Blackjack basics
Dealer stands on soft 17: what it means
It means that when the dealer has a 17 made with an Ace counted as 11, the dealer stops drawing. At a table where the dealer hits soft 17, the dealer takes another card.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Standing on soft 17 is the better rule for players. When the dealer hits soft 17, the dealer gets a chance to turn that 17 into 18 to 21, and over time that costs players a little.
The rule also changes a few plays. With the dealer standing on soft 17 you hit 11 against an Ace and stand on soft 19 against a 6. At a table where the dealer hits soft 17, both of those become doubles.
The play against every dealer card
| Hand | Dealer stands on soft 17 |
|---|---|
| 11 against an Ace | Hit (double if dealer hits soft 17) |
| Soft 19 against a 6 | Stand (double if dealer hits soft 17) |
Questions players ask
- Is it better when the dealer stands on soft 17?
- Yes. It is the better rule for the player.
- Where is the soft 17 rule shown?
- It is printed on the felt, for example "Dealer stands on all 17s" or "Dealer hits soft 17".
Related answers
- What does soft 17 mean?
- Blackjack dealer rules
- Should I double 11 against an Ace?
- What to do with Ace 8 (soft 19)
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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