Lesson 15: The Advanced Course - Part 3

Basic Strategy Variations: Double?

That said, there comes a time when it is worthwhile to double an 8 against a dealer's 6 and that's when there's a higher proportion than normal of 10s left in the deck. That point is determined, of course, by the true count. As the true count gets more positive, it becomes more profitable to double. Conversely, as the count goes negative, it becomes a better play to hit some hands, rather than double.

Just as you're using flashcards to learn the hit/stand variations, make up, a set for doubling. Here are the numbers you need:

Basic Strategy Variations Six decks, dealer stands on A-6

Soft Doubling

A-2 vs. 4	Double at 7.	(Got this? Basic strategy says to HIT A-2 against a 4, but if the true count is 7 or higher, you should double.)
A-2 vs. 5	Double at 0.	(Don't get confused here. Basic strategy says DOUBLE A-2 against a 5, but if the count is at all negative, just hit it; double only when the count is 0 or higher.)
A-2 vs. 6	Double at -2.	(or higher. As long as the count remains above -2, you'll double; once it goes lower than -2, you'll just hit --- then hopefully leave the table if the count doesn't improve.)
A-3 vs. 4	Double at 6.
A-3 vs. 5	Double at -2.
A-4 vs. 4	Double at 0.
A-7 vs. 2	Double at 2.
A-8 vs. 4	Double at 5.
A-8 vs. 5	Double at 2.
A-8 vs. 6	Double at 1.
A-9 vs. 5	Double at 6.
A-9 vs. 6	Double at 5.

Hard Doubling

8 vs. 5	Double at 6.
8 vs. 6	Double at 3.
9 vs. 2	Double at 2.
9 vs. 3	Double at -1
9 vs. 7	Double at 6.
10 vs. 9	Double at -2.
11 vs. A	Double at 1.

Homework

Questions? E-mail me at aceten1@mindspring.com and I'll reply personally.

The Basic Course:
Basic blackjack strategy (1)
Basic blackjack strategy (2)
Blackjack card counting basics
Blackjack: How to count cards
Blackjack card counting tricks
Blackjack single-deck card counting
Money management as a card counter
Ture count & optimum bets
Money management & standard deviation
Attitude for winning blackjack
Evaluating blackjack games
Casino playing tactics

The Advanced Course:
Blackjack strategy variations
When to hit or stand
Soft/hard doubling hands
Blackjack gaming: split?
Test blackjack skills
Advanced single-deck card counting
Advanced single-deck blackjack
Casino gambling for optimum bet
Beating double-deck blackjack games
Beating double-deck blackjack: betting simulation
Double-deck blackjack strategy variations
Blackjack gaming surrender options

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