When To Double Down in Blackjack?

What Does Double Down Mean in Blackjack?

Doubling down in blackjack is a betting option that gives you the opportunity to double your initial wager in exchange for one extra card. However, you’re prohibited from drawing additional cards after this move.

In blackjack, understanding how and when to double down can ramp up potential winnings, but it’s not without risk. Making the call to double your wager means you need an accurate handle on your odds. Only a numerically favorable hand warrants such a move.

You Should Double Down

1. When Your Cards Total 11

If your initial two-card hand totals 11, it’s often an optimal time to double down. Adding any card from the deck, apart from a 2, puts you in a strong position with a hand value of 12 or higher. Since the deck contains more ten-value cards (10, Jack, Queen, King), it amplifies your chance of hitting 21.

2. When You Have a Soft 16, 17, or 18

If your hand displays a soft 16, 17, or 18, consider doubling down. Having an Ace provides a safeguard against busting, permitting you to hit without fear of exceeding 21. Your hand’s flexibility and the opportunity for a higher total make these scenarios worth potentially doubling down.

3. When You Have a Hard 9 or 10

Possessing a “hard” 9 or 10, a two-card hand without an Ace, proposes another compelling situation. Double down when the dealer is showing a lower card, 2 through 6, for their face-up card. Dealer’s probability of busting spikes with these low-value cards, hence advancing your chances of winning the double wager.

You Shouldn’t Double Down

1. When the Dealer Has an Ace

The dealer’s Ace increases their odds of attaining a high total. Despite a seemingly sound hand like a hard 11, backing off from doubling down serves you better if the dealer boasts an Ace.

2. When Your Card Total Is Higher than 11

If your total exceeds 11, the likelihood of busting if you draw an extra card increases significantly. Therefore, the suggestion here is to refrain from doubling down and tread carefully around the dealer’s possible play.

3. When You’re Unsure

If you find yourself confused or unsure, don’t opt for doubling down. Only a confident player, armed with thorough knowledge of blackjack strategy, reaps the benefits at the table. So, consider a different play.

4. When Chasing Losses

Likewise, do away with the temptation to double down while chasing losses. This reckless strategy often leads to even deeper losses. Remember, each hand in blackjack unfolds independently, and prior losses bear no weight on potential winnings in subsequent hands. Therefore, make each decision based on strategic logic.

Double Down Strategy Chart

This chart will help you understand when you should and shouldn’t double down in blackjack:

Player’s Hand	Dealer’s Upcard	Should You Double Down?	Explanation
Hard 9	3-6	Yes	The dealer has a high chance of busting or getting a weaker hand.
Hard 10	2-9	Yes	The dealer’s upcard gives you a better chance to win with a strong hand.
Hard 11	2-10	Yes	You have a strong chance of getting a high total and winning, even if the dealer has a good upcard.
Soft 16 (A, 5)	4-6	Yes	You can still improve your hand significantly without a high risk of busting.
Soft 17 (A, 6)	3-6	Yes	Doubling down is advantageous because you have a good chance to improve your hand.
Soft 18 (A, 7)	3-6	Yes	The odds are in your favor to get a strong hand without much risk.
Hard 12-16	2-6	No	These hands are too risky to double down on because you may bust or end up with a weak hand.
Hard 17-21	Any	No	You already have a strong hand, and doubling down isn’t necessary.
Soft 12-15	Any	No	These hands are too weak to double down on and have a higher chance of resulting in a loss.
Soft 19-21	Any	No	You already have a strong hand, so doubling down isn’t beneficial.

Things To Consider When Doubling Down In Blackjack

1. Number of Decks in Play

Often underestimated, but the number of decks in play can influence your choice to double down. That’s why it’s imperative you know the number. More decks in a game mean more tens are in play, increasing your chance of hitting a 20 or 21, great hands for doubling down.

2. Table Rules

Also, familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific Blackjack table you’re playing at. Some tables restrict you to doubling down on certain hands. Others let you double down whenever you choose.

3. Count of Players

Keep an eye on the number of players at the table. If it’s crowded, more cards will be dealt before it’s your turn again. This factor can affect the best decisions regarding doubling down.

What is the Difference between Split and Double Down in Blackjack?

Splitting in blakjack refers to the strategy you can employ when you receive two cards of the same value, like two 8s or two Aces. Upon splitting, you’re creating two separate hands from the initial one. Splitting offers you a chance at turning a losing hand into a winning one or even increasing your winnings with two successful hands.

However, you might encounter instances where splitting is not advisable. For example, splitting 10s or 5s—the consistency of high and high potential cards—could lead to less desirable hands.

Doubling down, on the other hand, is all about capitalizing on strong hands. Here, you double your original bet and get one additional card. Optimal usage calls for doubling down on hands totaling 9, 10, or 11, where the likelihood of hitting a high card and achieving a total close to 21 increases.

The ability to double down is a powerful tool in your blackjack strategy arsenal, but its usage is constrained by the risk of receiving a low-value third card. Likewise, you’re barred from doubling down after hitting; you may only do so after the initial deal.

What You Need to Know Before Doubling Down?

Can You Double Down After Splitting?

Generally, there’s no barrier to doubling down after splitting. However, this depends on table rules, so check the casino rules beforehand.

Can You Double Down After Hitting?

No. Doubling down is typically reserved for your initial two-card hand. So, decide to double down before taking a hit.

Should You Always Double Down on 11?

In situations wherein your initial hand value is 11, you’d benefit from doubling down. Here, you have a decent chance of getting a 10-value card, giving you a strong total of 21. Of course, be mindful of the dealer’s card before deciding.

Should You Double Down on 10?

This depends on the dealer’s up card. When you carry a 10, and the dealer has a 9 or less, doubling down could be a winning bet. Assess the dealer’s hand and the overall situation before making your decision.

How Many Cards Do You Get When You Double Down in Blackjack?

You get one, and only one, more card. That’s all. This makes doubling down a risky move where timing and quick calculations are key.

Can You Double Down on 21 in Blackjack?

You can’t double down once you have a total of 21. Doubling down applies to initial two-card hands with values of 11 or less.

When is the best time to double down on soft hands?

The best circumstance to double down on soft hands 16, 17, or 18 is when the dealer’s hand shows 3-6. This strategy can increase the chances of success.