A,8 Double

[CanKen]

The only play that seems to cause an uproar where I play, (aside from splitting tens, which I don't do), is doubling A,8 vs 4,5,6 at the appropriate count. It doesn't come up very often in an 8-deck game, but I did it yesterday against the dealer's 4 and immediately got screams of "Don't do that!", "You already got 19!". Then the dealer chimed in with "Are you sure you want to do that? This gentleman has $400 on the table!" I asked the big bettor if he didn't want me to do it, and he just shrugged, so I went ahead. As it happened, I got my ten, and felt good until the dealer turned a 10, then drew a 7 for 21. Of course several people were kind enough to point out that I had "taken the dealer's bust card".
My question is whether this play is worth the hassle or should I just forget it?

CK

 

[Abraham de Moivre]

s19 vs 5,6 are included on the expanded I18 otherwise known as the "catch 22".
I would say YES they are too valuable a play to discard.

Why let the thoughts or actions of a few loser ploppies be any concern for your actions? Only be concerned with heat from the casino, not its patrons.

If undue uproar from the ignorant masses causes the eye of attention to be placed on you, then you might consider altering your play. I would try strategies to nip this ploppy "advice" in the bud, before it got to the level that the casino noticed or gets involved, before I would alter my actual play.

If given a chance, the entire table would love to play every hand for you. Blackjack is a "team" sport according to the ploppies. Let them know you aren't a team player upfront, and later strange plays won't get reactions.

 

[zengrifter]

Re: A,8 Double YES

YES - its worth it... especially if the play causes some of the ploppies to leave the table. zg