Even if you don’t play in the casino, you may have heard of the “Double Down” bet in blackjack. If you’ve ever heard someone commit to a decision using the phrase “I double my bet,” it’s because your language has assimilated this expression from blackjack.
What does “double down” mean?
When you double down in online blackjack, you double your original bet in exchange for receiving a single card. However, doubling down can also be one of the most profitable plays in blackjack. If you win, you will receive the payout corresponding to the doubled bet.
When can you double down in blackjack?
In blackjack, you can double down after you have placed your bet and the cards have been dealt. If you have already decided to hit or stand, you cannot double down later. Deciding whether to double down is the first decision of your hand.
So when is it best to double down? Fortunately, blackjack strategists have studied the mathematical scenarios that generate the best return, and these also include when to double down. The exact strategy depends on the variant of blackjack you play.
In general, there are three situations when you should always consider the “Double Down” bet:
- When you have an 11. An 11 is such a strong hand that even if the dealer has a 10, you should still fold. If the dealer stands with a soft 17, then you should fold even if the dealer shows an ace. Even though you may find yourself with a blackjack, in the long run it is still a profitable decision.
- When you have a soft 16, 17 or 18. If you have an ace and a 5, 6 or 7, then you have a “soft” hand. This means that the value of the hand can change depending on whether you play the ace with value 1 or value 11. Faced with a low card from the dealer, doubling down gives you many options to complete a hand that totals 17 or more. If the dealer has a low card, this total is usually profitable, so it is a good time to double your bet.
- When you have a strong 9 or 10. When you are dealt a strong 9 (a hand with no ace), doubling down is profitable if the dealer’s hole card is a 6 or lower. Against a 7 or higher, you should always draw with a strong 9, regardless of whether the dealer stands with a soft 17. With a strong 10, you should fold against any dealer’s face card equal to or lower than a 9. Against aces, jacks, and tens, folding with a strong 10 is no longer profitable.
When should I not double down?
As there are different variations of blackjack, there are very few universal rules. However, there are a couple of situations where you should never double down.
If your total is greater than 11, don’t double down. The frequency of high cards that makes doubling down with an 11 profitable is the same frequency that makes doubling down with a 12 or higher insane. The risk of losing is too high, especially with a doubled bet.
Also, if the dealer shows an ace, you should never double, unless he has to call with a soft 17. In that case, as soon as you have an 11, you should double regardless of the dealer’s hole card.
What about doubling down after splitting?
In blackjack, splitting means separating your hand into two separate hands by paying an additional bet. It can only be done when your hole cards are equal. In general, you can double down after splitting your hand, because split hands are treated individually.
Keep in mind that if you double down on both split hands, your total investment will be four times the original bet. Make sure the situation is good before you do so. You can try this knowledge here – https://casinotice.com/online-casinos/ricardos/. Dive into an exciting game with this casino.
