What Is a Soft 17 in Blackjack? When to Hit or Stand
If you’ve ever tried a game of blackjack, you might’ve come across the term “soft 17”. This little detail can pop up in lots of games and may affect how things play out at the table.
Understanding what a soft 17 actually means and how it works could help clear up some of the mysteries around this classic card game. The rules about soft 17 can vary slightly between games, and operators are expected to show those rules clearly.
With so many versions of blackjack available, it might be worth knowing what to look for before potentially making any moves. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Soft 17 in Blackjack?
A soft 17 means your cards total 17 with an Ace counted as 11. Ace and 6 is the simplest example. It can also come from combinations like Ace-3-3. What makes it “soft” is the flexibility of the Ace. If drawing another card would send the total over 21, the Ace can switch to a value of 1, keeping the hand in play.
That flexibility is the big difference from a hard 17, where the total is fixed because the Ace, if present at all, is already counted as 1. With a soft 17, there is still room to take another card without immediately going bust. How people handle a soft 17 often depends on what the dealer is showing and the table rules.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
When Could You Hit on a Soft 17?
Hitting on a soft 17 is common if the dealer’s face-up card looks strong, such as a 9, 10-value card, or Ace. In these situations, the dealer is more likely to finish with a higher total, so many players try to improve a soft 17 rather than leave it as it is.
The key point is that a single hit on a soft 17 cannot bust your hand. Take Ace-6 as an example. If you draw a 10, the Ace simply shifts to 1 and you land on a hard 17. If you draw a small card, like a 2 or 3, you move up to 19 or 20, which is a more competitive total. This safety net is why some players view hitting a soft 17 as giving the hand another chance to develop.
Of course, if you keep drawing cards, the hand can eventually become hard and then the usual risk returns. But that first hit is often about trying to turn a middling total into something stronger, especially against a dealer who is well placed to reach 18 or more.
When Could You Stand on a Soft 17?
Standing on a soft 17 might make sense if the dealer’s upcard is weak, like a 6 or lower. In that scenario, the dealer is more likely to run into trouble drawing to a total, so some players prefer to hold 17 and see how the dealer’s hand plays out instead of trying to improve their own.
There is also the question of table rules. If the dealer stands on all 17s, the dealer stops at 17 as well, which keeps outcomes a little more contained. By standing, you lock your total and avoid turning a flexible hand into a hard one that could become awkward on later hits.
The trade-off is simple. A soft 17 is not a strong made hand, but in certain situations, leaving it alone can be the lower-risk option compared with taking extra cards and potentially ending up stuck on a hard total.
Soft 17 Vs Hard 17: What’s the Difference?
A soft 17 always includes an Ace counted as 11 with a total of 17, like Ace-6 or Ace-3-3. It can absorb a hit because the Ace can slide down to 1 if needed.
A hard 17 is a fixed 17 with no flexibility from an Ace. Examples include 10-7 or 9-8, and if an Ace is in there, it is already being counted as 1. Any further card risks going over 21 immediately.
The practical difference is how much room the hand gives you. Soft 17 lets you take at least one more card without busting straight away, while hard 17 usually leaves you committed to standing or risking a bust.
How Do Dealer Soft 17 Rules Affect the Table?
Dealer rules around soft 17 noticeably shape the flow of a game. Some tables have the dealer hit on soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand on all 17s. The choice influences how often the dealer improves and how often they stop.
If the dealer hits on soft 17, they have another chance to move up to totals like 18 or 19. That added opportunity tends to nudge the long-term edge towards the house by a small amount, often a few tenths of a percentage point.
If the dealer stands on all 17s, the dealer’s hand stops sooner. This slightly reduces how often the dealer improves, which changes how frequently player totals like 17 or 18 end up winning or pushing. Game information usually states this rule clearly, so it might be worth checking before joining a table, especially if you prefer one version over the other.
Play Blackjack Online
If you’re curious about different versions of blackjack and want to compare rules, King Casino is a straightforward place to explore. You’ll find clear tables, simple layouts and visible rules, including whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, so you can choose a setup that suits how you like to play.
Whether you want to understand how soft hands behave or see how live tables differ from digital ones, you can browse options with a range of stakes and formats. Each game page sets out the key rules in plain sight, so you know how the table works before you join.
If you’d like to see these rules in action, feel free to take a look at our blackjack selection and pick a table that fits your preferences. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
