Gaming Guru

Ask Frank: Why Not Double an Eleven against a Dealer's Ace?

I have a question about basic blackjack strategy that has I have been unable to answer on my own.

The question is: If I have 11 showing, and the dealer has an Ace showing, why would I not double down? When an Ace is showing, the first thing the dealer does is ask about insurance and then check for a blackjack. If the dealer has no blackjack, the game continues. At this point we have established that the dealer is playing with a card of 9 or less.

Our 11 gives us a good shot at 21, which is why we double down on all other dealer hands. Since we know that the dealer has 20 or less, I would think that it would be a good time to double down.

Please shoot some holes in this theory so that I may better understand blackjack.

Norman

Dear Norman,

To double or just hit against an Ace in a multiple-deck game is a close call. However, trillions of computer simulations shows us that by just hitting and not doubling, you will make more money on the hand. In single-deck games with average rules, the best move is to double. I can't argue with a computer. Rememebr what HAL did in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete