We don’t mean to alarm you, but there’s a chance that you’ve gone your whole life without knowing this important truth. Blackjack’s been fixed!
Though you can still haggle with the house about whether that final card hits the point or boosts you over 21. The game of variance is still the chief cause of anguish on a good or bad streak at the casino.
But it’s the rules of the game that have been fixed in favor of the casinos. Fret not! We’ll keep it simple. We’ve got the lowdown on soft vs hard blackjack here.
Let’s explore!
What Is a Soft Hand Blackjack?
A soft hand blackjack is a hand that includes an ace. This type of hand is beneficial for the player since the ace has a value of either 1 or 11, allowing for more flexibility in the hand.
They are also more likely to end in a push since the player can use the value of either the 1 or 11. The main takeaway from this is that if a player is dealt a hand with an ace, it puts the player in a better position to win the game.
What Is a Hard Hand Blackjack?
A hard hand blackjack is a blackjack hand that does not include an ace. The ace can only be counted as 11 in this situation, resulting in a hand that has a total value of more than 21.
For example, if the hand is a soft 17, the ace can be counted as 11, but if the hand is a soft 18, the ace needs to be counted as 1, which will result in a hard 18.
In this case, the player is stuck with the hand he has and cannot change the value of any cards. There is no room to go up or down depending on the value, forcing the player to stick with his hand.
Strategies for Playing Hard and Soft Hand
The best online casinos offer both variations of blackjack. Strategies for playing soft and hard hands are slightly different. With soft hands, the player should consider the dealer’s card and their own and aim to make a total of 20 or less.
With hard hands, the aim is to make a total of 18 or less, but the player should also consider the dealer’s card. Additionally, the player should aim to hit when the dealer holds a card of value between two and six.
In both cases, the player should always stand on 17 and above.
When Is the Time to Double Down?
The time to double down in blackjack depends on the rules of the house. In general, when the player has a hand that totals 11 or less, it is advised to double down as the chances of winning are higher.
However, if the dealer’s first card is an Ace, it is better to stay if the player’s hand totals 17 or higher due to the chances of the dealer getting Blackjack. But it will still depend on the decision of a player to double their original bet or not.
If they think that their hand has a sufficient chance of beating the dealer, then they can do so.
The Key Differences Between Soft vs Hard Blackjack
The difference between soft vs hard blackjack is clear. Soft hands are more flexible and offer more options, while hard hands require a more conservative approach.
Regardless of which style you prefer, proper counting and hedging strategies can help maximize profits. Try out both styles today and see which one works best for you!
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