Should you double 9 against a 2?
Hit. The book doubles 9 against a 3 through 6 and hits against the rest.
Why
A 2 is weak, but not weak enough to double 9 into. With a 2 showing, the dealer goes over 21 35.7% of the time, less often than with a 3 through 6.
Doubling locks you into one card for twice the bet, and from 9 only 5 of the 13 ranks reach 19 or better. Take a card and keep your choices open. The book doubles 9 against a 3 through 6.
When the answer changes
At the app's table (six decks, the dealer hitting soft 17, double after split and late surrender) the book hits 9 against a 2. With one or two decks, the book doubles instead. Every other rule set plays it the way the app's table does.
The full basic strategy chart for six decks, dealer hits soft 17, with every other rule set a tap away.
Questions
Should you double 9 against a 3?
Yes. Against a 3 the book doubles 9. A dealer showing a 3 goes over 21 37.7% of the time.
Is it different at a single-deck table?
Yes. At the app's table with a single deck, the book doubles 9 against a 2.
More hands
- Should you double 9 against a 3?
- Should you hit 12 against a 2?
- Should you hit 13 against a 2?
- Should you double 9 against a 7?
- Should you hit 12 against a 3?
- Blackjack hands, one at a time
Guides
Know the book before you sit down.
