A soft 17 is any blackjack hand containing an ace counted as 11 that totals 17.
The most common example is Ace-6. Unlike a hard 17, a soft 17 cannot bust with a one-card draw, which is why the correct strategy for playing it differs significantly from a hard 17.
Despite being a relatively straightforward hand, soft 17 is one of the most misplayed hands in blackjack. Here are the five most common mistakes players make, and the correct play in each case.
For a full breakdown of soft 17 and how to play it, see our guide to how to play soft 17 in blackjack.
Mistake #1: Standing on Soft 17
Many players treat any 17 as a standing hand. That's the wrong approach with a soft 17.
When casino rules require dealers to hit soft 17 rather than stand, it's because hitting increases the dealer's expected outcome. The same mathematical logic applies to players: hitting on a soft 17 or doubling down when conditions allow yields better results than standing.
The correct play is straightforward:
- Never stand on soft 17, regardless of the game or the dealer’s upcard.
Mistake #2: Not Doubling Down on Soft 17
When the dealer shows a low upcard, they’re more likely to bust. Soft 17 is a strong doubling candidate in these situations because you can increase your bet at a point when the dealer is at a disadvantage.
The correct basic blackjack strategy for doubling down on soft 17 is:
- In double- and multi-deck games, always double down when the dealer's upcard is 3 through 6.
- In a single-deck game, always double down when the dealer's upcard is 2 through 6.
Mistake #3: Misplaying a Multi-Card Soft 17
Suppose you're dealt 2-4 against a dealer's 6, you draw an ace, and now hold a three-card soft 17. You know you should double down against a 6, but in most casinos, doubling after a third card is drawn isn’t permitted.
The correct play in this situation is:
- If you have a multi-card soft 17, always hit.
Mistake #4: Not Checking the Casino's Doubling Rules
Some casinos restrict doubling down to hard totals of 9, 10, and 11, or even just 10 and 11. This is more common in single- and some double-deck games. If you attempt to double on soft 17 at one of these tables, the dealer will return your additional chips, and you'll need to make a decision on the spot.
The correct play when soft doubling is not permitted is the same as for a multi-card soft 17:
- If you have a multi-card soft 17, or the casino rules don't allow soft doubling, always hit.
Mistake #5: Doubling Down on Soft 17 Against the Wrong Upcard
Doubling on soft 17 is only correct when the dealer is likely to bust. Against a dealer upcard of 7 through ace, the dealer is in a strong position and doubling is a mistake, because you're adding money to your bet in an unfavourable situation.
A further error concerns the dealer's 2 upcard. Doubling soft 17 against a 2 is correct in a single-deck game but wrong in a double- or multi-deck game.
The correct basic strategy for hitting soft 17 is:
- In a single-deck game, hit soft 17 when the dealer's upcard is 7 through ace.
- In double- and multi-deck games, hit soft 17 when the dealer's upcard is 2 or 7 through ace.
Key Takeaways
- Never stand on soft 17. Always hit or double down.
- Double down on soft 17 when the dealer shows 3-6 (multi-deck) or 2-6 (single-deck).
- With a multi-card soft 17, always hit – doubling is not permitted after a third card.
- If the casino doesn't allow soft doubling, always hit soft 17.
- Only double on soft 17 against low dealer upcards (2-6 depending on deck count). Against 7 through ace, always hit.
