Definition
H17 is short for "dealer hits on soft 17." When the dealer's hand totals 17 with an Ace counted as 11, the dealer continues drawing cards instead of standing.
H17 vs S17
The rule is usually printed on the table felt or shown on a placard. "Dealer stands on all 17s" or "S17" indicates S17. "Dealer hits soft 17" or "H17" indicates H17.
Why H17 helps the dealer
A soft 17 (Ace + 6) can never bust on the next card. If the dealer draws a low card, the hand stays under 21 and improves. If the dealer draws a high card, the Ace demotes to 1 and the hand becomes a hard 12–16 (still in play). Either way, the dealer often ends up with a better total than the original soft 17.
The math works out to roughly 0.2% in the dealer's favor. Not enormous, but real.
Basic strategy changes for H17
H17 vs S17 changes a handful of player decisions:
The differences are subtle but real. Most basic strategy charts come in H17 and S17 versions; using the wrong chart costs ~0.1% in extra house edge through misplays.
Where you'll find H17
S17 is more common at higher-limit tables (typically $25+) on the Las Vegas Strip and at boutique blackjack rooms in Atlantic City and select riverboat casinos.
Practice in BJNP
Of the 7 table presets in Blackjack Navigator Pro, four use H17 and three use S17. Switching presets automatically adjusts the basic strategy chart and coaching system, so you see the correct play for each rule combination.
Related terms