What is Hard hand?
A hard hand in blackjack is a hand without an ace, or with an ace that can only count as 1 because counting it as 11 would take the total over 21.
A 10 and a 6 make a hard 16. An ace, a 9 and a 7 is also a hard 17, because counting the ace as 11 would give 27. Because a hard hand has no flexible ace, drawing another card risks going bust.
Hard totals from 12 to 16 are considered the weakest hands in the game. Basic strategy charts set out when to hit or stand on each of them depending on the dealer's upcard. For example, a hard 16 against a dealer 10 is a poor hand either way, and correct play under many rules is to surrender if allowed, or otherwise hit.
The distinction between hard and soft hands is central to blackjack strategy and to house rules such as whether the dealer hits soft 17.
