Quick Takeaways
- The dealer follows fixed rules, usually hitting until reaching 17 or higher.
- A soft total includes an Ace counted as 11, which makes the hand more flexible.
- S17 (dealer stands on soft 17) is generally more player-friendly than H17 (dealer hits soft 17).
What Dealer Rules Mean In Blackjack
In blackjack, you play your hand first. After all players finish, the dealer reveals the hole card and completes their hand.
The key difference between you and the dealer is simple:
- You can choose how to play (hit, stand, double, split, surrender)
- The dealer must follow the house rules every time
This is why you will often hear players say blackjack is “consistent.” The dealer’s behavior is predictable, which lets you make decisions based on patterns instead of guessing.
If you want a clean step-by-step walkthrough of a full round, including when the dealer reveals the hole card, see How to Play Blackjack: Rules, Hands & Gameplay Explained.
The Most Common Dealer Rule: Hit Until 17
Most blackjack tables use a rule like this:
- Dealer must hit until they reach 17 or higher
- Dealer must stand on 17 or higher
So if the dealer has:
- 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 → they keep hitting
- 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 → they stop
That sounds simple, but one detail changes everything.
Soft Totals: The Part That Confuses Beginners
A “soft” total means the dealer’s hand includes an Ace counted as 11.
Examples:
- A + 6 = soft 17
- A + 2 + 4 = soft 17
- A + 7 = soft 18
A soft total is flexible because the Ace can switch from 11 to 1 if needed.
If you want a full scoring refresher with examples, go back to How Card Values & Hand Scoring Work in Blackjack. Soft vs hard hands is the foundation for understanding dealer rules.
The Big Rule That Changes Odds: Dealer Hits Or Stands On Soft 17
This is one of the most important rule differences in blackjack.
Some tables say:
- Dealer Stands On Soft 17 (often called S17)
Other tables say:
- Dealer Hits Soft 17 (often called H17)
At a glance, both tables look the same. But the impact is real.
Why Soft 17 Matters
Soft 17 is a “weak but flexible” dealer hand. If the dealer is forced to hit soft 17, they sometimes improve into:
- 18, 19, 20, or 21
Yes, they can also bust, but the dealer’s ability to improve in those situations generally makes the game tougher for the player.
Simple takeaway:
All else equal, dealer stands on soft 17 (S17) is usually more player-friendly than dealer hits soft 17 (H17).
What This Looks Like In Real Hands
Example 1: Dealer Has Soft 17
Dealer shows A + 6 (soft 17).
- On an S17 table: dealer must stand at 17.
- On an H17 table: dealer must hit, which sometimes upgrades them into a stronger total.
Example 2: Dealer Has Hard 17
Dealer shows 10 + 7 (hard 17).
- On both table types: dealer stands at 17.
So the soft 17 rule only affects hands where the Ace is counted as 11.
Why Dealer Rules Affect Players So Much
Dealer rules change the game in three big ways:
1) Dealer Bust Rates
When the dealer must hit low totals, they can bust. That is why upcards like 4, 5, and 6 are considered “weaker” dealer starts.
But when the dealer has soft totals, the Ace flexibility can reduce bust risk.
2) Your Best Decision Changes By Table Rules
A table with different dealer rules can shift the value of certain player moves, especially when you start getting into strategy charts.
This is why “blackjack strategy” is not one-size-fits-all. Even small rule changes can matter.
3) The House Edge Can Move
Some tables look friendly but quietly increase the house advantage through rule tweaks. Dealer H17 is one of those tweaks.
If you want the full breakdown of how rule changes shift house edge, continue with How House Edge Changes With Every Rule Adjustment later in the series.
Dealer Rules You Might See On Table Signs
Casinos often list dealer rules and table rules on small signs or inside the online game info panel.
Look for terms like:
- Dealer Hits Soft 17 (H17)
- Dealer Stands On Soft 17 (S17)
- Blackjack Pays 3:2 (better than 6:5)
- Number of Decks (6-deck, 8-deck, etc.)
- Surrender Available (late surrender is most common)
You do not need to memorize everything. Just learn what these labels mean so you can spot a better table quickly.
Mini FAQ: Beginner Questions About Dealer Rules
1) Does The Dealer Have A Choice To Stand Or Hit?
No. The dealer must follow fixed rules set by the table. They do not decide based on “gut feel.”
2) What Does “Soft 17” Mean?
Soft 17 is any 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11, like A + 6.
3) Why Is Dealer Hitting Soft 17 Worse For Players?
Because it gives the dealer extra chances to improve weak 17 totals into stronger hands like 18–21.
4) Do Dealer Rules Change Between Casinos?
Yes. Different casinos and different blackjack variants can use different rules, including whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
5) Where Can I See The Dealer Rules Before Playing?
In a casino, check the table placard or sign. Online, check the game’s rules/info panel before you place a bet.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how the dealer plays and why soft totals matter, the next step is learning how players think about “best moves” over the long run.
Continue with What “Basic Strategy” Really Means in Blackjack.
