Should you double 9 against a 3?
Double. If you can't double, hit. The book doubles 9 against a 3 through 6 and hits against the rest.
Why
Doubling puts out a second bet, the same size as the first, for exactly one more card. From 9, 5 of the 13 ranks give you 19 or better: an ace, 10, jack, queen or king.
With a 3 showing, the dealer goes over 21 37.7% of the time. No card can break 9, so every one of those pays the doubled bet, whatever you drew.
When the answer changes
This one doesn't change. Every rule set the chart covers doubles 9 against a 3: one, two, six or eight decks, the dealer hitting or standing on soft 17, with or without double after split and surrender.
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 2?
No. Against a 2 the book hits 9. A dealer showing a 2 goes over 21 35.7% of the time.
Is it different at a single-deck table?
No. At the app's table with a single deck, the book still doubles. So does every rule set the chart covers.
More hands
- Should you double 9 against a 2?
- Should you hit 12 against a 3?
- Should you double 9 against a 7?
- Should you hit 12 against a 2?
- Should you hit 12 against a 4?
- Blackjack hands, one at a time
Guides
Know the book before you sit down.
