Most people know the basic rules of blackjack, and this is what makes it so popular. In order to be a good Blackjack player you must learn the basic strategy, since simply knowing the rules is not enough, and you will be missing a lot in the form, of splits, counting cards, and knowing when to hit and when not to. In this article we'll be looking at the difference between “soft” and “hard” Blackjack hands and the different strategies available to you for each.
In Blackjack, hard hands are those that do do not contain an Ace. For example, a Jack and a seven is known as a hard 17. In this hand, the total is fixed, and the outcome depends on the dealer’s up card and basic strategy. Hard hands give you little flexibility, and you must be careful, since there is the chance to bust if you hit another card.
In contrast, soft hands are hands that simply those that contain an Ace. It is called a soft hand because it is not fixed. A soft 17 would be an Ace and a six. It can be played either as a 7 or as a 17. The great thing about soft hands is that they will not go bust, as the Ace can be played as either an 1 or 11. If you find yourself in this position, then it may be your chance to take advantage of some aggressive strategy and betting.
The first thing to consider when you find out that you have a soft hand is to ascertain the dealer’s up card. If the dealer is showing a five or a six, then he is in a strong position to bust, and this offers a great opportunity for you. This then, is the best opportunity for you to double down your bets. You may get a really good card to give you a strong 19 or 20 or even 21. Even if you do not, the dealer is still likely to bust any way, so it may work out for you after all.
Understanding the importance of soft hands versus hard hands is an important skill for the serious Blackjack player. Play your soft hands aggressively when the dealer has a weak holding to maximize your profits.
Most people know the basic rules of blackjack, and this is what makes it so popular. In order to be a good Blackjack player you must learn the basic strategy, since simply knowing the rules is not enough, and you will be missing a lot in the form, of splits, counting cards, and knowing when to hit and when not to. In this article we'll be looking at the difference between “soft” and “hard” Blackjack hands and the different strategies available to you for each.
In Blackjack, hard hands are those that do do not contain an Ace. For example, a Jack and a seven is known as a hard 17. In this hand, the total is fixed, and the outcome depends on the dealer’s up card and basic strategy. Hard hands give you little flexibility, and you must be careful, since there is the chance to bust if you hit another card.
In contrast, soft hands are hands that simply those that contain an Ace. It is called a soft hand because it is not fixed. A soft 17 would be an Ace and a six. It can be played either as a 7 or as a 17. The great thing about soft hands is that they will not go bust, as the Ace can be played as either an 1 or 11. If you find yourself in this position, then it may be your chance to take advantage of some aggressive strategy and betting.
The first thing to consider when you find out that you have a soft hand is to ascertain the dealer’s up card. If the dealer is showing a five or a six, then he is in a strong position to bust, and this offers a great opportunity for you. This then, is the best opportunity for you to double down your bets. You may get a really good card to give you a strong 19 or 20 or even 21. Even if you do not, the dealer is still likely to bust any way, so it may work out for you after all.
Understanding the importance of soft hands versus hard hands is an important skill for the serious Blackjack player. Play your soft hands aggressively when the dealer has a weak holding to maximize your profits.
Most people know the basic rules of blackjack, and this is what makes it so popular. In order to be a good Blackjack player you must learn the basic strategy, since simply knowing the rules is not enough, and you will be missing a lot in the form, of splits, counting cards, and knowing when to hit and when not to. In this article we'll be looking at the difference between “soft” and “hard” Blackjack hands and the different strategies available to you for each.
In Blackjack, hard hands are those that do do not contain an Ace. For example, a Jack and a seven is known as a hard 17. In this hand, the total is fixed, and the outcome depends on the dealer’s up card and basic strategy. Hard hands give you little flexibility, and you must be careful, since there is the chance to bust if you hit another card.
In contrast, soft hands are hands that simply those that contain an Ace. It is called a soft hand because it is not fixed. A soft 17 would be an Ace and a six. It can be played either as a 7 or as a 17. The great thing about soft hands is that they will not go bust, as the Ace can be played as either an 1 or 11. If you find yourself in this position, then it may be your chance to take advantage of some aggressive strategy and betting.
The first thing to consider when you find out that you have a soft hand is to ascertain the dealer’s up card. If the dealer is showing a five or a six, then he is in a strong position to bust, and this offers a great opportunity for you. This then, is the best opportunity for you to double down your bets. You may get a really good card to give you a strong 19 or 20 or even 21. Even if you do not, the dealer is still likely to bust any way, so it may work out for you after all.
Understanding the importance of soft hands versus hard hands is an important skill for the serious Blackjack player. Play your soft hands aggressively when the dealer has a weak holding to maximize your profits.
|
