Does the dealer hit soft 17?

It seems like a tiny detail, but whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17 is one of the most important rules at the table. This single decision quietly shifts the odds, and knowing which rule you are playing tells you how the deck is stacked.

Quick answer: It depends on the table. Under 'stand on soft 17' (S17), the dealer stops on any 17. Under 'hit soft 17' (H17), the dealer draws again on a soft 17 like Ace-6. H17 is worse for the player, adding about 0.2% to the house edge, so S17 games are the better choice when you can find them.

Soft 17 explained

A soft 17 is a 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace-6. Under S17 the dealer must stand. Under H17 the dealer must draw again, because the Ace can drop to 1 with no bust risk, giving the dealer a free chance to improve.

Why H17 helps the house

Hitting soft 17 lets the dealer turn a mediocre 17 into an 18, 19, 20 or 21 more often, so it adds roughly 0.2% to the house edge. It is a small number, but combined with other rules it adds up. Always prefer S17 when you have the choice.

How it changes your play

Against an H17 dealer, basic strategy shifts a few hands - for instance you double soft 18 versus an Ace and surrender a couple more totals. The dealer still has no free choice; the rule just tells them what to do. Practice both on our free tables.

See how rules change strategy

Related questions

What does the dealer have to do in blackjack?

The dealer follows fixed rules with no choices at all. They must keep hitting until the hand reaches at least 17, then must stand. Depending on the table, the dealer either stands on all 17s or hits a 'soft 17' (a 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11). The dealer cannot double, split, or surrender.

What is a soft hand in blackjack?

A soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace being counted as 11, which means one more card can never bust you. Ace-6 is a 'soft 17,' and Ace-7 is a 'soft 18.' Because you have a built-in safety net, you can hit and double soft hands far more aggressively than the same-looking hard totals.

What is the house edge in blackjack?

The house edge is the small built-in advantage the casino holds over time. In a good blackjack game played with correct basic strategy, it is only about 0.5% - one of the best odds in any casino. Poor rules like 6-to-5 blackjacks, and common player mistakes, can push the real edge to 2% or more.