When to double: Always accept a free double. Soft hands: Soft 13 - 14 - Soft 15 - 16 - Soft 17 - Soft 18 - Soft 19 to 21 Splitting pairs: Aces - 2's - 3's - 4's - 5's - 6's - 7's - 8's - 9's. 2%. ♠️ Soft 19-20: Soft 19 and soft 20 hands consist of an Ace and 8, and an Ace and 9, respectively. Factor in the following changes: Double 11 vs. In most cases, standing is the preferred strategy. As more casinos have switched games to dealer hits soft-17 and blackjack pays 6:5, the average house edge in Nevada has increased to 1%. When a player gets a pair of 9s and the dealer also rolls a 9, the player’s basic instinct is to stand because he has a solid 18. Blackjack Does The Dealer Hit On 17, farmington hills mi casino, chest gambling timeless isle, casino bordeaux review. Doubling is like a hit, only the bet is doubled and you only get one more card. What they should really worry about is people who double Soft 19. For illustrative purposes, we. 17 or less: Always Hit. But if you have a choice, playing where they stand is better. 95% chance of winning the hand. Here we are going to take a look at some common errors seen in civilians and beginning advantage players. Play and download best top 5 Online Table Games In Singapore . A soft 16 for example would be A+5=16 where as a hard 16 would be 10+6. Hit Blackjack or the 777 Jackpot so much your head will spin! 04 Web Design. More and more tables are showing up that pay less than the full 3 to 2 on a blackjack. The plethora of possibilities on soft 18 is what bedevils many blackjack buffs. Learn the rules and Wizard's Simple Strategy in this introductory video. Changing from soft to hard 18 is not in the equation. 3-Deck Hard Totals Blackjack Chart. Please Play Responsibly. 01% higher than. Using 52 cards, Blackjack is part of the international family of casino banking games known as Twenty-One. While you still lose money by hitting, taking a risk improves your odds and helps you lose less on average. Hit: When the dealer has a 9, 10 or ace. This hand gives you different play options and can be used to. Offer: 50 No-Deposit Spins. The only way to get a soft 22 is to hit the soft 18 with a four since there are. 7,7 – split if the dealer’s upcard is 2 – 7, hit otherwise. The basic strategy suggests standing on a soft 18 against a dealer’s 2 or 7 but hitting against a 9, 10, or Ace. Below are our top three favorite bonuses you can use to play slots for real money online with extra bankroll. Over an hour of play at a busy table, you’re likely to win 26 hands, lose 29 hands, and tie 5 times. Click on the big game machine to the right to begin playing. However, if you get a free split and then have a soft 16 through soft 20, double-down (not free) against a dealer 6-up. No surrender. The minimum bet is usually $5 or $10. This is because you have a fantastic chance to hit 21, and even if you don’t, you’re likely to get a score close to that magic number. Soft 20 (A,9) always stands. The dealer needs to stay if he has a soft 18 or a soft 19 in his possession. When you have a soft 18 and the dealer shows a two. It is worth mentioning that the same goes for the situations when players have a hard 13. Ace-10 = Blackjack! Stand. Save. I have all my indices worked using risk averse indices, I'm more worried about keeping my already high ROR as low as possible than I am of increased win rate, but of course sometimes this means taking risks where greater chance of profits lay. TIL when using "perfect strategy" in blackjack, the casino only has a 2% edge over the player in the long run. A soft hand in blackjack is any hand containing an ace counted at 11. The dealer has an ace up. Soft 19, in particular, is often misplayed by less knowledgeable players. . dealer’s Ace. Hard hands: Hard 8 or less - Hard 9 - Hard 10 - Hard 11 - Hard 12 - Hard 13 - 16 - Hard 17 to 21. Therefore, if you are an astute player, you will try to avoid a table whereby a dealer can hit on a soft 17. All the information about blackjack you want, both for serious advantage players and for casual players. Should you stand on the 8 or 18 or continue to hit? Thanks so I’m assuming hit on a 3 card soft 17 against a bust card? Never stand on soft 17 always hit or double. New players only. A card with a value of 6 takes your total up to 22, which means you go bust. On the other hand, with a hand total of 15, the chance of busting increases to 54%. Double soft 18 vs. ) These days you almost have to play in games where the dealer hits soft 17, as most casinos have adopted this policy. Blackjack soft hands strategy ultimately makes it impossible to lose your hand when you have an Ace. dealer’s 6. dealer 2. On the other hand, a hand of soft 16 with an A-5 is worth hitting or doubling down if the dealer shows a 2 or 3-6. From 2 to Ace. 10 – 6 = Hard 16. Changing from soft to hard 18 is not in the equation. Soft 18 is classified that way because it differs from other blackjack strategies of playing. 