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How To Play Hard 17 In Blackjack | LeoVegas

Mastering a Hard 17 Hand in Blackjack: Strategies, Tips, and Expert Insights

A hard 17 in blackjack refers to a hand totalling 17 that does not have the flexibility to adjust its value. In other words, it has a hard count as there is no Ace, or it contains an Ace that can only count as 1 (for example, a 10+7 or 7+9+Ace), to avoid going bust. On the other hand, a soft 17 is a hand that includes an Ace valued as 11 (Ace+6), because the Ace’s value can be adjusted to 1 if needed. While the hard 17 may seem like a strong hand, knowing how to play it can make a big difference in your results.

Table of Contents:

In this blackjack strategy guide, we’ll break down why the hard 17 hand matters, when to stand or hit, and how it stacks up against other hands.

The Dealer's Role in a Hard 17 Scenario

The dealer's upcard plays a big role in blackjack strategy, giving players clues about how the round might play out. A 2 through 6 is considered a weak upcard because it increases the dealer’s chance of busting. In contrast, a 7 through Ace is a strong upcard, meaning the dealer has a better chance of building a solid hand.

By rule, the dealer must keep drawing cards until they reach at least 17. Once they hit a hard 17 or higher, they are required to stand and can’t take any more cards. However, some casinos play under the soft 17 rule, where the dealer must hit on Ace-6, slightly increasing the house edge.

When to Stand on a Hard 17

If you’re holding a hard 17, the best move is to stand, no matter what card the dealer has. Here’s why:

  • Against a weak dealer upcard (2-6), standing is the safest option since the dealer is more likely to bust.
  • Against a strong upcard (7-Ace), you’re in a tough spot, but hitting carries a high risk of busting, so standing still remains the best choice.

When to Hit on a Hard 17

In standard blackjack strategy, hitting on a hard 17 is never recommended. The chances of improving your hand are slim, while the risk of busting is high. Most cards will push your total over 21, leading to an immediate loss. There are just too few cards that can help you here, making hitting a risky and unnecessary move.

When to Double Down with a Hard 17

Doubling down means doubling your bet in exchange for taking just one more card. While some blackjack games allow doubling down on any hand, doing this with a hard 17 is a bad idea. The risk of busting is too high, and there’s little chance of improving your hand.

Comparing Hard 17 to Other Blackjack Hands

Here's a comparative overview of hard 17 versus other hands:

Hard 17 vs. Soft 17: Key Differences

As covered earlier, a hard 17 is a hand totalling 17, where an Ace, if present, must count as 1. Meanwhile, a soft 17 contains an Ace that has the flexibility to count as either a 1 or 11, such as Ace-6.

The key strategic difference is that you should always stand on a hard 17, as hitting carries a high risk of busting. With a soft 17, however, players are often encouraged to hit or even double down, especially against a strong dealer upcard, since the Ace can switch to a value of 1 if needed.

Hard 17 vs. Hard 18-20: When to Play More Aggressively

Hard 18, 19, and 20 work the same way as hard 17, meaning they total their value without an Ace counting as 11. The best strategy for all of them is simple: stand.

No matter what card the dealer has, trying to improve a hard 17 or higher is too risky since most draws will result in a bust. Sticking with what you have reduces your chance of going over 21 and allows the round to play out based on the dealer’s hand.

Smart Habits for Playing Tight Blackjack Hands Like Hard 17

Hands like hard 17 put players in tough spots, but making the right decision comes down to discipline and sticking to proven strategy. Here are some key habits to follow:

- Trust the Math: It might be tempting to hit or double down, but blackjack strategy is based on long-term probabilities. Standing on a hard 17 is the best move, barre none, even when it feels risky.

- Avoid Emotional Decisions: Players sometimes make desperate moves when on a losing streak, but taking unnecessary risks rarely pays off. Stay patient and stick to the strategy.

- Pay Attention to Game Rules: Some casinos have different variations, like the dealer hitting on soft 17, which can slightly change the blackjack odds. Knowing these details can help you make smarter plays.

- Manage Your Bankroll: Tough hands like hard 17 are inevitable, but having a solid bankroll strategy helps you stay in the game longer without chasing losses.

FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions related to how to play a hard 17 hand in blackjack:

Is it always better to stand on a hard 17?

Yes, in standard blackjack strategy, you should always stand on a hard 17 or higher, regardless of the dealer's upcard.

Can you hit a hard 17 in all blackjack games?

Not always. Some casinos, especially in single-deck games, have rules that prevent players from hitting a hard 17. Even when it’s allowed, hitting is usually a bad idea since the risk of busting is high.

What are the best strategies for a Hard 17 in tournament play?

In most cases, standing on a hard 17 is still the best move even in blackjack tournament play. However, if you’re behind in chips and need to take risks, hitting may be an option in rare situations, especially against a strong dealer upcard. While standard strategy applies, tournament decisions sometimes depend on chip counts and your position in the game.

Does card counting help with hard 17 decisions?

Card counting helps track the ratio of high to low cards in the deck, but it doesn’t change the best move for a hard 17. Since the standard strategy is always to stand, counting cards doesn’t provide much of an advantage in this situation.

What are the odds of busting on a hard 17?

When hitting on a hard 17, there is a very high chance of busting, as only four cards (4, 3, 2, Ace) can improve your hand without exceeding 21.