Blackjack is one of the most loved games in any casino. Also known as twenty-one, this number plays a significant role in the game’s goal. Many casinos offer Blackjack, both online and offline, but unlike all other chance-based casino games, it involves winning with the right skills and strategies.
It could bring you massive rewards if you are well prepared and has the knowledge of almost all games, with all your efforts and time put in to be worth the win. Blackjack is where the quote implies, “practice maketh a man perfect,” to get a hand above the opponents.
There are several strategies one can learn and get hands-on to make the whole game in favour of themselves and double down is one of them. But first let’s see what does double down mean in blackjack?
What is BlackJack Double Down?
The chance in a game of Blackjack to double down is the move to raise the value of your primary bet by up to 100 % in the middle of a hand. The player should stand after picking one more card in return for this move.
The double-down move is a vote of confidence, and although it is risky, as in the case you are dealt with a low card, you may not get a chance to hit once more and might end up losing twice as many chips.
The right time to double down in a game of Blackjack is vital.
Take note that all casinos, live or online, have a different set of rules for different blackjack tables. Be aware of those rules before you step onto those tables. The blackjack game table mostly has a ‘double down’ button for online casinos, while live casinos need you to push the stack of chips equivalent to your initial bet.
The moment you double down should balance well between a safe play and when it is risky. Make sure you have an advantage!
When Should You Double Down in BlackJack or When to double down in blackjack?
Luckily, general strategies for Blackjack have been diligently drafted with mathematical probability to let players realise when is the perfect time to double down in the long run. There are three conditions when it is the right time to double down, as follows:
Hard 9 vs The Dealer’s Low Cards
When you are dealt with a total of 9, double down blackjack while the dealer’s upcard is anything between 2 and 6, that is, any card under 7, excluding the Ace. This should be a hard 9, indicating that an Ace should not be in your hand, to make a combination of 2-7,4-5 or 3-6.
And if you have a combination of A-8, referred to as a soft 9, it’s best to wait, be it whatever the dealer presents.
Soft 16 to 18 vs The Dealer’s Low Cards
If you hold an Ace and any of the cards from 5,6, or 7, providing you with a ‘soft’ total of 16 to 18, and the dealer shows any card from 2 to 6, this is the perfect time to double down your bet. It is a good idea to hit with an Ace and a low card, 2 to 4, as it is less preferred to conclude with a high hand.
Hard 10 or 11 vs The Dealer’s Low Cards
A strong stand comes with a complex combination of 10 or 11, with any combination of two cards, excluding an Ace, making a total of 10 or 11, with combinations like 5-6, 4-7, 2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, and 4-6. If the dealer shows a total lower than it, it’s the right time to double your bet.
Splitting in a Game of BlackJack
Splitting is another popular strategy in Blackjack. Players are offered a chance to split their two-hole cards if they make a pair. You can only split a pair of cards once you receive their cards.
If you opt to split a pair, your cards will be split into two standard hands as you match the initial bet with a second bet. Towards the end, you might get the chance to double your rewards or your losses if the plan fails.
As the splitting increases the stakes, there is always more excitement, and one learns to realise when and when it should not be done if you have a pair of aces or eights in a live or online blackjack game.
Consider while Splitting in Blackjack
Due to the reason for above 10-value cards than any secondary card in a deck of 16 cards, there is a statistical opportunity of hitting a minimum of one 21 when splitting aces. Also, two different hands of eight are easier to play with than a hand of 16, which has a rare chance of winning.
In case you got dealt with a pair of 10s, ensure to stick, as there is no other option to improve your hand with anything else. From here on down, with hand value, knowing what the dealer has is significant.
This happens because there is a statistical reason that for any given pair, there are right and wrong options to split when encountered with specific cards.
If you are dealt with a pair of nines, the best option statistically is to split in case the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9. Anyway, if the dealer has a 7, Ace, or 10, it makes more meaning to stay.
Likewise, if the player has a pair of sixes and the dealer has any card between 2 and 6, one should split. Otherwise, pick another card. If the player has sevens and the dealer has any cards from 2 to 7, they should split or twist on the initial pair.
In the same way, if you possess a pair of sixes and the dealer has any card from 2 to 6, you should split or pick another card. If you possess fours and the dealer has a 5 or 6, split, or else take yet another card. If one has a pair of 2s or 3s, split only if the dealer possesses a card between 2 and 7, and if not, hit.
When Should You Not Double Down in Blackjack?
Now as you know when is the right time to double down, here is a quick note on when not to double. Beginning with the obvious one: never double down when the dealer shows an ace because their chances of getting a blackjack are higher. Although if they check and realise to not have a blackjack, there is potential for them to end up having a total close to 21.
Secondly, never double down when you show anything above a total of 11; the potential to get busted is high. It is convenient to ease the hit or stick to a low total and then expect the dealer to get busted. It is good to avoid doubling down in blackjack when you are unsure, stick to a safer option, and keep the bet the same as it is.
The players who double down all the time are usually those players who lose money at a vital rate. One should not double down on the vast majority of hands and take risks when running in the front.
Conclusion
Now, you know what is blackjack double down and when to double down in blackjack. Get on the blackjack table at the best available online casinos and get your hands right on the move to double down your bet at the right time and win massive amounts of money.
Make sure to keep practising to avoid losing valuable money. Online casino platforms offer blackjack rooms for practice, where you can play the game for no money but train yourself with the game and its strategies, including double down, splitting, and more.
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FAQs
When to double down in Blackjack?
In a blackjack game, the chance to double down is the opportunity to raise the value of your primary bet by up to 100 %. In return, the player should stand after picking one more card.
Should a player always double down on 11?
If you double down on your initial wager if you have 6-5, 7-4, 8-3 or 9-2, the average profits per dollar would be 17.85, 17.84, 17.69, and 17.39 cents, respectively. While doubling down in blackjack, you also risk losing double your initial bet, but with 11 or 10, you win twice the bet more often, giving you a higher average profit.
Should you double a 10 against a 9?
The game strategy for a 10 is simple: always double down on the dealer’s 9 or lower, and hit against a dealer’s 10 or Ace upcard in every game.
Should you hit or stay on 16?
It is perfect for hitting when holding a hand of 10 or 12 to16 and standing on anything 17 and over. An ace gives you a better chance of creating 21 with a hit. When a dealer has a 7, 8 or 9 card, it is unthinkable to create a blackjack, so your chances are more.
Should you split 9s in the blackjack game?
As per the basic strategy, a player should split 9s against all number cards a dealer holds other than for a 7. If the dealer has a 7, they will stand a better chance of holding a 10-hole card and stand o their hard 17. Therefore, your 9-9 would win.
Can a player split a 10 and a king in Blackjack?
It is impossible to split again from a hand that was once split. That means the hands showing 10 and Queen should be played; your options will be Hit, Stand, or Double Down. However, Jack’s hand has still only been split already. If a King comes up on the Jack, you would have the option to Split again.
Can you double down on 21 in blackjack?
No, because the dealer will halt your turn because you’ve already won or instantly cash out your winnings.