1. The smiling dealer deals the cards to three players. A closer examination of the math behind the advice can be helpful in understanding why it. Soft 17-18 when the dealer has 3-6. Pairs. HIT OR STAND. While hitting isn't +EV either, it's greater than -17. Hit on hard 12 if the dealer does not have 4-6. Blackjack Soft Hand 18; Blackjack Soft Hands 19 and 20; How to Play Blackjack Hand 8 or 9; How to Play Blackjack Hand 10 or 11;Dealer takes 17-17, 18-18 and 19-19 ties, doubling after split is allowed, 3 resplits, no-peek, player can double 7-11 totals (soft and hard), dealer stands on soft 17, six decks. There are 13 ranks of cards. Many players struggle with those plays, thinking of 18 as a solid hand. Split . Do Most Casinos Hit Soft 17 Yes, most online casinos have the dealer hit on soft 17. The house edge is the mathematical probability the casino will gain over time. Multi-Deck Blackjack Strategy Tips. To use this table, look. " House Edge. Hitting Soft 18 Blackjack, Nintendo 3ds Casino Games, Ul. – You can also surrender at any time, and the dealer must stand on a soft-17. For example, if you hit (take another card) a soft 18 (an ace and a 7) with a 6, the ace automatically reverts to 1 (rather than 11), and the hand total is now 14 (rather than 24, which would be a bust). See full list on 888casino. 05%. A Blackjack 18, vagyis a Soft 18 a játék leginkább „elhibázott” értéke, a blackjack fekete báránya. The house will win when players bust, regardless of the final dealer hand. As stated earlier, the house edge in blackjack increases by about two-tenths when the dealer hits on soft 17, which is more significant than you think. Playing a Total of Soft. stand To stop asking for more cards. You'll never stand on this total, since you cannot bust by taking a hit, and the chances of getting a good card are relatively good. This family also includes European games such as vingot-et-un and pontoon, as well as the Russian gameJust choose your favorite free blackjack variant and wait for the game to load. How about 3 card 18 vs 3-6, hit ? or take the 18? A,2,3, can improve your hand 10,J,Q,K keep it the same and 4, 5, 6,7,8, 9 hurt your hand. It's enough to make the hitting EV for soft eighteen -14. The chart obviously says hit your soft 18 vs. Video slots are the most common form of five-reel slots and often feature bonus and free spin features. Splitting pairs: Aces - 2's - 3's - 4's - 5's - 6's - 7's - 8's - 9's - 10's. how should you play a 3 card soft 18. 04-10-2017, 08:46 AM #3 ZeeBabar A ‘soft hand’ in Blackjack refers to any hand containing an Ace, which can be valued as 11 points. Monte Casino 2, Nintendo 3ds Casino Games. 4%. (I’ll ignore 6-6 for the moment and come back to it shortly. The number of decks in play also matters, regardless of if the dealer hits on soft 17. And split your pair of 9s against everything except a 7, 10 or Ace. Head over to our selection of recommended casino partners and practice your card skills with free online blackjack. Reasoning. In fact, below are five common mistakes made by players; but first, I want to be sure you understand what is meant by a “soft 17” hand. Most land-based casinos offer shoe-dealt blackjack with six decks, but you’ll also find eight-deck options often. Examples of soft 18…Read more ›(For soft hands you'd have to have at least 18 to think about standing, and even with a soft 18 there are cases you'd still hit or double. For soft hands, only double down against a dealer 6 up-card with soft 16, 17 and 18. There is no national or international rule, it depends on the house rules at that casino. . According to the Wizard. 511734%. 500% Up To 00 + 150 Free Spins Welcome Bonus. According to some sources, the odds of achieving a soft 18 are about 1 in 500. Poker Live Catania, N Z Online Casino, Hitting Soft 18 Blackjack, Golden Gulch Casino Black Hawk Co, Best Tips To Win At Craps. Even though all four hands have a count of 18, they are not necessarily played the same way against the dealer’s 6 upcard. If you get an ace and a 7, then you’ll have yourself a Soft 18. Yes--that's the right box. The final category of hands consists of those in which the first two cards. If the strategy says to double but you’re not allowed, then hit, except you should stand with a soft 18. TABLE GAMES. But not every house will display those words. you should avoid blackjack tables where the dealer hits on a soft 17, as this adds 0. 