Table Games Blackjack player mad at me for doubling on A-7 vs low cards (3-6)

basic strategy says to double on the A-7 hand when dealer card is 3 to 6. But I have received criticisms from players who insist i should not double on dealer 3-6. Criticism happens when the dealer beats players hands. One guy blamed me for the loss and he was on 1st base.

Did I do anything wrong?

 

If someone gives you a hard time, especially regarding something like that, they're in the wrong not you. Probably someone who is just a grumpy human being who shouldn't be gambling in the first place. Just ignore them and have your fun!

 

I'll always remember a time last year at Sands in Bethlehem. I had 9.9 vs dealer 8, obviously split. I bust the first and get 19 on the other. Guy on 3rd is throwing a major fit, saying why would you do that, just take the push. I've played for 11 years now so I know what to do. Just didn't expect the dealer to turn a 3 and draw 10. Guy just wouldn't shutup, he was down 1500. I hate it when the dealer or pit boss never interjects to say to them "hey you're an idiot, he did the right thing, just didn't work out." They know we made the right move. A smarter player is going to tip more than a dumber player, so have our backs.

 

Ignoring the experts and enjoying yourself is the only way to go. It's your money

 

Don't be bullied into playing against basic strategy. It's your money, you have every right to play your way, especially since it's the optimal play!

 

I always tell people that I play by the book determined by probability theory and don't understand why people don't.

 

This is why I generally play by myself. That way I dont have to deal with other players. If somebody doesn't like the way I play I let them know there are plenty of other tables to play at and let them know next time I get 10's I am going to split them. That generally gets them to leave.

 

Even if you did something wrong who cares nobody is perfect. Enjoy yourself while gambling let that person know they are grumpy and should go take a nap in their garage with the car running. Im not saying you did anything wrong either

 

Play however you want, right or wrong. you were right in this situation. But if someone wants to wager their money, they can play however they want. if they don't like it, they can leave.

 

Play how you want to play.

Idiots that think YOUR PLAY will only hurt them do not understand the lay of the land. They are stupid. Ignore them.

 

I've caught similar grief from time-to-time over the years... these days. my standard response is along these lines:
"The mathematically correct play doesn't mean a guaranteed win...it only means that it will win me more money in the long run".

Hitting 12 against a dealer 2 seems to be the most-often complained about... in the past, I've actually taken the time to go over the math of this hand with the complaining player(s)...some listen & "get it"...others take the attitude that math is irrelevant.
Now-a-days, I just tell them that there are no guarantees in blackjack - even when playing every hand perfectly.
(PS - 5 cards hit 12 to a 17+ [5-6-7-8-9]...only 4 bust it)

 

Not only that, but those same idiots are 100% ignoring the times that you took the card that would have given the dealer a 21, took the card that would have busted the rest of the table, etc. While your play on a particular hand can affect the rest of that particular hand, that's a short-sighted way to look at it.

 

One of the first things I teach newbies is how some rude and ignorant players may react to another player's wrong (or right) decisions! Being forewarned and prepared with an arsenal of comebacks (if necessary), can take a lot of the stress out of the game.

Many years ago at Harrah's New Orleans, I remember doubling down on an Ace, 7 against the dealers stiff and incurring all kinds of crap from the other players AND the dealer. In fact, the dealer told me to pull back the DD chips and stand. I refused, and then he insisted again, and so did I. He reluctantly dealt the card, which just happened to be a 3! Of course, had the dealer beaten everyone, I'm sure I would have received a lot more crap, but who the hell cares!

 

I usually ask them if they'd like to borrow my basic strategy card that I keep in my wallet.

 

I did that once, but then said player told me basic strategy is only 95% and that I shouldn't be a losing player.

 

Obviously you did the right thing, I have suggested to people that groan at my "correct" plays(typically soft 18 hits or doubles, or hitting 12 against a 2 or 3) that BJ books are cheap and easily attainable.

 

I'll usually say something along those lines, often adding to the part about winning more with "or lose less".

 

I like your style

 

I get it fairly often it seems when I hit on 12 vs 2. Just my opinion but it seems like it happens more when at places on the strip, not DT or local casinos where the players are generally smarter.....

 

Interesting, 12 vs. 2 is generally non-controversial in my experience. I find people tend to be most confused by whether or not to hit a soft 16 or 17.