred to as "soft" because it is flexible and has the potential to change without causing the player to bust. The term "soft" in this context implies that the ace can be revalued to 1 if necessary, which would prevent the hand from going over 21. This is in contrast to a "hard" hand, where the total value is fixed and cannot be adjusted without the risk of busting.
For example, if a player is dealt an ace and a 6, their hand is a "soft 17" because the ace is counted as 11, giving them a total of 17 points. If they were to receive another card, they could potentially bust if the ace were to remain at 11. However, if they receive a 10 or another face card, the ace can be revalued to 1, thus avoiding a bust and keeping the hand at a total of 17 points.
The dealer's hand is also subject to certain rules. After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must follow specific rules based on the casino's policy. In many casinos, the dealer must hit on a "soft 17." This means that if the dealer's upcard is an ace (making their hand a "soft 17"), they must draw another card, regardless of the value of their hidden card. The rationale behind this rule is to increase the house edge slightly, giving the casino a slight advantage over the players.
It's important to note that not all casinos follow the same rules. Some casinos may have a "soft 17" rule where the dealer stands on a soft 17, meaning they do not draw another card. This can significantly change the dynamics of the game and the strategies employed by players.
In conclusion, a "soft 17" is a blackjack term that refers to a hand that includes an ace valued as 11. It is considered "soft" because the ace can be revalued to 1 if necessary, preventing the player from busting. The dealer's actions on a "soft 17" are determined by the casino's rules, with some requiring the dealer to hit and others to stand, which can impact the game's strategy and odds.
2024-05-23 14:20:55
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Studied at University of Cambridge, Lives in Cambridge, UK
A hand with an ace valued as 11 is called "soft", meaning that the hand will not bust by taking an additional card; the value of the ace will become one to prevent the hand from exceeding 21. Otherwise, the hand is "hard". ... The dealer then reveals the hidden card and must hit until the cards total 17 or more points.
2023-06-09 06:22:58
William Thompson
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
A hand with an ace valued as 11 is called "soft", meaning that the hand will not bust by taking an additional card; the value of the ace will become one to prevent the hand from exceeding 21. Otherwise, the hand is "hard". ... The dealer then reveals the hidden card and must hit until the cards total 17 or more points.
