Quick Takeaways
- Soft 17 means a hand totaling 17 where an Ace is counted as 11 (like A+6).
- S17 tables are usually more player-friendly than H17 tables.
- This rule can shift house edge and slightly change a few strategy decisions—so charts should match.
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, payouts, and smart table selection), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This article explains what soft 17 is, why S17 vs H17 matters, and what it should change in your decision-making.
What Is a Soft 17?
A hand is “soft” when it includes an Ace counted as 11.
So:
- A + 6 = soft 17
Because the Ace can become 1 if another card would bust the hand.
Compare that to:
- 10 + 7 = hard 17
No Ace flexibility.
Soft totals are flexible, which is why they matter for both players and the dealer.
If you want a refresher on soft vs hard hands, revisit How to Play Soft Hands vs Hard Hands in Blackjack.
What S17 and H17 Actually Mean
S17 (Dealer Stands on Soft 17)
If the dealer has A+6, they stop and stand.
H17 (Dealer Hits Soft 17)
If the dealer has A+6, they must take another card.
That extra hit is the whole story.
It gives the dealer more chances to improve a weak-ish 17 into:
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
Sometimes the dealer will bust, but the net effect favors the house.
Why H17 Is Tougher for Players
H17 increases the dealer’s ability to “upgrade” hands that would otherwise stop.
That matters because many player hands end in the 17–20 range.
On an S17 table, a dealer soft 17 is locked.
On an H17 table, the dealer gets extra chances to beat you.
That extra chance doesn’t look dramatic in one hand. But over hundreds of hands, it adds up.
Does S17 vs H17 Change the House Edge?
Yes.
You don’t need the exact decimals to understand the practical takeaway:
- S17 is more player-friendly
- H17 increases the house edge
This is why many “good rules” lists include “dealer stands on soft 17” near the top.
And if you’re comparing two tables that look similar, S17 is a meaningful tiebreaker.
Does S17 vs H17 Change Basic Strategy?
It can—slightly.
Because the dealer’s behavior changes, the expected value of certain borderline moves can shift.
Most of the adjustments show up around:
- soft hands (where doubling decisions are sensitive to dealer outcomes)
- a few close hard-hand decisions in certain rule sets
The most important point for most players is not memorizing every adjustment.
It’s this:
Use a strategy chart that matches your table rules.
If you want the broader rule-variation framework, revisit Why Blackjack Strategy Must Change With Rule Variations.
What This Means for Table Selection
If you’re choosing tables, here’s a simple hierarchy:
Best Case (Common “Good” Rule Combo)
- 3:2 blackjack payout
- dealer stands on soft 17 (S17)
- reasonable doubling and splitting rules
- clear rules panel
If You Can’t Find S17
An H17 table can still be playable if:
- payout is 3:2
- and other rules are solid
But if the table is already bad (like 6:5), H17 makes it even worse.
In many cases, the best move is not “adjust strategy.”
It’s just choosing a better table.
If you want a beginner-friendly table checklist, revisit Why Some Blackjack Tables Are Better for Beginners.
Common Misunderstandings About Soft 17
“Soft 17 Doesn’t Matter Because It’s Only One Hand”
It matters because it affects dealer outcomes repeatedly.
“H17 Is Better Because Dealer Can Bust”
The dealer can bust, yes—but the extra hit improves the dealer often enough that it benefits the house overall.
“I Can Just Play More Aggressive To Offset It”
Aggression doesn’t fix house edge. Accuracy and table selection matter more.
Mini FAQ: Dealer Stands on Soft 17
1) What Is Soft 17 Again?
A dealer hand totaling 17 with an Ace counted as 11, like A+6.
2) Is S17 Always Better for Players?
In general, yes. It reduces the dealer’s ability to improve a weak 17.
3) Do I Need a Different Strategy Chart for H17?
Ideally, yes—especially if you want to play as accurately as possible.
4) Is H17 Always a Dealbreaker?
Not always. But it’s a negative rule and should be weighed alongside payout and other rules.
5) What’s the Practical Advice?
Prefer 3:2 + S17 when available, and always match your chart to the table rules.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand why S17 vs H17 matters, the next step is learning how house edge changes with every rule adjustment—because small table rules add up and can quietly shift your long-run results.
Continue with How House Edge Changes With Every Rule Adjustment.
