Doubling down is perhaps the most well-known move in blackjack. This move allows players to significantly increase their winnings with strong hands. However, it can also deplete your bankroll quickly if you make a mistake.
Blackjack players who are skilled at knowing when to double down understand that there is no one right strategy due to the unpredictability of the game. Experienced players know how to use the odds in their favor and capitalize on them.
If you want to learn more about the best times to double down in blackjack, continue reading. We will also discuss the best sites to play real-money blackjack so you can practice your skills.
What does it mean to double down in blackjack?
Before discussing when to double down, let’s first define what it means. In blackjack, the goal is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over. You don’t have to get exactly 21 to win.
Skilled blackjack players understand that the true objective is to beat the dealer. You win if you have the highest scoring hand, even if it’s not 21. To win the round, you will most likely need at least one additional card.
Double down is a good option because it allows you to increase your stake by doubling your initial bet. For example, if you initially bet $10 and then double down, your wager would be $20. However, there are some drawbacks to doubling down. If you lose, you will be out twice the original stake.
It’s important to note that you can only receive one additional card after doubling down. If you double down too quickly, you risk losing your hand. There is still a possibility of going over 21 and losing the round.
How to Double Down
The most important thing to learn about doubling down is how it works. The rules for doubling down can vary between online blackjack and live dealer blackjack.
If you’re playing online, make sure you know the rules regarding doubling down. Usually, you can double down by placing your chips next to your original wager. If this doesn’t work, simply inform the dealer that you want to double down.
Using online and mobile blackjack apps is easy. You just need to press the “Double” button on the screen. If you don’t see the button, it means you can’t double down.
Is Splitting the Same as Doubling Down?
Splitting your cards is another popular move in blackjack. Splitting and doubling down can be confusing for many new players. While both moves allow players to win more money, that is where their similarities end.
Double down allows players to increase their stake but still have only one hand. You can do this regardless of the cards in your hand. This also means that you can only receive one additional card.
To split your hand, you must first receive two cards. Then, you have the option to split your hand into two separate hands. This gives you two chances to beat the dealer, as each hand is counted separately.
Before splitting, review the rules of blackjack at the casino you’re playing at. Different venues may have different payout rules for splitting hands, so it’s important to know the specific rules to avoid frustration.
What are the Best Times to Double Down in Blackjack?
Now that you’re familiar with how to double down, let’s look at the best times to do so. These situations are great for players looking to win big and can be incorporated into your betting strategy.
The Dealer’s Hand is Weak: If the dealer has a weak hand, it’s a good time to double down. A dealer with a weak hand typically has a visible card between 2 and 6.
Soft 16, 17, 18: A soft hand, which is a combination of an ace and another card, is another great time to double down. You can use the ace as either a one or eleven in blackjack. Soft hands offer great opportunities to use the double-down option.
Total Hands 11: If you have a hand of 11, you can double down. Since you only receive one additional card, you won’t bust. Most of the cards you can get will give you a strong hand.
Hard 9s and 10s: Double down on hard nines and tens. No matter which card you are dealt, you can’t bust. You have a good chance of getting a strong hand even with just one card.
Time to Avoid Doubling Down
Doubling down is not always the best choice. There are situations where it’s better to avoid doubling down and wait for the next round before placing additional bets.
Dealer Shows an Ace: Predicting when you will lose is important in blackjack. If the dealer has a strong hand, particularly an Ace, your chances of winning are slim. While you can counter with a stronger hand, the chances of winning are not high enough to double down.
Hands of Hard 12 and Higher: Avoid doubling down when you have a hard 12 or higher. These situations are more likely to result in a bust, making doubling down riskier. It’s best to save your double down for when your chances of losing are low.
Play Online Blackjack
Playing blackjack online is a great way to learn how to double down. There are many reputable online casinos that offer blackjack. Our experts at Casino are available to assist customers in choosing the best blackjack gambling sites.
Each casino we review is graded using a set of strict criteria. To earn our recommendation, sites must offer fair and safe play. They must also offer amazing bonuses, a wide range of games, and outstanding customer service.
One site that impressed our casino professionals is Wild Casino. It is ideal for those looking for real money, fair blackjack games. Wild Casino offers many casino bonuses for its members.
Conclusion
Doubling down can be a great way to increase your winnings in blackjack. However, it’s important to only use it when your chances of winning are good. By understanding the best times to double down and when to avoid it, you can improve your blackjack strategy.
When is the best time to double down in blackjack?
When playing blackjack, one of the most important decisions a gambler has to make is whether to double down. While this move can potentially maximize one’s profit, it’s also risky and should be taken with caution.
With a proper strategy, this move has the potential to drastically increase one’s advantage over the house. The fundamental understanding of when to double down should be at the heart of any blackjack strategy.
A double down is a move made on the player’s first two cards in which they double their initial bet. After the bet is doubled, the player receives only one additional card.
It’s important to remember that the sole purpose of a double down is to increase the player’s edge with the most favorable rules. As such, the best time to double down is when the player has an 11 against a dealer’s 10 or lower up-card.
Although increasing one’s bet in a double down situation may seem risky, mathematically speaking, the move is actually the most favorable. If the player thinks the dealer’s up-card will result in a win for the house, doubling down could significantly tip the odds in the player’s favor.
Besides the general rule of doubling down when holding 11, the chances of a double down move succeeding should also be taken into account. For example, if the player has a 9 against a dealer’s 4 up-card, the mathematical chances of winning with a double down are good.
The decision to double down should also be based on the particular rules of the game. For example, if the blackjack game does not allow a player to double down after splitting (also known as “resplitting”) the player should be careful when maneuvering this move.
In conclusion, the double down move when playing blackjack can potentially increase the player’s edge dramatically. However, it’s important to remember that the move should be considered and executed with caution and only when mathematically favorable.
