Playing two hands or one
Question: For the average player, is there any mathematical advantage to playing two hands of blackjack versus one?
Answer: A skilled player using perfect basic strategy gives up the same approximately one-half percent edge to the casino on both hands. A card counter might actually gain a small advantage over the house by playing an additional hand. But if you are the Average Joe, you will reap exactly the same results on both hands, minus approximately 5% to the house — no edge whatsoever.
An added drawback when playing more than one spot is that you will be dealt more hands per hour. The casino’s commanding edge over the Average Joe’s play is reason enough not to be playing two spots. You are just as likely to keep on losing — but at a faster clip playing two hands.
The key advantage for playing two hands occurs only for card counters. If the deck is positive, counters, knowing they have an edge on the next hand, typically play more than one spot. Because they are playing two spots instead of one, they have twice as much chance of getting the high value cards as the dealer has.
