When to Double Down in Blackjack: Strategies and Tips

When heading to a casino or playing online, knowing the correct blackjack strategy can give players a better chance at profiting at the casino, either in a live setting or online, and a big part of that is knowing when to double down in blackjack.

This article takes a look at some key situations when playing blackjack in which a player will want to double the wager in hopes of grabbing more winnings. Using these types of strategies can make blackjack one of the most entertaining and profitable casino games.

What is Doubling Down in Blackjack?

A close-up of a casino table where a player is doubling down in blackjack. The player's hand is shown pushing chips forward next to the original bet, with blackjack cards and casino chips visible on the green felt table.

In blackjack, most hands allow players to simply win the amount they bet initially when the hand started. But certain instances allow players to score even more winnings from the casino if things work out their way.

Doubling down is one of these opportunities and the casual player may not see the opportunities that these cases present. As the name implies, doubling down allows you to double your bet in the hopes of winning twice your initial bet. You’ll only be dealt one card in these hands however. But this one of the casino games where players can increase their bet knowing the likelihood of catching a winner in the middle of a hand.

This isn’t a move you’ll want to make all the time. That’s why it’s important to make sure you known the ins and outs of basic strategy and also find games that are more favorable to players to help reduce the blackjack odds against the player. Some casinos also only allow doubling when players have a certain count. But utilizing this play can go a long way toward helping to book a winning session.

When Should You Double Down in Blackjack?

So what are the optimal situations for doubling down in blackjack? There are a few key moments in your games for this favorable play, but these should be dictated by the rules of basic strategy and blackjack strategy charts.

When your cards total 11

Seeing a total of 11 among your cards offers players a favorable situation and you should double in all situations except if the dealer’s upcard is an ace. This is the lone circumstance in a blackjack game where a player wouldn’t double down with an 11, according to basic strategy.

Otherwise, always double against every other upcard. An 11 offers players the chance at blackjack with so many 10-value cards in the deck as well as nines and eights to make potential winning hands of 20 and 19.

When you have a hard 9 or 10

These are other potential blackjack winning hands that can signal double before receiving an additional card. However, there are some times that these hands aren’t a definite double, so it’s important to consult a basic strategy chart.

On a 10, you only want to double if your hand is higher than the dealer’s upcard. So that means you won’t be doubling against a 10 or 11, but can feel confident in the play with all other cards. Hopefully that extra card delivers a winner. This is a great hand to double your bet and you have nice odds of hitting a winning hand, including a blackjack.

On a 9, you face fewer opportunities according to the correct double down strategy. Against the dealer’s low cards – from 2 to 6 – you will want to double down before taking another card. However, if the dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace, you will simply want to take a hit.

When you have a soft 16, 17, or 18

Many casinos limit the hands players can actually double down on in blackjack games, but doubling on these soft hands can alsO be favorable at times at well if the casino allows it.

According to basic strategy, you’ll have an advantage with these cards in certain situations. When dealt a soft 17, 18, or 16 on the initial two cards, the player should double down when the dealer has a 2 to 6 But if the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace, the play is simply to hit.

Having these lower card soft hands off players the chance to win at a time when the dealer has a good chance to bust when drawing any 10 and can then also bust on a second card if that first card is low. Make use of any favorable double down opportunity.

When Not To Double Down in Blackjack

When heading to a casino, either live or online, knowing how to play casino games with the best approach offers players the best chance at a winning session. This includes when to double down in blackjack. Here are a few critical things to remember.

When the dealer is showing an ace

This is a case when players shouldn’t double down on the bet in any instance. Simply hitting is the play here as the dealer is a decent bet to have a blackjack or another possible winning hand, as well as good drawing possibilities.

When you have a hard total of more than 11

Occasionally, a casino will allow player to even double on three cards. Continue using correct basic strategy when adjusting to this rule, although seeing this allowed is pretty unlikely. If your hard hand totals more than 11, it’s not a good idea to double as you’ll have a fair shot of busting with any 10. Remember, there are more 10-value cards in the deck than any other value. Proper money management in blackjack will help you decide when doubling down is worth the risk, ensuring you maintain control over your bankroll.

When you’re unsure

If you don’t quite know what to do, most experts say it’s best to simply stick with your original bet than risking losing twice as much on an unfavorable time to double down. It may not be wise to make another bet against the casino when you’re not actually certain what to do.

However, learning basic strategy will help in deciding what to do during these situations. Memorizing the chart will help a player in the long run. Knowing when to double down no matter what hand you’re dealt can help you make the right decision and have the best chance to beat the casino.

How to Signal and Perform a Double Down in Blackjack

A detailed view of a player doubling down at a blackjack table in a casino. The player's hand is seen placing additional chips beside the initial bet, with blackjack cards and various colored chips on the table.

When battling it out at the blackjack tables there are some mechanics of how the game is played. The action follows a general order in regards to hitting, standing, betting, doubling down, and splitting in blackjack.

Players place their bets in front of them, usually in a small circle on the table felt, and then are dealt cards as the hand proceeds. When the action is on a player, he or she can simply slide the number of chips equal to their original wager next to that bet.

Don’t stack these chips on top of that original wager, however, as this can be misconstrued as adding to the original wager, which isn’t allowed and could be confusing. As in most casino games, it’s important to follow the gameplay and etiquette. When playing online, players can simply click on screen to double.

You’ll then receive one extra card to go with your original two cards – hopefully completing a winning hand. The dealer will pay out any winning and collect any losses after the hand is complete for all players.

Conclusion

Doubling down in blackjack is a strategic move that can significantly enhance a player’s chances of winning more money. By understanding when to double down you can make more informed decisions at the table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you double down after splitting?

Yes, depending on the casino. Some properties may allow this, but others won’t. This is a blackjack rule that works in the player’s favor and should be utilized according to basic strategy rules.

Can you double down after hitting?

No, in most blackjack casino games players are only allowed to double down on the first two cards they are dealt. A casino may also offer some alternative blackjack games that have differing rules like this however.

Should you always double down on 11?

Yes, except when facing a dealer’s ace. In this case basic strategy says only to take a hit.

Should you double down on 10?

Yes in most cases, except against the dealer’s 10 or ace. In these case it’s best to simply hit. The 10 or ace mean the dealer can more easily make winning hands.

How many cards do you get when you double down in blackjack?

One. You’ll only get a single card when doubling down. That’s why it’s important to follow basic strategy to know when this rule works more favorable in your favor.

Is doubling down in blackjack a side bet?

No, doubling down in blackjack is not considered as a blackjack side bet.

Can you double down on 21 in blackjack?

No, a player who has 21 has already been deal a winning hand or drawn to this number, and this already has a winning hand. Doubling down only occurs on a player’s first two cards.

How many cards do you get when you double down?

A single card, you’ll only get one card when doubling down.