Common Mistakes while Playing Soft 17

Soft 17 blackjack is one of the hands that looks much better than it actually is. Anyone who's played long enough knows that an Ace and a 6 can be a sneaky little trap. 

New players see the Ace and relax-"oh, I'm safe." But they forget the whole point of a soft hand is flexibility, not comfort. A lot of blackjack mistakes begin from that false sense of security, and in this blog, we are going to discuss the most common mistakes out of them, so you can roll wins without torturing your bankrolls.

1. The Ace: Not a Promise

Here's the thing: the Ace in soft 17 is not a promise, it's a maybe. It can be a 1 or an 11, and that maybe does not matter to the dealer. A lot of novices stand just because 17 sounds like a pretty good number, not realizing they're giving up real opportunities for improvement. 

You won't bust on a single hit, so hitting in soft 17 is much more strategic.

2. Standing Too Early

Probably the biggest mistake with soft 17 is standing when you should be hitting. Players frequently think, "17 is good enough." 

But against a dealer's 7, 8, 9, or even 10 - it is not. The dealer has the advantage there. The right soft hand strategy is basically just hit that hand. Sometimes even double down if the dealer's card is weak - such as a 3, 4, 5, or 6.

3. Forgetting Dealer Rules

What most players don't realize, though, is that casinos also have various rules on how to deal with the dealer's playing of soft 17. In some games of blackjack, the dealer stands at soft 17, usually termed as S17, while in other games, the dealer hits, normally called H17. 

This single rule can shift the house edge noticeably. Serious players always check the table rules before sitting down, an important step new players often forget.

4. Mixing Up Soft Hands

The soft hands, in general, are played very wrong by a lot of novices. They'll play a soft 17 as if it were a hard 17, which defeats the whole idea of the Ace. 

What's nice about soft hands is that cushion - that freedom to take another card without immediate risk. Playing them stiff is just a waste of that edge.

Conclusion: Soft 17 Blackjack 

Blackjack is a game of tiny edges, and soft 17 is the classic example. It's mostly about playing smart. And the next time someone does pull a soft 17, they shouldn't freeze, but should rather think about how they can make this hand better. Because that's the difference between a gambler and a player.

FAQs 

What should you do on a soft 17?
You should usually hit on a soft 17 since there's very less chance of busting.

Is it better for a dealer to stand or hit on soft 17?
Better for the player if the dealer stands. Hitting gives the house a small edge.

Why do you always hit soft 17?
It improves your hand without busting as the Ace adjusts between 1 and 11.

What are the odds of hitting a soft 17?
They are roughly 63% depending on the deck.