Many Blackjack players come across the term “soft 17” and wonder what it means and how it might affect their decisions at the table. Understanding it can make the game feel far more manageable.
There is often confusion about hitting or standing on a soft 17, especially since different tables may use different rules. That means the same hand can play quite differently from one game to the next.
This blog post explains what a soft 17 is, how dealer rules can vary, and how common approaches change against different dealer upcards. You will also find a short decision guide, an example hand, and a look at common myths. Please remember to set personal limits and treat play as paid entertainment.
What Is Soft 17 In Blackjack?
A soft 17 is any total of 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. The most common example is Ace and 6, but it can also be Ace, 2, and 4, or Ace, 3, and 3.
It is called “soft” because the Ace can be reduced from 11 to 1 if another card would otherwise take the hand over 21. With Ace-6, for instance, drawing a high card does not necessarily mean a bust, because the Ace can drop to 1.
A “hard” 17 does not include an Ace counted as 11 and lacks that flexibility. Hard totals are more fragile because any high card risks going over 21.
That flexibility is the key. Once you understand what makes a hand soft, the choices in the next sections start to make more sense.
When Should You Hit A Soft 17?
Soft 17 has room to improve. Because the Ace can adjust from 11 to 1, taking another card does not carry the same risk it would with a hard 17.
Against stronger dealer upcards such as 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, many players take a card to try to build a better total. Standing on 17 in those matchups often leaves you behind when the dealer completes their hand.
It is worth knowing that player decisions are always optional. House rules control how the dealer must play soft 17, not how players act. Your choice to hit or stand should be guided by the dealer’s upcard, the table’s doubling rules, and your overall approach.
So when, if ever, is standing the better call?
When Should You Stand On A Soft 17?
Standing on soft 17 is uncommon in most standard rule sets. The hand is designed to be improved, either by hitting or, where allowed, by doubling against weaker dealer cards.
If doubling is not permitted, some conservative players choose to stand against a dealer 6. Even then, many strategy charts still prefer taking a card, because the flexibility of the Ace reduces the risk. As a general rule of thumb, the stronger the dealer’s upcard, the more hitting makes sense; the weaker the upcard, the more doubling (if allowed) becomes attractive.
If the table uses unusual restrictions on doubling or other rules, the best action can shift slightly. That is where understanding dealer rules becomes useful.
Dealer Rules: H17 Versus S17
Dealers follow fixed instructions on soft 17:
H17 means the dealer must hit soft 17. With Ace-6, for example, they take another card and continue until reaching at least a hard 17.
S17 means the dealer must stand on soft 17. With Ace-6, they stop drawing.
This small difference changes how often the dealer improves. At H17 tables, the dealer draws more and completes more strong totals, which nudges outcomes their way. At S17 tables, the dealer locks in soft 17 and misses some of those improvement opportunities.
If you like to make marginal decisions with care, it helps to notice whether the table is H17 or S17 before you sit down.
How Does H17 Or S17 Affect The House Edge?
House edge is the built-in advantage the casino holds across a large number of hands. Whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17 changes that edge a little.
All else being equal, H17 typically increases the house edge by roughly 0.2 percentage points compared with S17. For example, a game that might sit around 0.5% with S17 could be nearer 0.7% with H17, depending on the other rules in place.
These are small numbers, but they add up over time. If you prefer tighter rules, look for S17 alongside other player-friendly conditions, and always choose games that fit your budget and boundaries.
Quick Soft 17 Decision Guide
A soft 17 decision depends on the dealer’s upcard and the table’s rules on doubling. Use the pointers below as a quick reference, not as a promise of any outcome.
- Dealer shows 2: Usually take a card.
- Dealer shows 3 to 6: Often double if allowed; if not, take a card.
- Dealer shows 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace: Usually take a card.
- Check whether the dealer is on H17 or S17, as that can nudge close decisions.
How To Play Soft 17 Against Different Dealer Upcards
The dealer’s visible card shapes the best use of your hand’s flexibility. Once you recognise how the Ace protects you from immediate busting, the plan becomes clearer.
Example: Ace-6 Versus Dealer 6 Or 7
Ace-6 is soft 17.
Against a dealer 6, many strategy charts favour doubling if the table allows it. The dealer is in a weaker spot, and doubling aims to press that advantage. If doubling is not permitted, taking a card is usually preferred over standing.
Against a dealer 7, taking a card is the common choice. The dealer is more likely to reach at least 17, so improving your total gives you a better chance of staying competitive.
Small differences in rules and deck setup can shift these edges slightly, which brings us to deck size.
Does Deck Size Change Soft 17 Decisions?
Deck size influences the distribution of cards and, in turn, some fine points of strategy. Single-deck games make composition effects more noticeable, while multi-deck shoes smooth out those swings.
For soft 17 specifically, the broad approach does not change much between single-deck and multi-deck tables when following basic strategy. Advanced players who pay attention to card composition might tweak a decision in a close spot, but the impact for most recreational players is modest.
Knowing the table setup is still useful, even if it only confirms that your baseline approach remains sound.
Common Misconceptions About Soft 17
“Soft 17 is a strong made hand.” Not quite. Its value lies in flexibility, not in standing power. It is often better used as a springboard to improve rather than a total to freeze.
“The dealer always stands on soft 17.” Rules vary. Many games require the dealer to hit soft 17, which changes how frequently the dealer improves.
“Hitting soft 17 usually leads to a bust.” The Ace’s ability to switch to 1 is there precisely to prevent that immediate bust. That is why soft hands play more aggressively than hard ones.
“All soft totals are played the same way.” The dealer’s upcard, the ability to double, and the number of decks all matter. Soft 13 through soft 18 each have different tipping points.
If you choose to play, set personal limits that fit your situation and treat betting as an occasional form of entertainment. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or your finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help for anyone who needs it.
**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.