Double down is significant betting opportunity in the game blackjack that allows a player to increase the value of their original bet by 100%. As a result, the player only gets one extra card after the bet is placed.
So, how exactly does a player double down in blackjack? A player doubles down on their wager as a result of the two initial cards. When it comes to their turn, they only take one card for their turn and then stand.
For instance, a player cannot hit, and then decide to double down afterwards. Furthermore, a player can decide when to double down down, and only do so in an advantageous position.
Generally, in a blackjack game, doubling down is amongst the thrilling gameplay decisions. It gives a player a chance to double their bet after seeing the initial flop of cards.
A player should understand that the move is a risky gamble because it ends their hand without multiple hits. A player cannot hit again once they have made the move.
Doubling down in a blackjack game is regarded as a vote of confidence in a player’s hand. There exist three circumstances discussed in this article in which doubling down is useful for a player in terms of chance.
How does doubling down work in blackjack?
A player has to place an equal bet next to their original bet, a double or nothing wager based on the hand in play. The action signifies a double down, and the player gets one additional card.
The idea is simple, get the magic 21 or outdo the dealer without busting. After a player has received their two initial cards and the dealer’s face up card gives you favorable odds, a player may decide to double down.
The player must match up the initial bet, and then the dealer issues another card to the player for the hand. A player only doubles down if they think they have an improved chance of winning the game.
When to double down in blackjack
There are three circumstances in which a player may decide to double down in a blackjack round:
- When a player has cards with a total value of 11. It’s perfect for doubling down if the cards in the hands have a value of 11 because there are higher chances of hitting 21. More so, even though the player might not get 21, they can probably achieve a score close to 21.
- When a player has a soft hand of 16, 17 and 18. In such a situation, it implies a player has one card and an ace. A player should only double down in these circumstances if a dealer shows a lower value card. A player can be tempted, especially when they have a soft 18, to remain the way they are, but doubling down gives that player a higher chance to improve their hand with a low value card.
- When a player has a hard 9 or 10. This implies a player doesn’t have an ace in the hand. Again, a player should only double down when a dealer shows a card with lower value. Unless a player gets a higher valued card, a player has a good hand against the dealer.
How do you know when to double down in blackjack?
The following are situations conducive for a player to double down in a round of blackjack.
- When a cards in the player’s hand is worth a value of 11.
- If a player has a hard 9 or 10, meaning the player has no Ace, and the dealer has not shown a card with a higher value.
- When a player has a soft hand of 16, 17 or 18. Implying a player has one card and an Ace, and the player should not double if a dealer has a higher valued card.
- A player should double down if the dealer does not have an Ace since an Ace is a powerful card because the dealer might be on the verge of hitting a blackjack.
- A player should not double down if they have a hard hand with a higher value than 11.
- A player cannot double down after splitting, however some casinos allow the move.
- A player cannot double down after taking a card.
Can you double down on a split?
Yes, some casinos allow players to double down on a split, but that is not common practice in all.
Split in blackjack allows the player to split two cards of equal value into two separate hands. This may help a player split a bad hand into two better hands, allowing the player to double their bet whenever the dealer busts.
How do you double down and split in blackjack?
A player doubles down by placing another bet in blackjack of the same value as the original bet. Once a player doubles the bet amount, they only get one additional card, and then have to stand.
Splitting occurs in blackjack if a player has two cards of the same value in one hand. The cards are separated into two hands, and each hand that you double down with is dealt one additional card each.
So, a player can double and split at the same time in blackjack. For instance, if a player has a pair of sevens, they can split them into individual hands, and then they are allowed to double down on each hand if they want to.
Double Down in Blackjack: Conclusion
Double down in a blackjack game is said to occur if a player has been issued the two cards for their hand, and decides to place an additional bet that is equal to the original bet before the dealer issues a final card to their hand.
When a player decides to double down, they get an extra card then stand. The player should only double down if they have a high chance of winning the bet since it’s a risky gamble.
The player should not attempt to double down if a dealer shows an Ace or high value card since the cards increase the likelihood of winning, or the dealer may have a chance of hitting a blackjack.
It’s always advisable for the player to go through the rules before doubling down because rules change from one casino to another. For example, some casinos allow double down after splitting, and others do not.
Basically, doubling down increases the player’s chances to win the game by 100%. If the betting odds are stacked in your favor, then doubling down might be the right move for you.