Re: New Player Needs Some Advice

Let me put this as gently as possible:

If you don't know what "double down" means, then you have no business
sitting at a blackjack table.

If you don't know why you need to take the dealer's cards into
consideration, then you have no business sitting at a blackjack table.

It might feel good or safe to stand when you have 12 and the dealer has a 7
showing. But it's a good way to lose money quickly.

Blackjack is a game of mathematics, not of "gut feel". It has been studied
and written about my many, many people who have a very good understanding of
the mathematics involved. There are a lot of very good books on the subject.
There is software to allow you to practice at home.

But blackjack is also "gambling". The only way you are going to win any
money is if you step out of your comfort zone and take an intelligent risk
when the situation calls for it. But first, you need to know what the
intelligent play is in every situation.

Read and practice at home. Read some more, practice some more. And don't go
to a casino unless you can confidently double down when you have 11 and the
dealer shows 10.