Blackjack Strategy: When to Double Down
What is Doubling Down?
Whether playing in a land-based or online casino, Doubling Down is one of the most thrilling moves in Blackjack. It allows you to double your bet in the middle of a hand in exchange for one extra card. It's a risky gamble, as it usually ends your betting - if you receive a particularly low second card you can't hit again.
This can lead to a more timid blackjack player avoiding the double bet, and more adventurous players making it far too often. It's important to try and strike a balance between sensible safe play, such as using a basic strategy, and risky double downs to maximise your potential winnings.
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The total number of all Blackjack games available
The total number of Live Dealer Blackjack games available
The total number of Live Dealer casino games available
The total number of all Blackjack games available
The total number of Live Dealer Blackjack games available
The total number of Live Dealer casino games available
When to Double Down
Fortunately, basic strategies for blackjack have been meticulously mapped using mathematical probability, designed to tell you exactly when it is best (in the long run) to double down. There are three situations when it's best to double down, explained below.
In all of these situations, you can't go bust and are in the most likely position to finish with a high hand, while statistics indicate that the dealer is in the most likely position to lose the hand.
Hard 9 Against the Dealer's Low Cards
When you are dealt a total of 9, double down when the dealer's upcard shows something between 2 and 6 (any card below 7, not including the Ace). This must be a hard 9; meaning there is no Ace in your hand - so the combinations could be 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. If you have A-8 (a soft 9), it's best to stand, regardless of what the dealer shows.
Soft 16 To 18 Against the Dealer's Low Cards
If you have an Ace and either a 5, 6 or 7 giving you a 'soft' total of 16 to 18 and the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, this is a great time to double your bet. With an Ace and a lower card (2 to 4), it is better to just hit, as you are less likely to end with a high hand.
Hard 10 Or 11 Against Any Lower Dealer Card
A hard 10 or 11 puts you in a powerful position - that is, with any two cards, not including an ace, that makes 10 or 11 (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6). If the dealer has a lower total, it's time to double down.
Splitting in Blackjack
"Splitting" is a key blackjack strategy where you divide your pair of hole cards into two hands, doubling your original bet. This move, part of the double down in blackjack strategy, can potentially double your winnings or losses.
Splitting is advisable in live blackjack and online blackjack when you have a pair of aces or eights. With more 10-value cards in the deck, splitting aces statistically increases your chances of hitting 21. Two hands of eight are also easier to play than a single hand of 16.
However, if you're dealt a pair of 10s, it's best to stick as you're unlikely to improve your hand. The dealer's hand also influences your decision to split. For instance, if you have a pair of nines, it's statistically best to split if the dealer has a two, three, four, five, six, eight, or nine. If the dealer has a seven, 10, or ace, it's more sensible to stand.
Similar rules apply to pairs of sixes, sevens, fours, twos, or threes. The dealer's card determines whether you should split or take another card. Understanding these nuances of splitting as part of your blackjack strategy can significantly enhance your gameplay.
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Pay Attention to the Rules
In almost every Blackjack game these strategies for doubling down and splitting should stay true. However, be aware that the rules of Blackjack do vary between casinos, which can affect your decision making. If it's possible to double with three or more cards, then you may find additional hands when you could double down, so pay attention to your total.
On the other hand, you might find situations where the rules say you can't double when the strategy says you should - such as on soft hands (those with an Ace). If you cannot double down when you'd like, be sure to hit instead. To try this double down strategy out in a cash game before hitting a real-life casino, check out the best sites for playing online blackjack!
Doubling Down in Blackjack 101
Doubling down in Blackjack allows the player an option to double their wager following receipt of their original two cards. You then get dealt one - and only one - additional card. Then it's you versus the dealer to decide who wins. One major advantage to doubling down in blackjack, is the positive impact it can have on lowering the house edge.
A player doubles down because the situation looks positive so they risk more to win more. As you can control when to double down, this is a powerful tool for the player who can spot the perfect opportunity.
Where to Play Blackjack Online in Canada
If you are interested in finding the best Canadian online casinos, then we have complied a list on this site. In Canada the casinos that are available to you very much depends on your location due to each province having its own laws around gambling.
The laws surrounding online gambling are changing and soon you will be able to play blackjack without having to sign up with offshore casinos in some provinces. For example, soon online casinos in Ontario will be legal so keep an eye out if you are based in that province.
Doubling Down in Blackjack FAQs
Can you Double Down after Hitting?
No, you cannot hit and then choose to double down, the double down option occurs only after the initial two cards are dealt by the dealer and the player must then decide whether to go for the double down at that moment or not. The opportunity to double down is limited to this point in a hand.
Can you Split and Double Down?
Yes, in blackjack, players can split matching pairs and double down. After splitting a pair, a second bet equal to the first is placed and the dealer completes both hands. However, a further double down is typically not allowed. Always check the casino's rules, as incentives may be hidden within them.
Should you Always Double Down on 11?
Yes, doubling down on 11 is generally a good strategy, especially if the dealer shows a card lower than 10. If the casino rules require the dealer to hit soft 17, it's advisable to always double down on 11, regardless of the dealer's up card.
How do you Signal a Double Down?
To signal a double down in blackjack, you can place a bet equal to your initial one next to it. If playing live and adding chips isn't clear enough, a single finger point can signal your intent to double down
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