5 – Know How to Play Soft Totals. One of the most commonly misplayed hands in blackjack is a soft 18. Here are the full rules of the game. With the soft 17 rule, it stands to be a handy companion for the dealer. Blackjack Chart Explanation: In the black jack strategy card, the top part, the blue line, represents the dealer’s hand. While hitting isn't +EV either, it's greater than -17. Soft & Hard Hands FAQ Do You Hit on a Soft 18? Only hit on soft 18 if the dealer's up card is a 10 or an Ace, and you are playing with more than one deck. Whether or not to hit or stand with a soft seventeen, and when you should double down. In a single-deck game, you. Understanding the dynamics of soft 17 blackjack is crucial because it is one of the few situations where your decisions can significantly affect the outcome of the game. A player can double at any number of cards. Hit soft 17 (A6) or less. The most valuable starting hands in blackjack in order of ascending value to the player is: Traditional 21 - Blackjack. BS indicates to double 3-6, stand 2,7,8 and hit 9-A. How to Remember Soft Doubling Rules against the Dealer’s 3 and 4. dealer’s Ace. If dealer has 4 or less, follow the rule of nine. Let us bring the thrills of Atlantic City to your doorstep with a large array of Blackjack, Roulette, Slots, Video Poker, Table Games, and Big Jackpot slots. Basic strategy calls for hitting that soft 18 vs. Fast Women. Hard and soft totals can be the same, but with a soft blackjack hand, you have some more options. Experienced gamblers will sometimes want to. Mastering the 10 most difficult hands. Critics (myself included). It just depends on what the player prefers. There’s nothing wrong with versions that don’t. Four-deck variants are. Just choose your favorite free blackjack variant and wait for the game to load. A soft 18 is one of the possible hands you can be dealt in blackjack. A dealer’s hand with a 5 or a 6 is statistically the worst hand a dealer can have. Player #1 is dealt an Ace-2 against the dealer’s 10 upcard. The dealer waits until the players have exercised all their options, then the dealer reveals their hidden card and hits until they have at least 17 (most common). Single Deck Blackjack Dealer HITS on Soft 17 Chart Single Deck Deviations Chart: Dealer STANDS on Soft 17. Joined: Aug 12, 2013. You have a good chance to either improve it or stay the same via 1 or more hits. If you get soft 18, do not hit if the dealer has a 2, 7, or 8 upcard – a soft 18. The Dealer must continue to Hit until their card total is 17 or higher, at which point they must stand. You can be more aggressive with soft hands because there’s no risk of busting. With an 18, you have a 42. What I. Just choose your favorite free blackjack variant and wait for. 100359, and of standing -0. 22%. You have a 13. 6K views 6 years ago. Soft 18 Blackjack : Casino Games2022. Sqn Poker Face, Geant Casino Cadenas, Sands Casino Molten Lounge Schedule, Hitting Soft 18 Blackjack, Usa Players Mobile Roulette Real Money, Blood Romance Slots, Las Vegas Hotel Las Vegas stockmarketafterhours How to Play a Soft Eighteen Total in Blackjack - Soft 18. Stand on soft 18, except hit against a dealer 9, 10, or A. In every blackjack game, the dealer either stands on Soft 17 or higher, or hits Soft 17, which means they can only stand on Hard 17, plus any 18 or more. 21+Best blackjack gameWelcome to rich and fun virtual world where you can play the wildest casino style games and WIN! Play FREE Slots, Video Poker, Multiplayer Poker, Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, and other FREE casino-style games. You receive a 3 for 18. The dealer unfortunately had 14 and hit the 6 to get to 20 and kick pretty much everyone's ass at the table. Try doubling down on hard nine, ten, or 11. Rating. Basic strategy calls for players to hit soft 18 when the dealer shows a 9, 10 or Ace. 18: Basic strategy exceptions for three to six cards. Exactly 18: Hit only if you're "behind". Dealer stands on soft 17. In short, basic blackjack strategy changes based on whether you’re playing soft 17 blackjack or not. The family includes European games such as wingt-et-un and pontoon, as well. If the dealer has a soft 18, soft 19 or a soft 20, then the dealer must stay. For example, an ace-5 is a soft 16 and a 3-ace-5 is a soft 19. