H17 vs S17 – Which one is better?
The rules in blackjack can make or break your game, and one key difference is whether the dealer hits or stands on 17.
The H17 vs. S17 debate matters because hitting on 17 gives the dealer a chance to build a stronger hand while standing limits their ability to improve, thus increasing your chance of winning. While S17 may seem like the clear winner, some H17 games include player-friendly rules that offset the dealer’s advantage.
Let’s deal out the details on blackjack H17 vs. S17 and show you how these rules can shuffle your strategy.
What does S17 mean?
S17 in blackjack means the dealer stands on soft 17, like when the hand includes an ace – for example, an ace and a six.
What is H17 in blackjack?
On the other hand, H17 in blackjack means the dealer must hit on a soft 17.
What is the difference between H17 and S17 house edge?
At first glance, the S17 vs. H17 rule might not seem like a big deal, but it can have a major impact on your odds.
In an H17 game, the dealer must hit on soft 17, which gives them more opportunities to strengthen their hand. This raises the house edge by about 0.2%, making it harder for you to win.
In contrast, S17 rules require the dealer to stand on soft 17. With no option to improve their hand, the house edge drops by roughly 0.2%, giving you an extra edge. It’s a subtle change that can make a big difference over time.
Is it better if dealer hits or stands on soft 17?
When it comes to blackjack tips, S17 is the safer bet. If the dealer stands on soft 17, their hand locks at 17, making them less likely to beat your higher totals like 18, 19, or 20.
On the other hand, hitting on soft 17 (H17) lets the dealer potentially build a stronger hand but also increases their chances of busting. It’s riskier for both sides, but the house edge still climbs. If you’re looking to play smarter and tilt the odds in your favor (and really, who isn’t?), go for S17 tables whenever you can.
Is H17 or S17 more common in blackjack?
H17 shows up more often in blackjack because it gives the house a bigger edge.
S17 games are harder to find and more player-friendly since the dealer standing on soft 17 lowers the house edge.
While you might still find S17 tables in some casinos, especially high-stakes games or specific variants, H17 has become the standard in most blackjack games.
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Should I double down on soft 17?
According to any reliable blackjack strategy chart, you should double down on soft 17 when the dealer shows a 3 through 6. These are considered weak cards, meaning the dealer is more likely to bust or end up with a lower total. In this case, doubling down gives you a chance to capitalize on their disadvantage while still having the flexibility of the ace to adjust your total if needed.
If the dealer shows a 7 through A, you should hit on soft 17 and never, ever stand. Them’s the rules.[1]
Cafe Casino Games with H17 Rule
At Cafe Casino, there are 15 blackjack types and counting, some with S17 and some with H17. While the S17 rule is an easy way to tilt the odds in your favor, don’t be so quick to disregard H17 tables. Usually, this rule is in place to balance another rule that heavily benefits the player, aka you (take a bow).
Classic Single Deck Blackjack
Classic Single-Deck Blackjack uses just one deck, giving you better odds thanks to less card variability. That’s why in single-deck vs. double-deck blackjack, single-deck almost always wins.
Blackjack pays 3:2, and you can split up to two hands. The dealer hits on soft 17, which slightly increases the house edge, but the single-deck still keeps it lower than most other games.
Blackjack
Your standard blackjack at Cafe Casino is a 6-deck game. Blackjack pays 3:2, insurance pays 2:1, and the dealer hits on soft 17.
The six decks make card counting tricky, but flexible doubling and splitting rules give you plenty of ways to play strategically.
Zappit Blackjack
Once you play blackjack for a while, you quickly realize the arch-nemesis of your game is the dreaded hard 16. This hand is tough because it’s too low to stand confidently but too high to hit without risking a bust.
Zappit Blackjack is a fan favorite because it tackles this issue by letting you “zap” away bad hands like 15, 16, or 17 for a fresh deal. This rule gives you a big advantage, but the game balances it out by requiring the dealer to hit on soft 17 and making a dealer total of 22 a push unless you have blackjack.
21 Burn Blackjack
If ditching bad cards is your jam, 21 Burn Blackjack is here to light your game on fire – in the best way possible. This unique twist lets you “burn” your second card for a mystery replacement for the price of half your original bet.
If the burn card is an ace of spades, you win 7:1 on the burn bet; any other ace pays 2:1. If it’s not an ace, you lose the burn bet. Blackjack pays 1:1, and the dealer hits on soft 17.
Cafe Casino Games Where Dealer Stands On Soft 17
Next up are the S17 Cafe Casino blackjack games. As always, our advice is to read the paytable to understand the rules and then practice blackjack for free in Practice Play to get the hang of it before wagering real money.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is a bit different than regular blackjack, but it’s not because you nibble on a croissant and say “cheerio” to the dealer, although it’s always encouraged if you want to embrace the theme.
In this version of blackjack, the dealer stands on soft 17, which gives you a slight edge. However, the dealer doesn’t take a hole card until after you’ve played your hand. This adds extra risk if you’ve doubled down or split because you could lose those extra bets if the dealer ends up with blackjack.
Double-deck Blackjack
If single-deck blackjack has the lowest possible house edge because of just one deck, then, naturally, double-deck Blackjack is the second lowest.
As for the rules, a blackjack pays 3:2. Besides the dealer standing on soft 17, you can split up to two hands, but split aces only get one card. It’s not considered a blackjack when you get an ace and 10 after splitting, and you can double down on any two cards.
Super 7 Blackjack
Sometimes, all it takes in blackjack is one lucky card to drive you home to Money Town. In Super 7 blackjack, that card is a seven.
This version of blackjack has unique side bets based on the number 7. With the Super 7 side game, if your first card is a 7, you win a payout starting at 3:1. The more 7s you rack up, the bigger your payout, up to 5,000:1 for three suited 7s.
The game uses six decks, blackjack pays 3:2, and the dealer stands on 17.
As you shuffle through the different types of blackjack and decide if S17 or H17 is the ace up your sleeve, don’t forget to deal your friends into the action. For each member of your crew who signs up and deposits at Cafe Casino, you double down on cold, hard cash with a casino referral bonus from us.
To H17 or to S17, that is the question. If you’re looking for better odds, stick with tables where the dealer stands on 17. But if you’re up for a game with more player-friendly rules, H17 tables might be worth the tradeoff. Try out both for free at Cafe Casino in Practice Play, then pull up a chair. We’ll see you at the table.
Disclaimer: The information provided in our casino blog posts is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we discuss popular casino strategies and offer tips for various games, please note that no strategy can guarantee a win. Casino games are based on chance, and outcomes are unpredictable. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and never bet more than they can afford to lose.
