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Soft vs. hard hand at blackjack: PepperMill's tips
Soft vs. hard hand at blackjack: PepperMill's tips

03/12/2024 15:00

Soft versus Hard Hand in Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular game in online casinos around the world. It's a game that's easy to understand but hard to master. It thus welcomes beginners but still keeps experienced players interested.

Beginners may have already seen "soft" and "hard" hands mentioned in articles about Blackjack. Do you want to know how they are used in Blackjack strategies? Read on to learn everything about them.

The difference between soft and hard hands

In Blackjack, an ace can be worth 1 or 11 points depending on the needs of the player. This is clearly written in the rules.

You can easily remember the difference between a soft and a hard hand. A soft hand has an ace worth 1 or 11 points. A hard hand is a hand without an ace or a hand with an ace that can only be worth one point.

Example of a soft and hard hand in Blackjack on a background of PepperMill Casino

Tips for playing soft hands in Blackjack

A soft hand is easier to play than a hard hand. It's generally more flexible.

  • The easiest way to play a soft hand is for you to hit until you reach at least 17 points. Hitting when your cards are already worth more than 17 greatly increases your risk of going bust.

    • To play more aggressively, you can double down when your hand is worth between 13 and 16. You'll then only take one more card. Doubling down could also make you win more money.

      • Many beginners double down on 17 or 18. This is a mistake! It is dangerous because you risk going bust.

        Tips for playing hard hands in Blackjack

        Be careful! It's easier to go bust with a hard hand than with a soft hand.

        • You should only hit if your hand is worth 11 points or less.

          • If you're feeling brave, you can double down when your hand is worth 9, 10 or 11.

            • If your cards are worth 12 or more, you should stand in most cases. If you don't, you risk going bust.

              The best online Blackjack strategy

              There’s no Blackjack strategy that guarantees you to win. It's still possible to improve your chances by having a good understanding of your hand.

              There are many things you can try in online blackjack. Here are some of them:

              • Follow the basic strategy: This is especially great for beginners. Try to learn the table by heart.

                • Count the cards: Learning how to calculate the ratio of high to low cards takes a while, but it can be very useful. This is especially true when making tough decisions. (For example, choosing whether or not to take insurance.)

                  • Try side bets: Side bets are very unpredictable. They can add a lot of excitement to your game. However, they have lower chances of winning.

                    • Play the game in demo mode: This will allow you to learn the rules at your own pace. You won't need to bet real money. It also lets you discover the specific features of the Blackjack game you’ve picked.

                      Are you ready to practice everything you've learned? PepperMill Casino offers you the authentic casino experience with online Blackjack.