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. For the purposes of this rule, "behind" means you'd lose if you assume a Ten in the hole. 1. Soft 19 is an excellent in blackjack soft hand, as it positions players close to the coveted total of 21. Stand against dealer’s 2 3 and 7 8, except when you have 4. Blackjack is a negative expectancy game, meaning you will lose money over time as the casino has an edge over you. We designed the software that we wish we had to learn. Dealer peeks for blackjack. ”Double Up Blackjack allows the player to double their bet and stand. Founded in 1998, our basic blackjack strategy engine generates optimal strategy charts for 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 decks. Having a soft 18 already puts you in a good situation, but using double down could put you in an even better one. For double deck blackjack, double down soft 14 if the dealer has 4. You must split for the same amount of money as your original wager. In single-deck games, hit soft 18 against dealer’s Ace. This strategy is not so obvious but it lies mostly with the mathematical edge over the long term and the blackjack basic strategy that says the dealer will likely get a 12, 17 and 18. PD: Split if doubling down is permitted after splitting, else double down. Double, lose 54. Soft 18 in blackjack (A-7) is a commonly misplayed hand. The reason casino blackjack tables have a maximum bet is exactly to counter the Martingale strategy. Conversely, hard hands are initial hands that lack an ace. Soft 18 (A,7) doubles. Ez az osztás összesen 18 értékű lapból áll, ami 1 ászt tartalmaz (tehát 7-es és 11-es értékű ász). Basic strategy for a soft 18 against a dealer 10 is to hit, regardless if your hand is composed of Ace-7, Ace-3-4, or even the above five-card hand. Double on all Soft hands worth 18 or less against 5 and 6. If the dealer hits on a soft 17, the correct action is to Surrender, or Hit when your blackjack hand value is 16. A blackjack game dealt from a shoe. The house edge of this game is 2. Doubling Soft hands which include an Ace is one of the secrets of winning blackjack. You should double on soft 18 when playing against an H17 dealer with small upcards 2 through 6 . For example, an 8 and a 10 is a hard 18. With a soft hand, the general strategy is to keep hitting until a total of at least 18 is reached. The SlotsSpot team supports the people of Ukraine. Place the bet in the circle in front of you on the table. You hit your two-card soft 18 against a dealer who reveals more powerful cards like a 9, a 10, or an Ace. Maximize your chances in Blackjack with our guide to doubling down. The blackjack rules this table is based are liberal Vegas shoe, as follows: Six decks Dealer stands on soft 17 Surrender allowed Double after split allowed Player may resplit to four hands, including aces. The 18 could be “hard,” meaning the hand either doesn’t contain an ace, or if it does, the ace is. When to Hit: Always hit when your hand is a hard 11 or less. Each card becomes the. For example, A-6 and A-3-3 are both a soft 17. The dealer has no choice on how to play their hands. Provided that your game of choice requires the dealer to hit soft 17 (H17), you should also double on your soft 18 against a deuce. You'll almost always stand on a soft 18 or higher, and you'll always hit a soft 17 or lower. Blackjack Card Values: Learn Soft Vs Hard Hands. Of course, even a two-card hand where one card is an Ace is a multiple-card soft hand, but players who have memorized the proper basic. Yes--that's the right box. While you still lose money by hitting, taking a risk improves your odds and helps you lose less on average. Note: “Soft” is a hand with an Ace, meaning it can’t bust. Always hit soft 13 through soft 18 against the dealer’s 5 or 6. 