Blackjack Theorem
Soft

Soft 17 (A,6): How to Play

A soft 17 is A,6 — an Ace counted as 11 plus 6. Here is the correct basic-strategy play against each dealer upcard (6-deck, S17, DAS).

Soft 17 vs dealer

Dealer2345678910A
PlayHDhDhDhDhHHHHH

S = stand · H = hit · D = double · Ds = double if allowed else stand

One of the ten changes with the count

Against 2 the correct play moves once the count does. The other 9 hold across every true count you will see at a six-deck table.

vs 2
HitTC +1 and below
DoubleTC +2 and up
0.70 pts

The other 9 never move: against 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and an Ace the correct play at true count -3 is the same as at +7.

Break points come from the same count-dependent table that powers the strategy charts. The point gaps are computed by the engine for a full six-deck shoe.

See the full chart and long-run results for your table.
Open the free blackjack simulator →

FAQ

How do you play a soft 17 (A,6)?

See the row above for the correct play against each dealer upcard. It's for 6-deck, dealer stands on soft 17, DAS.

What does "soft" mean in blackjack?

A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11, so it can't bust on the next card. Soft 17 is A,6.

Does the count change how you play a soft 17?

Yes, against 1 of the ten upcards. versus 2, hit becomes double at a true count of +2 or higher. The rest hold at every count you will see at a six-deck table.