I had the following situation come up this weekend. At very end of the shoe with a great count (TC of 12 with Zen) playing 2x$150, Iget 19 on first hand and 20 on second. Dealer has 6 showing. I split the 20 and get a face on first. Stay on that hand and get an A on second for 21. I tried to double on the "soft 11" but pit boss said I could not since it was "blackjack" and against casino control. I let it go and won all three hands and left.

State casino controls for this casino state the following:
  • Except for when a player has a "Blackjack", a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager,which may not exceed the amount of his original wager on the first two cards dealt to him or the first two cards ofany split pair except aces, on the condition that one and only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on whichthe player has elected to double down.
  • Definition of "Blackjack" - means an ace and any card having a point value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to aplayer or a dealer. Blackjack pays 3 to 2 or 6 to 5.


My contention was that my hand cannot be considered a "Blackjack" if I do not get paid 3:2. it cannot be one without the other. Therefore, using the rules of doubling down, "I" can treat my hand as soft 11 and double down. I knew they wouldn't let me but I thought I would test the pit boss out.

Thoughts?