Blackjack is easier to play once you understand how card values determine your moves at every step. One key concept is soft hands versus hard hands. Whether a player has a soft or hard hand depends on how they play the Ace in blackjack.
Knowing these two hand types makes it easier to understand moves like when to stand, hit, or double down. For a beginner, this is a good start before playing with money.
Soft Hand in Blackjack
A soft hand has at least one Ace that can be counted as 11 without busting the total hand score over 21. In other words, a hand with an Ace and a 6 is a soft 17, since the Ace can be counted as either 11 or 1. This matters because once you draw an extra card, you can count the Ace as 1 if counting it as 11 would push your total over 21.
Identify Common Examples of Soft Hands
There are several examples of soft hands in blackjack. Look at the following for better information:
- A + 2 = soft 13
- A + 5 = soft 16
- A + 6 = soft 17
- A + 7 = soft 18
The course of action depends on the card the dealer is showing, along with the rules of the particular blackjack game.
Hard Hand in Blackjack
A hard hand has either no ace, or an ace that must count as 1 so the total doesn’t exceed 21. For instance, 10 and 6 make a hard 16. A 9, 7, and an Ace make a hard 17, since the Ace must count as 1 here. Hard hands, compared to soft hands, generally leave little room to maneuver because they lack an ace that can count as 11 or 1. This increases the chances of busting.
Compares Between Soft and Hard Hands
This distinction is especially important when using basic strategy. While a soft 17 and hard 17 have the same number value, the difference matters because a soft hand includes an Ace. When learning how to play blackjack online, players need to determine their hand and its value. Players can then compare their hand to the dealer’s upcard using a basic strategy chart for the game.
Study the Dealer’s Upcard
Consider the dealer’s upcard when making blackjack decisions. Basic strategy considers the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard and makes the appropriate decisions under certain rules. For instance, the right decision for a hard 12 varies depending on the dealer’s upcard. There is also a strategy for soft hands.
Wrapping Up
Knowing soft and hard hands helps players prepare better for decision-making. A soft hand is a hand where the player has an Ace that can still count as 11, whereas a hard hand is one where this isn’t possible. Basic strategy won’t make you a profit. It just gives you information based on mathematical calculations about the player’s and dealer’s hands. Keep studying with the help of a strategy chart.