UB tournament blackjack question

[KSOT]

If I am heads up going into an elimination round with a small lead, should I always bet $500 here under the assumption that the dealer wins more than 50% of hands? Or should I bet the maximum based on the fact that players tend to share wins and losses since they're both against the dealer? I always seem to decide on $500 and then I watch the dealer bust and my opponent win 25k while I win $500 and lose the game. If I am first to bet I always get afraid that if I bet 25k first my opponent will go with $500 and reverse my own strategy on me.

So what is correct? I'm sick of deciding for myself [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Also same question for when there are two or more people just under you going into an elimination round.