48% chance of a push, and a 49. The basic strategy rules for hitting soft 17 are as follows: For double- and multi-deck games, hit when the dealer‘s upcard is a 2 or 7 through ace. Bni Visitors Education Slot, City Of Austin Connection, Soft. Don Schlesinger, the man responsible for creating the Illustrious 18 blackjack deviations, was also the one who first presented the Fab Four. We also cover card counting systems. I got an 8 (derision), then 4 to get 20. The absence of this Ace gives the players fewer options. SOFT 18 VS. The optimal plays for soft 18 in double-deck and multiple-deck S17 blackjack largely coincide. GENERAL RULES OF PLAY. dealer's 4, 5, or 6. The goal of the game is to make a high percentage of correct moves, not to earn money. This is known as a soft 17. There are a few small adjustments that you may want to consider if you are playing a blackjack game where the dealer hits on soft 17. On these soft hands, taking an extra card turns a house edge into a player edge. The house will win when players bust, regardless of the final dealer hand. 48% of blackjack games end in a push, leaving the probability of a loss at 49. This is more important with soft blackjack hands than any other kind of hand, but those are also some of the harder hands to make decisions about. rebm1t • 3 yr. The many different variants of blackjack have their own twist, although the basic aim of the game remains the same. dealer’s Ace. dealer's 2-8 (except when doubling vs. You now have a good hand in blackjack that can outdraw many of the dealer’s holdings. 6 Android, Free Slots Best Game, Free Huuuge Casino Sound Effects, Maquinas Tragamonedas Gratis Casino Guru, Texas Tea Free. Hands of A-8, A-2-6, and 3-5-A are all examples of soft 19. What's best: We also automatically save your game so you can come back anytime to play blackjack online! Remember, you don't win because you are closer to the value of 21 -- you win because your combined value of the cards is greater than that of dealer. A hard hand is one that can usually risk being busted with just one hit. The concept of hard hands and soft hands is also important when it comes to standing in blackjack. Nearly all physical casinos use a six-deck shoe, giving the house a slightly higher edge. In every game of blackjack, the dealer either plays Soft 17 or higher, or hits Soft 17, which means they can only play Hard 17, plus any 18 or higher. Blackjack is an enormously popular card game, with millions of fans playing it online across the globe. Soft 18 (A7) – Double down against dealer’s 4 6, unless when you have 4 or more cards. A discussion of how to play a hard 13 with perfect basic strategy in blackjack. More than other free slots games you’ll find at casinos like blackjack. 10% chance of losing. However, this does not mean the house wins 57. 10%. This hand is played similarly to a soft 13 or 14, and for similar reasons. You pull a 4 and now have soft 18. So hitting soft 18 against a dealer's 10 upcard is the correct play (even when your soft 18 hand consists of three or more cards, such as Ace-2-Ace-4). I remember reading Burning the tables in Las Vegas and one of the cover mechanism he used that doesn’t cost too much EV is always standing on soft 18. Mastering the 10 most difficult hands. I've tried changing all kinds of options and the tables only show +1. 22% chance of winning on each hand, along with an 8. 167% (pushing against dealer's 18 (11. A dealer can choose to hit or stand on a soft 17, unlike blackjack where they must hit. If the dealer hits over 21, or busts, all remaining player hands win the round. Fortunately, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges of any casino game. The smiling dealer deals the cards to three players. The 18 could be “hard,” meaning the hand either doesn’t contain an ace, or if it does, the ace is counted as one. There is no such thing as a soft 21 because this hand is deemed to be blackjack. Double Down/Doubling - You can place an additional bet equal to your original one, and you will receive one extra card. Other examples of soft 19 include 2-6-A, 5-3-A, and A-7-A. 29. Beat the house so bad you can buy the house!Let us bring the thrills of Atlantic City to your doorstep with a large array of Blackjack, Roulette, Slots, Video Poker, Table Games, and Big Jackpot slots. Likewise, a soft 13 would be made up of an ace and a 2. Jackpot City Mobile Download, Soft 18 Blackjack, Money Save Slot Milfy City 0. The reason it's a close play is because if the dealer has a 6 under his ace, you already have him beat. Double soft 18 vs. dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays even money, late surrender allowed, player may only double on 10 or 11, double after split not allowed, split aces get one card each, only one split allowed, six card Charlie, dealer must stop with six cards. an ace. If one of the cards in your hand is an ace, which can be counted as either 11 or 1, you have a soft hand. Ace-seven or soft 18 = Stand against a dealer two, seven, and eight, hit against a nine, 10, or ace, and double against three, four, five,. Players should stay on their hard 18 if the dealer is stronger with upcards 7, 10 (10, K, Q, J), and Ace; These moves are considered optimal for this pair when one plays single-deck blackjack variations where the dealers must stand on soft totals of 17. Blackjack (formerly black jack and vingt-un) is a casino banking game. If your total is soft 17 or less, you should always hit in compliance with the blackjack strategy chart. Mastering the art of soft hands in blackjack is a crucial key to success in the game. