When you double down in blackjack, it can change the course of the game. But what is doubling down in blackjack? It’s a move where you double your bet size and get one extra card. You should be confident in your hand and believe it’s stronger than the dealer’s. However, there’s more to it. Understanding when to pull this move and when to avoid it is also important.
Also, you should properly understand what doubling down means in blackjack, how it exactly works, and how it differs from splitting. Our blog covers it all, and we also explain how it can impact your game. After all, whether you’re playing a friendly game with friends or playing online blackjack at a live casino, knowing the rules is always better.
What Does Doubling Down Mean in Blackjack?
Blackjack double down is a specific move that lets you double your initial bet in exchange for one extra card. As you only get one additional card, this move can be risky. But it can also work as a good strategy depending on when you double down.
Doubling down has restrictions, so deciding when to do it is important. Moreover, the rules can vary depending on the blackjack variant or the casino where you are playing. For instance, some games allow doubling on any initial two cards.
Others might limit which hands you can double, such as specific hand totals with 9, 10, or 11. Meanwhile, some allow double after split (DAS), which lets you double down a new hand after splitting. So ensure that you always check the specific blackjack game rules before playing.
How Does Doubling Down Work in Blackjack?
When you choose to double down, you’re betting more on your hand because you believe your next card will improve your chances of beating the dealer. Once you understand the double down meaning (blackjack), here’s how it works:
Step 1: You place your bet, let’s assume £10, before you receive your initial cards.
Step 2: With a confident hand, you double down if the game rules allow it.
Step 3: Then an additional wager is placed, and your initial bet is doubled to £20.
Step 4: You are dealt only one extra card, and you can’t hit or stand after that.
Step 5: The hand then ends. You get a larger payout if you win, but lose your doubled bet of £20 if you lose.
When Should You Consider Doubling Down?
Doubling down isn’t a move you want to make all the time, but it can be beneficial in certain situations. Here are some scenarios where doubling down can be a smart choice:
Double Down When You Have These Hard Hands:
A hard hand doesn’t have an Ace, but if it does, the Ace counts as 1 instead of 11. If you have a hard 9, double down if the dealer’s face card is 3, 4, 5, or 6. If you have a hard 10, double down if the dealer has anything from 2 to 9. Lastly, it’s always better to double with your hard 11 unless the dealer’s face card is an Ace.
Double Down When You Have These Soft Hands:
In a soft hand, an Ace counts as 11 or 1. This flexibility helps when the dealer has a weak card. If you have a soft 13 or 14, double down if the dealer’s face card is 5 or 6. You can double down with your soft 15 or 16 if the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6. Lastly, double your soft hand of 17 or 18 if the dealer has anything from 3 to 6.
Risks of Doubling Down
Once you know how doubling works in blackjack, you know that it comes with risks. After you double down and get the extra card, you’re stuck with the hand total. Also, if you lose after doubling down, you lose your original bet and the additional bet. Remember, it’s a risk that requires careful consideration, especially if you’re unsure about the dealer’s hand.
When to Avoid Doubling Down
Rookies can lose money if they double down at the wrong time. Here are a few scenarios when it’s better to avoid it:
- The dealer shows an Ace or a 10-value card: In this case, the dealer might finish with a 20 or 21. Don’t risk doubling unless you have a hard 11.
- You have a hard 12 or higher: Here, the chances of drawing a 10-value card and going bust are extremely high. So, never double down with this hard hand.
- You are unsure of the blackjack variant’s rules: Check the table setup before playing and understand if the dealer hits on soft 17 or stands on soft 17. These rules can impact your winning percentage and might increase the house edge.
Doubling Down vs. Splitting in Blackjack
Doubling down is often confused with splitting, but the two are very different. Here’s a quick breakdown of their differences:
- Doubling Down: You double your initial bet and receive only one more card.
- Splitting: When you receive starting cards of the same rank (such as two 8s or two 10s), they are split into two hands. The second hand requires an additional wager.
Double Down After Splitting (DAS)
Check if the house rules let you double after splitting. As we mentioned before, splitting a pair creates two separate hands, with an additional bet on the second one. And if rules permit, you can double down on one or both hands.
DAS can be helpful as it reduces the house edge. Always look for tables that allow this strategic flexibility. After all, you can benefit if you get a strong post-split total against a dealer’s weak hand.
Doubling Down in Online Blackjack Games
Online blackjack games, including those at online UK casinos, offer the same rules for doubling down as traditional casinos. The strategy also remains the same whether you’re playing in person or online. However, just like in a casino, the double down rules may vary between the different online/live blackjack variants.
Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org