Playing A-4 vs. 3 in Blackjack

Here's the situation:

You are playing in a multiple deck game where the option of soft doubling is allowed (which means the vast majority of casinos). You're dealt an Ace and a four, while the dealer gives himself an upcard of three. Naturally, a signal would go off, identifying a possible doubling situation here. After all, you've got the flexibility of a hand with an Ace, and a dealer upcard that is not necessarily strong.  Is that what you should do?Blackjack

Actually, no. The correct play here is not to double this hand, but to hit it.

The winning percentages between the two options are similar in that they're close to 50%. But when you examine it further, there indeed IS a difference.

This brings us to a very simple principle; one that should be followed at all times: when you are presented with one option that brings a negative expectation and another that brings a positive expectation, the option to elect is the one which yields POSITIVE results. The negative yield makes it impractical to double here.

Take the opportunity, through the flexibility the Ace provides, to take as many cards as you need in order to put together a winning hand.

US vs. THEM Blackjack Strategy Series
An Analysis
By Charles Jay

Best Blackjack Bonuses

These bonuses allow you to play blackjack to clear the bonuses wagering requirements.

    • info
      • Everygame Casino
      • Christmas Bonus

        200% UP TO $5000 + 50 free spins
        T&C’s Apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. Play Responsibly. 200% up to $5,000 + 50 Free Spins on Rudolph Unleashed. Min. deposit $20. WR for Free Spins: 10x. Valid until January 31st, 2025.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      3.5 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.9 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.7 /5
      3.7/5
    • info
      • America777 Casino
      • Sign Up Bonus

        200% UP TO $1000 + 100 free spins
        New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. Canadian customers must be 19+ to participate. Play Responsibly. PLUS 100 Free Spins. Max cashout: 6x deposit amount. Max bet: $5. Game contribution: 50%: All NetEnt games as well as Red Tiger Games. Players from the following countries are restricted from claiming any bonuses on offer: Afghanistan, Aruba, Bonaire, Burma, Congo, Curacao, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Netherlands, North Korea, Palestine, Saba, Singapore, Somalia, Statia, St. Maarten, Sudan, Syria, Singapore, United Kingdom, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      3.3 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.0 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.2 /5
      3.2/5
    • info
      • CryptoWins Casino
      • Sign up Bonus

        77% UP TO ₿1
        New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. Min deposit: 5$. Maximum cashout: $30,000. Selected games only: See the website for a list of online slots. Playthrough for the bonuses is 10 days.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      3.9 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.5 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.7 /5
      3.7/5
    • info
      • MrO Casino
      • Sign up Bonus

        400% UP TO $10000 + 400 free spins
        New customers only. T&C apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. Plus 400 Free Spins, 80 spins for 5 consecutive days. Min Deposit: $10. Max Bet: $10. Max Cashout: None.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      4.4 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.8 /5
      AVERAGE
      4.1 /5
      4.1/5

More on How to play Blackjack