I sometimes feel a little leary about doubling on 9 vs. 3-6. It just seems like this would be something that only card counters do. I'm a fairly new counter, and in my mid 20s. I would think that older people could get away with this, but I just feel like doubling on a 9 is like putting a sign on your back that says: COUNTER! I also feel the same in regards to soft hands. Am I just being paranoid? Should I think about not doubling? Comments? Suggestions?
your fine, the dealers usually will encourage this if you ask them. just play dumb and ask the dealer if that is a good idea.
would also double on these. If you are worried about this at this early stage you might want to rethink whether counting is for you at all. Give up the garbage doubles that contribute almost nothing, like A3 v 4. You can't take a pass on strong doubles like 9 v 4,5,&6.
At this stage you should not worry about making bad play decisions for cover. D10 is a terrible game and this is what you are thinking about self-imposing.
Don't ever pass up a basic strategy double, unless your true count is negative enough that you should just hit. If you are paranoid about doubling hard 9 when it is called for, and somehow think this play only looks good if you were older, you may not be cut out for blackjack.
OTOH, maybe you should disguise yourself, dye your hair gray, put on your depends, and then fire away with confidence.
As you play more in casinos, you will see ploppies who not only double 9's against 3-6, but also against 2, 7 and 8. Many of them will double 8's against stiff cards and every now and then, someone will double a 6 or a 7. Don't worry about doubling 9's being perceived as something only a counter would do.
