We see plenty of banter and queries from players about soft hands, especially soft 18, where many punters feel they often have made big mistakes and reflect on what they should have done instead. If you assume an 18 is a strong total, and that standing is the best choice you are usually right but when it comes to soft 18, things aren’t so black and white.
Knowing how to play a soft 18 properly can make a huge difference to long-term results, especially in games where the dealer hits on soft 17 (H17) or stands on soft 17 (S17). In this quick rundown the team at Joe Fortune break it down for you with no BS, just the facts with real examples and strategy you can use at a casino or at an online blackjack table.
What Is a Soft 18 in Blackjack?
In blackjack, a soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11. A soft 18 is any hand that includes an Ace valued at 11 and a 7, such as:
- Ace + 7
- Ace + 2 + 5
- Ace + 3 + 4
No matter how it’s made up, so long as the Ace still counts as 11 without busting, it’s a soft hand. The benefit for you is flexibility and insurance. If you hit and draw a high card, the Ace can flip from 11 to 1, preventing you from going bust. That makes soft hands safer to hit than hard hands and gives you more options such as doubling down. But soft 18 is one of those tricky hands where the correct move isn’t always obvious. It might feel good enough to stand on, but sometimes that is not the right call.
How to Play Based on an H17 Game
Let’s look at how to play a soft 18 when you’re at a table where the dealer hits on soft 17, this is also called an H17 game. This rule gives the house a slight edge, and you should play a little more aggressively to keep up.
Dealer Shows 2–6
If the dealer is showing a 2 through 6, you’re in a good spot. These are known as dealer bust cards, and the odds of them going over 21 are higher. Suggested play here for your soft 18 is to double down if allowed, but if doubling isn’t allowed you should stand. Why you might ask… Because you are likely ahead in the hand, and you want to get more chips on the table when the odds are on your side. If you draw a small card (such as a 2 or 3), you can land on a strong 19 or 20. And even if you draw a 10, your Ace becomes a 1, and you’ve still got a total of 18. It’s a calculated, low-risk way to maximise your winnings when on a weak dealer card.
Dealer Shows 7 or Higher
When the dealer is showing a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, your soft 18 suddenly becomes something of a sitting duck. The dealer is much more likely to end up with a 19, 20 or 21. Here the best move is to hit against a dealer 9, 10 or Ace and stand against a dealer 7 or 8. That might seem counterintuitive after all, you have been dealt 18!
But against a 9 or higher, your 18 is often a loser unless you improve. Statistically, you’re better off hitting and trying to get to 19 or more. Standing against a 7 or 8 is a more defensive move. While the dealer could still beat you, the odds aren’t bad, and hitting doesn’t offer a significant improvement in expected value.
If Doubling Down Is Not Allowed
Some blackjack tables don’t let you double after hitting or on certain hand types in those cases, you’ll need to adjust your game play if you’re wanting to ensure your best chance of winning. Here are the recommended plays:
- Dealer shows 2–6 → Stand
- Dealer shows 7–8 → Stand
- Dealer shows 9–Ace → Hit
Sure, you are taking a slightly more conservative approach here. Without the chance to double, your upside is limited, so you stand more often and only hit when the dealer is clearly in a stronger position.
Does Strategy Change Between H17 and S17 Blackjack Games?
Yes it does although not enormously. In S17 games, where the dealer stands on soft 17, the house has a slightly smaller edge. That affects how risky you need to be with hands like soft 18. Let’s get you some easy-to-follow comparisons in a table:
| Deal Up Card | H17 Strategy | S17 Strategy |
| 2–6 | Double (if allowed) | Same (i.e. Double) |
| 7–8 | Stand | Same (i.e. Stand) |
| 9, 10, Ace | Hit | May Stand vs. Ace |
The biggest difference comes when facing an Ace. In an H17 game, you should hit your soft 18 against a dealer’s Ace. In an S17 game, many basic strategy charts suggest standing, as the dealer is less likely to improve. That said it is a very fine margin, and for many casual players, it’s not wrong to follow the same approach in both versions unless you’re playing high stakes. If you are not sure whether you’re in an H17 or an S17 game, just look at the rules on the felt or ask the dealer. In most Aussie casinos and at online blackjack tables it should be displayed clearly.
Playing Soft 18 Like a Pro
Here is a quick recap of how to handle a soft 18 in blackjack. Soft 18 (A+7) is a flexible hand that you should play aggressively when the odds favour you as follows:
- Double down vs. dealer 2–6, if allowed.
- Stand vs. dealer 7 or 8.
- Hit vs. dealer 9, 10 or Ace.
- If doubling isn’t allowed, just hit vs. 9–Ace and stand vs. lower dealer cards.
Final Thoughts
A soft 18 can seem like a decent hand, but it’s not a guaranteed winner. In fact, treating it like a solid hand and always standing is a common novice’s error. When played correctly, though, it’s a versatile hand that gives you opportunities to press your advantage or you say minimise your losses. Remember in H17 games, be slightly more aggressive and in S17 games, be a little bit more conservative especially vs. an Ace!
The key takeaway is don’t rely on gut instinct. Use solid strategy, and you’ll make smarter decisions that give you the edge whenever you’re playing at a casino in Australia or at an online blackjack table at Joe Fortune.