Hello all, new ploppy here in the forum and in the game. I just recently memorized basic strategy and have been pondering why people double down. For example, you bet $25, you can double down your 5,6 and probably win $50, BUT...you can very easily lose $50 because you can get a 2 and be stuck in the mud with a 13, whereas if you just were not greedy and hit the 5,6 instead, you'd be able to hit again (and again) and perhaps win $25 instead of losing $50, or should you bust, you would only lose the $25 instead of losing $50. Basic strategy is what would give you the best odds of winning the hand, right? If basic strategy is not contingent on the amount you bet, what strategic playing advantage would doubling down give you? Wouldn't I win more hands by hitting instead of doubling? If we were just playing for fun, no cash, (paper and pencil....you get a check mark next to your name for winning your hand) who would limit themselves to just one extra card as doubling down does?