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of $30+. Soft 15-16 when the dealer has 4-6. Conclusion – The combination of playing cards and the mix of playing rules determine the ideal playing strategy for every blackjack game in a casino on mobile. 93%. Your chose to hit and get a 10 – this takes your hand from a soft 16 to a hard 16 (1+5+10+16) You hit again -because the chart tells you to hit on a hard 16 if the dealer’s card is a 10. Ace = 1 or 11. It’s a tricky situation that requires careful consideration. For a shoe game, there are 3 differences in basic strategy: A7v2, A8v6, and 11vA. Double on soft 15 and soft 16 against a dealer 4, 5, or 6, otherwise hit; Double on soft 17 against a dealer 3, 4, 5 or 6, otherwise hit; Double on soft 18 against a dealer 3, 4, 5 or 6, otherwise stand; Let’s now examine an example with a soft 17 against a dealer with a 4 to see the exact differences in the net profits when you hit and double. For example, a hand consisting of an Ace and a 6 is referred to as a ‘soft 17’ because the Ace is valued as 11 points (11 + 6 = 17). On top of that, the presence of the Ace determines the type of a hand in blackjack. Soft 17 is a situation in which the blackjack hand contains a total of 17 with a single ace (6+A, 4+2+A, etc. Never take insurance or "even money. I think a 3-card soft 18. Dealer peeks at hole card for blackjack. I got yelled at by everyone when I hit my soft 18 against the 10 last night at Switch playing 3rd base. Side bets: Additional bets can be placed alongside the main Blackjack game. Jack, Queen & King count as 10. 438% (winning against dealer's 17, soft 17 (11. Hitting soft 17 gives the dealer the chance to make the 18, 19, 20 and 21 hands that can win on their own against a player pat hand. When a player gets a soft 17, they face a fork in the road. Doubling down on low cards is a must, in this position, as you will get double the reward whenever your hand is best. Whether you’re looking to win big or just have some fun, Elements Casino Victoria offers exciting choices for all! Play the latest of our 770 Slots from $0. Blackjack Chart for When the Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (4. 5%. Get Deposit Bonus up to: $1000 + 200 Free Spins * New customers only. 24% chance of losing. In general, this rule actually decreases the advantage to the house, according to this article. You must have two of the same value cards. Remember, these plays DO NOT WORK EVERY SINGLE TIME, this is just the best possible way to play this specific blackjack game to bring the odds closer to. lol "Live On Line" Blackjack. One of the dealer’s cards is placed face up. Most players stand with an A-7 (soft 18) against a dealer’s 9 upcard, reasoning that an 18 is good enough to beat the dealer. Basic Strategy for 4 to 8-Deck Blackjack: Dealer Hits on Soft 17. Slot Msc, Soft 18 Blackjack, Stp Slot A Punt, Memory Slot Tlumaczenie, Cel Mai Bun Casino, Slot Ceiling, Jennys Slot. If you have an Ace and either a 5, 6 or 7 giving you a “soft” total of 16 to 18 and the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, this is a great time to. The best thing is you can play try them out for free, right here, so pick your favorite and start playing free blackjack. Soft 18 - A soft total of A-7 versus a 7 up card (Doubling) Hard 11 - A hard total of 11 against the blackjack dealers 6 up card (Double Down Hand) Hard 20 - A Hard total of 20 vs. 36%. Offer: 50 No-Deposit Spins. On the other hand, a soft hand is the one that involves an ace that is worth either 1 or 11. 1. . at least 18) and dealers who Stand on soft 17 are easier to beat. Pemain sering salah memainkan hard 18 membingungkannya dengan soft 18. 36%. Blackjack Strategy Additional Rules. Worse, it's a hand on which weak decisions may strongly erode expected returns. In live Blackjack, a hard hand means what it implies – the hand is tough because there is no Ace. That cuts your doubling options by 18, which is almost half! Being able to double on any two cards cuts the house edge by roughly 0.