The Difference Between Hard and Soft in Blackjack

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In order to develop an excellent Blackjack game, players must gain a thorough understanding of the game's foundation. Without solidified basics, a player has no chance of excelling in the more difficult realms of Blackjack strategy and tips. One of the key elements in developing a solid Blackjack foundation is making a thorough study of the game's terminology. Like any game, specific words are used to describe Blackjack processes, player options, bets, and techniques. Two of the most important terms in this glossary are hard and soft. Knowing the difference between the two can make a world of difference when it comes time to wager on the game.

The difference between these two hand types lies with the Ace and if and how it is used. The Ace in Blackjack is a versatile card. Players can assign the Ace a value of either 1 or 11 points. A soft hand in Blackjack is one with an Ace; here, the Ace is valued as an 11-point card. A hard hand is one that either does not have an Ace, or counts the Ace as a 1-point card.

The difference between soft and hard comes into play with the dealer. Some casinos require a dealer with a soft 17 hand total to hit and a hard 17 to stand. Knowing the casino policy in advance can help the player decide what action to take with his own hand in order to beat the dealer.