WaToiler: BJA3 basic strategy question

[WaToiler]

In BJA3, the basic strategy chart for 1-deck H17 NDAS shows that for 12 vs. 3, we should stand if the 12 is a "multi-card, original hand only." Therefore, if the 12 comes after a pair split, we should hit.

Am I correct on this? It is just not intuitive to me because if the 12 comes after a split, the count will most likely be higher, making it more advantageous to stand.

Is there an explanation for this counter-intuitive phenomenon?

[Don Schlesinger]

> In BJA3, the basic strategy chart for 1-deck H17 NDAS
> shows that for 12 vs. 3, we should stand if the 12 is
> a "multi-card, original hand only."
> Therefore, if the 12 comes after a pair split, we
> should hit.

> Am I correct on this? It is just not intuitive to me
> because if the 12 comes after a split, the count will
> most likely be higher, making it more advantageous to
> stand.

> Is there an explanation for this counter-intuitive
> phenomenon?

Yes, and it lies in the very definition that Cacarulo and I adopted for Basic Strategy. In particular, take a minute or two to reread the Intro to Appendix A, beginning on p. 387, and then the end of the Intro to Appendix B, pp. 476-77.

In short, once you've split a pair, we revert back to T-D strategy, always, in effect, not permitting the basic strategist to take into account the extra cards lying on the table by virtue of the split.

Don

[MGP]

> In BJA3, the basic strategy chart for 1-deck H17 NDAS
> shows that for 12 vs. 3, we should stand if the 12 is
> a "multi-card, original hand only."
> Therefore, if the 12 comes after a pair split, we
> should hit.

> Am I correct on this? It is just not intuitive to me
> because if the 12 comes after a split, the count will
> most likely be higher, making it more advantageous to
> stand.

> Is there an explanation for this counter-intuitive
> phenomenon?

It's because as Don said that's how they defined it. You get a better EV by using the same strategy for 2 card hands and 3-or-more card hands respectively pre- and post-split. I.e. if the strategy is to stand on a 2 card pre-split hand but hit the 3-card one - you should do the same post-split.