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How To Play Soft Hands in Blackjack

By Bill Burton, About.com

Soft hands are hands that contain an ace. By playing correct basic strategy you reduce the house edge.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: one hour or less

Here's How:

  1. Look at the dealers up card.
  2. Look at your starting hand that contains an Ace.
  3. If you have Ace 2 or Ace 3: Double if the dealer has 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
  4. If you have Ace 4 or Ace 5: Double if the dealer has 4 - 6, otherwise hit.
  5. If you have Ace 6: Double if the dealer has 3 - 6, otherwise hit.
  6. If you have Ace 7: Stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8. Double 3 - 6, otherwise hit.
  7. If you have Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always stand.

Tips:

  1. Play soft hands until they turn into hard hands.
  2. You can only double on the first two cards.
  3. Don't blame the dealer for losing. They just deliver the cards.
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