One hand vs. two

Should a player always just play one hand at a time? Are there situations such as table conditions, number of decks dealt, etc. where two decks are more advantageous? I am especially interested in opinions as it relates to one deck play. When I play at a table with the rule of 7, where I get 5 deals for two hands, by the time the game is finished, the dealer usually only has about 8 or so cards left in their hand. Whereas, when I play with one hand with 6 deals, the dealer has about 18 or so cards left over. It appears that that last deal with the two hands would be especially advantageous for the card counter. Please let me know if there is specific written material showing an analysis of one hand vs. two. Thanks a lot.

If you are playing in a single deck rule of six game heads-up, then two hands is the best way to go. You will get deeper penetration this way, and it translates into a significant increase in EV as compared to playing one hand. I did a group of sims on this years ago, but unfortunately, they were lost with a hard drive crash. I think my results may still be archived on Green Chip.

Bootlegger, on the next trip, I will playing at a location with the rule of 7 and not 6. I have played at this location a couple of times before. Most casinos that I have visited do use the rule of 6 though. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR ANALYSIS OF THIS SUBJECT. Generally, a problem that I run into is that most, but not all, casinos require you to double the table minimum for each of the two hands. That can be tough for me for when I start out with the neutral bet, I make sure I have room to drop the bet when the count turns negative. Thanks a whole lot.

Don't be concerned with dropping your bet when the count tanks. You won't have to play that many negative rounds in single deck. Be far more concerned with putting over a strong act.