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Double-Down Considerations



Double-Down Considerations
You watch as the dealer (or the computer software) puts out the cards. You get an A and an 8 and the dealer upcard is a lovely 6. Wow, you think to yourself, what a great double down opportunity. Before you click the button to put those extra chips out there, however, take a moment to consider the circumstances. Here are some things to consider before making the move: What is your lead? I’ve seen online blackjack tournament players make some foolish doubles at the end of the round and give up their leads in the process. Of course, these are the same players who play like maniacs anyway so their boneheaded plays aren’t terribly surprising. It’s quite simple: if you have an insurmountable lead in the final few hands of a tournament, play it safe. Bet small and don’t pull off any doubles or splits, no matter if you have an 11 against a dealer 5. If you have the match in hand don’t give it away. Could it cost you the lead? In a situation in which the double will only give you a slightly bigger lead, but a loss of that double will cause you to fall into second, you shouldn’t double. If you have $3,000 and a $200 bet and the player in second place just won a bet that will give him $3,100 in chips you should stick with your soft 19 and not risk the double. You’re probably gold here to get $3,200 in chips. There’s no need to risk a slightly larger $300 chip lead when a loss of the double would cause you to be behind by $500 chips. What is the risk/reward of the move? There are times where losing the double will hurt you much more than winning it will help you. For example, you’re playing the next to last hand of a blackjack tournament with your soft 19 vs. 6 situation and have $1,700 in chips with a $500 max bet. The table leader has $1,800 and unwisely chose to bet only $75, so he is looking at either a tally of $1,875 or $1,725 going into the final hand, barring a double or split of his own. Here you should just hit your hand. If you win it, you will have $2,200 in chips and a more than half-max bet lead in the final hand, which will put you in a dominating position. Sure, if you win that double down you will have the tournament about locked up, but you will be in nearly as great shape without the added risk if you do not double. If you lose the double, however, your opponent will have you practically locked out on the final hand. In a spot like this the risk of the double just isn’t worth the reward. By Johnny Kampis- Blackjack Expert

 





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