Fucema

On my last trip to Vegas, I noticed that most casinos had the H17 rule for 6+ deck Blackjack games. It seems like a very minor rule but it does give a slight edge to the house. I found a website that gives you the lowdown on what the H17 rule means to you and how you should play your cards to maximize your odds.

Modifications to Basic Playing Strategy for Soft 17 Rule

Single Deck

Hit soft 18 against ace

If double after pair splitting is allowed, split a pair of 9’s against an ace

If surrender is allowed, surrender hard 15 against an ace and hard 17 against an ace.

Double Deck

Double down on soft 14 against 4

Double down on soft 18 against 2

Double down on soft 19 against 6

If surrender is allowed, surrender hard 15 against dealer ace.

4, 6 or 8 Decks

Double down on 11 against an ace

Double down on soft 17 against 2

If surrender is allowed, surrender hard 15 against ace, hard 17 against ace, and a pair of 8’s against dealer ace.

Check out The Soft 17 Rule in Blackjack for the inside scoop and tips for your next (read: September 2008!) trip to Vegas.

For the poker fans among us, I like to read the AllVegasPoker blog and review site for the inside news on the poker rooms in Las Vegas.