I was playing Blackjack this weekend at my local casino. When I play I don't give advice to the other players but I do like to listen to them as they discuss strategy and at times argue with each other as to what is the correct play according to basic strategy. During my session a couple sat down at my table and it soon became obvious that the young lady was a novice to the game. She also did not seem comfortable playing at the table limits of this game. When she was dealt an 11 against the dealer's six she just hit instead of doubling down. When she was told by her friend that the correct move was to double she replied that she did not want to risk more money.

When you play Blackjack you have to take advantage of every opportunity to increase your chances of winning and this means you have to double down according to basic strategy when the dealer shows a bust card. This woman probably should not have been playing this game for a couple of reasons. First she did not know how to play correctly because her friend had to advise her on many of the decisions. She did not want to double down because she did not want to risk more money. This meant she was playing at limits that were over her budget and emotional bankroll.