I do not really understand the concept very well of doubling for less in regular games if it is correct to double it is correct to double for the full amount. In tournaments however it can be correct to double for less. But I don't really understand when. I figure if I win the double bet I could be in good position to win the tourament but if I lose I will have some serious chasing to do and be in serious jeopardy of losing the tournament. Will somebody help me with the concept of doubling for less in tournament play.
You should NEVER dd for less in a blackjack game all DD are a positive EV for the player so if you were to DD for less you would be giving up your expected EV.Note that some DD especially the soft totals have a very small EV but all DD should be taken for the full amount. Now in a tournament DD for less can be at times a very strong play,by allowing you to get more money on the table to regain the high with out giving up the low .One of the strongest DD for less is when you are behind and acting first and the leader has a pair which can not be split for less.You can force the leader who has matched your bet to maintain the high and low on you to have to give one of them up. If they split behind you they have given you the low or if they pass up on the split they have given you the high.The DD for less is a strong tournament tool if used properly. I hope this answers your question. Joep
Don't tell me that you should never double down for less in regular BJ. That used to be my favorite cover move. If I got a 16 v. 7 or a 12 v. 2, I would double down my $10 bet for an extra 50 cents using change from a odd BJ payout. The dealer would yell out "Doubling down for less on a hard 16", and the floor knew I was an idiot.
That fact that you were betting $10 there is no need for cover.Unless of course you were playing on a game where the Max bet was $10 and then you were one of their "High Rollers".If you really wanted them to believe you were an idiot you should have taken the FULL DD,then they might think that.Both hands that you refer to require one hit and one hit only so where is the cover . There isn't to many places that pay attention to $10 bettors. Joep
On doubling for less in a tournament... it also hides your result, so players after you can't vary their play to minimize their loss (such as surrendering or not doubling/splitting) because they don't know if you busted out or not. That fits completely with the style of play in Ian Andersen's book "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas". For less than the price of a Coke, you can ensure the floor thinks you don't know how to play. And by doubling for so much less and since one card is the right play anyway, you barely give up any EV.
Know the casino rules on this one before you attempt it. Most casinos (UBT may be an exception) will expose the DD card if it could break your hand. Also, if you are playing a standard tournament dealt out of a shoe, all cards will be exposed just as in live BJ.
There is when you are spreading from 1 spot of $10 to 3 spots of $100. Long story...but lets just say some juristictions are dumb.
