The house rules can vary a bit when it comes to a soft 17. They have no options when it comes to whether they should hit or stay. Blackjack dealers have to follow a strict algorithm that varies from casino to casino. The general rules of Blackjack are for the dealer to hit until he reaches 17 or above, regardless of the players’ hand. One final way that you can beat the dealer is by having your first two cards equal twenty-one (commonly referred to as a Blackjack) when the dealer’s cards do not. You can also beat the dealer if the dealer’s hand exceeds 21 – otherwise known as a bust. If a player draws a hand value higher than a dealer’s hand, the player wins. Here is a brief explanation of how to beat the dealer in Blackjack, and standard rules for when the dealer hits or stands. When Does the Dealer Have to Stand in Blackjack?.When Does the Dealer Have to Hit a Soft 17?.