Doubling down is a thrilling move in Blackjack, and can be profitable if you get it right. It is one of the most entertaining Blackjack movements. It is necessary to try to find a balance between sensible safe play, such as using a statistical approach, to aggressive double downs to optimise the possible profits. Here are some examples of what is double down, when you can double down as well as some basic questions that emerge in the minds of players.
What does Double Down mean?
Double down is where you double your bet in the middle of your hand, in which you only get one more card. It is dangerous because if you get dealt a low card, you cannot hit again, and you might risk losing twice as many chips. It is important to know when to double down during a Blackjack game. It is just about finding the right balance between playing it safe and taking the gamble to make sure you have the advantage.
Double down is one of the best weapons in the armoury of online Blackjack players. It helps you to make an extra bet in exchange for one more card only. When performed properly, the Double Down will give you a strong advantage over the house. But the probability of risks is always there.
Swift Casino is a very good example of an online casino which provides double down options to its Blackjack players.
How does the Double Down bet work?
When you play online Blackjack or Live Blackjack for that matter, you launch your hand by placing an initial bet. Depending on what the cards are, you can have the luxury of dividing your cards or paying insurance against a Blackjack dealer. The Double Down is an extra gamble that can be made as soon as you know your hand and the dealer upcard. The Double down bet is worth the same as the first bet. You will not be able to ruck and collect any more keys.
If you are sure that you can defeat the dealer, your Double Down bet should be used wisely. However, whether your hand has a limit of 9, 10, or 11, an additional card gives you a good chance of beating the dealer, whatever they show.
When to use the Double Down feature?
Luckily, simple Blackjack tactics have been carefully plotted using statistical probabilities, engineered to help you in understanding the house edge and exactly when it is possible (in the long run) to double down. There are three cases where it is safe to double down, discussed below. In each of these cases, you cannot go bust and you are in the most likely position to finish with a strong card, although figures suggest that the dealer is in the most likely position to lose his hand.
Knowing when to Double Down
Few online Blackjack variants will let you Double Down on any number. Some variants, such as European Blackjack, would only allow you to double down if you have a sum of 9, 10 or 11. Understanding whether to double down or not is an art. For instance, if you and the dealer display a 10, doubling down might not be a good decision. There is every possibility that the dealer will also hit a 10-value card, ending in a tie. Having a Blackjack cheat sheet is a good move. This will show you the optimum moves to make based on your and the dealer cards.
These are three times when the Blackjack double down bet is recommended.
- If your card equals 11
This is because you have a great chance of hitting 21, and even though you don’t, you’re guaranteed to get a score similar to the magic figure.
- If you have a soft 16, 17 or 18 (this means you have a card and an ace)
Generally, you can just double down here if the dealer displays a lower card. You may be tempted to remain as you are, particularly with a soft 18, but there is a decent chance of improving your hand with a single card.
- When you have a hard 9 or 10 (“hard” describes a hand with no ace)
Once again, only when the dealer displays a low card. If you have a relatively high card, you’re going to be in really good shape against the dealer. Just note that when you double down, you won’t necessarily see stuff going your way. Tactics, if used right, will maximise your chances at the winnings over a long period.
When not to Double Down
Here’s a pretty easy one: Never double down when the dealer displays an ace. Simply put, their odds of getting a Blackjack are far too good. And if they verify and don’t have Blackjack, there is a fair chance they will end up with a score close to 21. Never double down when you have something higher than 11 because the odds of going bust are too high to gamble. It’s better to just hit or stick to a lower total, and then hope that the dealer goes bust. If you are ever uncertain regarding double down, stick to the safe option and hold your investment as it is. You’ll find some players doubling down at a table all the time, and they’re usually losing money at a substantial pace. You’re not expected to double on the overwhelming majority of hands – just take the gamble while you’re a strong frontrunner.
Things to look for when Doubling Down in Blackjack
Be mindful that the Blackjack rules differ between casinos, which can influence the decision-making process. If you can double with 3 or more cards, you can see additional hands as you can double down, so pay attention to the number.
Many casinos only encourage players to double down when they reveal cards amounting to 10 or 11 – if you have any other value in hand, you’ll only be allowed to keep playing as usual (unless you have a chance to split). Also, pay special attention to the amount that the dealer needs to hit. Because this affects how likely they are to be over 21. Most of the games make the dealer hit up to 17, but in some games, the dealer hits only up to 16 – something that makes it less likely to overtake 21.
FAQs – Doubling Down in Blackjack 101
A player doubles when the condition seems good so that they are more likely to win. When you can control when you double down, it is a valuable weapon to use whenever you have the chance. So here are some of the most frequently asked questions by the players regarding double down.
Should you Always Double Down on 11?
As the player and dealer aim to get as close to 21 as possible to win the hand, the player is in a strong position when holding 11 after two cards are dealt. If the dealer is showing a lower card than a 10, it is a good strategy to double down. If the casino rules dictate the dealer must hit soft 17, you should always double down on 11 no matter what the dealer’s up card.
Should I Double Down on 10?
Again, this also depends on the dealer’s card. If they have an Ace or a 10-value card, you do not want to double down, so there’s a good risk that they might get a nice hand and defeat you easily. If they display a 6 or below, doubling down is a possible alternative.
Can you Split and then Double Down?
It is crucial that the player knows the correct conditions required to split and double down. The player may split their cards if a matching pair is dealt with. The player needs to cover the second hand with the bet size of their first bet, and the dealer deals a second card to complete both hands. A further double down is typically not required. Often review the rules of the casino whether it is online or Live Blackjack since there are many benefits concealed within the rules intended to attract players to participate.
How many cards do you get when you Double Down in Blackjack?
If you double down, you’re just going to get one extra card. Assuming that you’re going to get as many cards as you want is one of the greatest errors made by the new Blackjack players. This is where the possibility of a double down Blackjack bet comes in when you could end up with a low sum if a low card is dealt with.
Can you Double Down after splitting?
Usually, you will not be able to double down after splitting. But you’re going to find some online casinos that allow this to happen. If you will double down after splitting, use the same decision-making method that you will when assessing other regular hands you are dealt with.
Can you Double Down after Hitting?
The player cannot strike and then attempt to double down, the double down option can only come until the dealer has dealt the initial two cards, and the player must then determine whether or not to double down at that time. The ability to double down is limited to this point in one direction.
