There is no greater joy than enduring at the table. Every gambler wishes to see a bankroll last. When playing Blackjack, it is important to assess the situation correctly. Relying on basic strategy is ok. However, if a player wishes to advance, there are details to think of. Join us for the exploration of whether playing one or two hands in Blackjack is an advantage.
Assessing the Chances
A great deal of players prefers playing two hands, as they believe this increases their chances. Alternatively, they start with a hand and then spread it onward. The reasoning behind this strategy is that when a player plays two hands, he or she will be dealt more cards an hour. More cards – more winning chances, or so it seems.
However, more experienced players know that playing more hands will get a player’s bankroll in danger. Actually, this is the perfect way to expose the bankroll to more losses, as the house edge does not disappear when a player plays two hands. On the other hand, if a player is skilled, there is a way to make multi-hand profitable.
Betting on Two Hands
Betting on two hands is beneficial if you are counting cards. But we will get to that later on.
Choosing to bet on one or two hands in Blackjack is not easy. The positive aspect of betting on two hands is that a player can decrease the hourly loss. Naturally, this depends on the total number of players at the table. For example, a player decides to split the betting in the following way: instead of betting $20 on one hand, he or she bets evenly and wager $10 on each of two hands. In theory, the hourly loss would come down from $10 (when betting $20 on one hand) to $8 (when betting $10 each hand).
Nonetheless, betting on two hands has its own downsides. With increasing the total bet on two hands, the risk increases as well. Imagine, that instead of betting $20 on one hand, a player decides to bet $20 on each hand. Apparently, the more money you invest, the higher the chances of winning big. However, in this case, a player enlarges the total amount of a bet. Consequently, the hourly loss increases as well. There are still chances of winning, but the risk is great as well.
What Happens with the Bankroll?
As for the bankroll, the bottom line is that there would be no more or less ups and downs when betting on two hands, other than usual. Players should keep in mind that although two hands appear to be separate wagers, the overall amount that is wagered is the same. Furthermore, both hands relate to the same dealer’s hand, so if you are winning, you are winning on both hands. Alternatively, you are losing on both.
The good thing is that betting on two hands can prolong the time spent at the table. If you are playing for the pure joy, or if pleasure of the game is your primary goal, betting on two hands is a way to go.
Should I Count Cards?
In short terms: you would need to decide what your goal is.
If you are counting cards, the experts suggest going with the two-hand bets. When counting, you have the edge already. This is also the situation when spreading your bet equally among hands means less risk. The interesting thing is that the risk does not increase with changing of the betting amount.
Moreover, most of the casinos require to bet double the table minimum for each hand, when betting on two hands. Eventually, this leads to more opportunities of winning or losing a more significant amount.
There is also the advantage of spreading the bet to two hands with minimum bets, in order to move through the negative count smoothly. Minimum bets in this case should serve to get rid of the cards with small value. That way, a player is left with the remaining cards of the higher value to be dealt. Similarly, a player can start betting on two hands with minimum bets, and then switch to one-hand and larger bets when better cards come his or her way.
Whether you bet on one or two hands in Blackjack could be the question of style, not just the skill. Either way, we are looking forward to hearing about your experiences in Blackjack.
