What Is Doubling Down in Blackjack? | Learn the Basics of Doubling Down

If you’re new to blackjack or just looking to improve your game, understanding the concept of “doubling down” is essential. This move can change the course of a game, offering you the opportunity to increase your bet when you’re in a favourable position. But what exactly does it mean to double down in blackjack, and when is it the right time to make this move?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what doubling down is, how to do it and how it can impact your game. Whether you’re playing a friendly game with friends or participating in online blackjack at a live casino, knowing when and how to double down can help potentially increase your chances of winning.

What Does Doubling Down Mean in Blackjack?

Doubling down is a specific move in blackjack that allows you to double your initial bet in exchange for committing to one more card. The key to doubling down is that once you double your bet, you are only allowed to receive one more card. This move can be a risky one, as you’re increasing your bet, but it also offers the chance of a larger payout if you get a favourable card.

Typically, doubling down is only allowed when your hand totals 9, 10, or 11. These are considered optimal situations because the chances of getting a strong card, like a 10 or face card, are higher, which would significantly improve your hand.

How Does Doubling Down Work in Blackjack?

When you choose to double down, you are essentially betting more on your hand based on the belief that your next card will improve your chances of beating the dealer. Here’s how it works:

Initial Bet: You begin by placing your initial bet, just like any other round of blackjack.
Doubling Down Option: After receiving your first two cards, you have the option to double your bet. This option is usually available if your hand total is 9, 10, or 11.
Increasing Your Bet: When you double down, you place an additional bet, equal to your original bet. For example, if you started with a £10 bet, you would place another £10, making your total wager £20.
Receiving One More Card: Once you’ve doubled your bet, the dealer will deal you only one more card, and that’s it. You can’t hit or stand after receiving this card.
Outcome: If the card you receive helps you win, you’ll take home a larger payout due to your increased bet. If you lose, you’ll lose your doubled bet.

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:

When You Have a Hand Total of 10 or 11:
- A hand total of 10 or 11 is often a good candidate for doubling down. The reason is that you’re only one card away from reaching a total of 20 or 21, which are strong hands. There’s a higher probability of drawing a 10 or face card that can improve your hand significantly.
When the Dealer’s Upcard is Weak:
- The dealer’s upcard plays a big role in your decision to double down. If the dealer is showing a weak card, such as a 4, 5, or 6 (known as the “dealer bust cards”), doubling down is often a good idea. This is because the dealer is more likely to bust with a weak card, so it’s advantageous to increase your bet when the odds are in your favour.
When You Have a Strong Hand:
- If you have a total of 9, 10, or 11, and the dealer has a weaker card, it may be a good idea to double down. These totals give you a better chance of getting a high card, and when combined with a weak dealer upcard, you can increase your odds of winning with a doubled bet.
In Online Poker Games Live or Casino Settings:
- If you’re playing blackjack in a live casino or online, doubling down can be a powerful move if done strategically. Many live casino games offer an interactive experience, so doubling down is a chance to engage more with the game and increase your potential reward.

Risks of Doubling Down

While doubling down can increase your payout potential, it does come with risks. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Only One Card: Once you double down, you’re committed to receiving just one more card. If the card is not favourable, you cannot take any further action, and you’ll be stuck with the total of your hand.
Loss of Your Bet: If you double down and lose, you lose both your original bet and the additional bet. It’s a risk that requires careful consideration, especially if you’re unsure about the dealer’s hand.
When Not to Double Down: Avoid doubling down if you’re not confident about the situation. For example, if the dealer has a strong card showing, it might not be the best idea to increase your bet, as the chances of the dealer winning are higher.

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 the differences:

Doubling Down: This move involves doubling your initial bet and receiving only one more card. It’s used when you have a total of 9, 10, or 11, and you believe you can get a strong card that will improve your hand.
Splitting: When you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (such as two 8s or two 10s), you can choose to split them into two separate hands. This allows you to play two separate hands with your original bet and two new cards. The goal is to increase your chances of winning by splitting up a potentially weak hand.

Both moves can be beneficial, but they apply in different situations. It’s important to know when to use each one based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

When to Avoid Doubling Down

While doubling down can be a profitable move, there are times when it’s better to avoid it. Here are a few scenarios when doubling down might not be the best choice:

When the Dealer Has a Strong Card: If the dealer is showing a 10, face card, or Ace, the chances of the dealer winning are higher. In this case, doubling down may not be the best move, as you’re increasing your bet when the dealer has a better chance of winning.
When Your Hand Total is Low: If your hand total is below 9, doubling down isn’t a good option. A total of 8 or lower gives you very little chance of reaching 21, and doubling your bet in this scenario increases the risk.

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. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can try live blackjack here at 7bet, where you interact with a real dealer in real-time.

Live casino games like blackjack can provide a great way to experience the thrill of the game without leaving your home. The strategy remains the same whether you’re playing in person or online, but online platforms offer the convenience of playing whenever and wherever you want.

Conclusion

Doubling down in blackjack is a valuable move when used correctly. By doubling your bet in the right situation, you can potentially increase your winnings. However, it’s important to be mindful of the risks involved, and to make sure you’re doubling down when the odds are in your favour. Knowing when and how to double down can set you up for a more successful blackjack experience, whether you’re playing in a live casino or online.

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