Playing A-7 vs. 4 in Blackjack

Here's the situation:

You're playing in a multiple deck game where doubling down on soft hands is allowed. You're dealt an Ace and a seven, which gives you a total of 8 or 18. The dealer has a poor upcard of four. Is this is a good opportunity to double?Playing A-7 vs 4 in Blackjack

Well, our reflexes tell us to absolutely get double the money down on the table and take home a winner.

But before jumping to a conclusion - and because we're being clinical about this - let's break down what we're looking at.

As is the case in many doubling situations, you will have a greater winning margin (in terms of the difference in hands) if you simply hit this hand. That's because you would be able to draw more than one card, giving you more opportunities to make a good, solid standing hand.

But to make hitting the more favorable option here, you had better be able to win a LOT more hands. In the situation before us (A7 vs. 4), you'll win nearly 53% of your hands by hitting, losing 35% of the time. That's a big gain - 18 hands per every hundred. When you double it, though, the win-loss ratio of hands is about 52%-40%.

That's a difference of 12 hands per hundred, but it looks different when you're doubling. Imagine, on the basis of $1 per hand, $52 won per hundred hands as opposed to $40. But $104 to $80 is a bigger differential, isn't it?

You see, with the doubling factored in, that represents a difference of 24 units per hundred. That's what makes doubling the appropriate play here.

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
      • 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 cash: $30,000. Selected games only: See the website for a list of online slots. Playthrough for the bonuses is 10 days.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      3.7 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.5 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.6 /5
      3.6/5
    • 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
      4.3 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.8 /5
      AVERAGE
      4.1 /5
      4.1/5
    • info
      • Kats Casino
      • No Deposit Bonus

        $120
        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+. Max cashout: $100. Players cannot redeem consecutive multiple free bonuses.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      2.8 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      3.5 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.2 /5
      3.2/5
    • info
      • ComicPlay Casino
      • No Deposit Bonus

        $30
        New players only. T&Cs apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 19+. $30 Free Chip. Players need to sign up from our link, activate bonus code in profile (email should be verified). Maximum cashout: $60. Restricted games: No. Max bet amount for no deposit bonuses: no restrictions.

    • Rating

      lcb.org
      4.1 /5
      gamesandcasino.com
      2.9 /5
      AVERAGE
      3.5 /5
      3.5/5

More on How to play Blackjack