Defensive doubling
Question: I play a game now that will allow me to double after split Aces but not to hit. Should I double my A2 against 2, 3, 7...etc. Thanks.
Question: I play a game now that will allow me to double after split Aces but not to hit. Should I double my A2 against 2, 3, 7...etc. Thanks.
Doubledown your A2 vs 5 or 6 only, unless you have count indices that dictate otherwise.
Obviously, if the standard strategy calls for doubling, as with A2 vs 6, you would double here. Generally, you will want double against 4,5,6 on any soft hand <= 18.
But I think you are asking a different question: What if you have a hand that you would want to hit, such as A5 vs 7. Do you buy another card, or just Stand.
Now you may be able to double for less. If so, you will want to do this when you are in a negative EV situation. This will happen whenever you have a hitting hand against 7 or higher. In this case, double as little as you can.
If you have to double for the full amount, you would still double most hitting hands. The big exceptions are A7 vs 9,10, Ace. As a first order approximation, do not double any of these. In fact, if you can double for a very small amount, it is worth it. We can compute how small that amount is, but as a practical matter, it probably isn't worth worrying about. I am giving you a simplified strategy, which will cover most situations.
