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Mastering the Blackjack Double Down: Tips and Strategies for Success| LeoVegas

Doubling Down in Blackjack: When To and When Not To

Summary:

Double down:

  • When your cards total 9, 10, or 11 without an ace.
  • When you have a hard 9 or 10 and the dealer's face-up card is two to six, inclusive .
  • When you have a soft 16, 17, or 18 and the dealer's face-up card is two to six, inclusive.

Do not double down:

  • When the dealer has an ace.
  • When your cards total more than 11.
  • When you have a hard hand higher than 1.

Doubling down is a widely used strategy in blackjack. The action offers players the chance to double their original bet in exchange for receiving one additional card. This move is most effective when your hand is highly likely to improve with a single card, particularly when the dealer’s upcard puts them in a weaker position.

Table of Contents:

Understanding when to double down and when to avoid it is essential for making the most of this strategy. This guide will explain the best situations to double down, common mistakes to watch out for, and practical tips to help you play smarter.

What Does Doubling Down Mean in Blackjack?

Doubling down in blackjack is a strategic move that lets you double your original bet after seeing your first two cards. Here's the catch - you'll get just one more card to work with. It is most effective in situations where your hand totals 10 or 11 and the dealer shows a weak upcard such as a 4, 5, or 6.

This move became a staple of blackjack strategy in the mid-20th century as professional gamblers and mathematicians studied the game to identify optimal plays. Doubling down was recognized as an effective way to capitalize on promising situations, particularly when the player’s hand had a strong chance of beating the dealer’s. Today, it remains an essential part of basic strategy, supported by statistical models and widely taught to players seeking to reduce the house edge.

Doubling down lets players take advantage of good odds when the conditions are right. However, it comes with risks because you are committing to just one more card, which makes timing essential. While doubling down can be a valuable tool for improving your game, it is important to use it wisely and understand when it offers the best chance of success.

The Rules of Doubling Down

Here are the standard rules every player should know when doubling down in blackjack:

  • Players must double down immediately after their initial two cards are dealt and before hitting, standing, or taking any other further actions.
  • The additional wager for doubling down must be equal to the original bet. For instance, if your initial wager is $20, you must bet an additional $20 to double down, making your total wager $40
  • After doubling down, the player receives exactly one more card and must then stand, regardless of the card's value.

Variations Across Casinos and Regions

Doubling down rules in blackjack can vary depending on the casino, regional regulations, or the specific variant of the game. Some casinos restrict doubling down to specific hand totals, like 9, 10, or 11, while others allow it on any two-card hand.

Certain variations such as "double after split" (DAS), permit players to double down on hands created after splitting a pair, though this option is not universally available. Additionally, the number of decks in play can influence doubling down rules, with single-deck games often imposing more restrictive options compared to multi-deck games.

The Mechanics of Doubling Down

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to execute a double down:

  1. After receiving your initial two cards, evaluate their total value and consider the dealer's visible card.
  2. If the situation is favourable, decide to double down before taking any additional actions like hitting or standing. This decision must be made immediately after the initial deal.
  3. To double down, place an added bet equal to your original wager alongside your initial bet. Ensure the extra chips are placed adjacent to, not on top of, your original bet to avoid confusion.
  4. In handheld games, you must place your cards face-up on the table and add an additional bet equal to your original wager beside your initial bet. If you’re playing shoe-dealt games, you must place an additional bet equal to your original wager next to your initial bet without touching your cards. You can also indicate your intention by holding up one finger as a visual signal that you intend to double down.
  5. The dealer will deal one card to your hand, placed perpendicular to signify the double down. You must stand after this card, regardless of its value.
  6. With the double down complete, await the dealer's turn to determine the outcome of the hand.

Ideal Situations for Doubling Down

The most favourable conditions for doubling down are:

  • Hard 11: Always double down when your hand totals 11, regardless of the dealer's upcard. An 11 gives you the best chance to hit 21 with a 10-value card.
  • Soft 16 to 18 (Ace-5 to Ace-7): Double down on a soft 16, 17, or 18 when the dealer's upcard is 2 to 6. The ace's flexibility reduces the risk of busting, and the dealer's weak upcard increases their chances of busting. Be cautious with soft 18, as standing may sometimes be better.
  • Hard 9: Double down when your total is 9, and the dealer's upcard is 3 to 6. These upcards make the dealer more likely to bust, and a 9 offers strong improvement potential.
  • Hard 10: Double down when your total is 10 and the dealer's upcard is 2 through 9. A 10-value card can create a strong total of 20.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Double Down

When considering whether to double down in blackjack, it's important to evaluate the following factors before making a decision:

  • The dealer’s upcard
  • Casino rules
  • Number of decks
  • Your hand total

Doubling Down on Hard Totals

A hard hand is one with zero flexibility to change. So, a hand that lacks an ace or contains an ace that can only be valued as 1 to prevent going over 21. For example, a hard 17 can occur in two scenarios: either when you have no ace in your hand (like holding a 10 and a 7), or when your hand includes an ace that must count as 1 to avoid busting.

Doubling down works best in specific situations with hard totals:

  • If your hand totals 9 and the dealer's upcard is 3-6.
  • With a total of 10, double down when the dealer's upcard is 2-9.
  • When you have a total of 11.

Doubling Down on Soft Totals

A soft hand in blackjack includes an ace valued as either 1 or 11. For instance, an ace and a 6 create a soft 17, which can be played as a 7 or 17. This allows players to draw additional cards without the risk of busting, as the ace's value can adjust to prevent exceeding 21.

Doubling down is most effective with soft hands like a soft 16 (ace-5), soft 17 (ace-6), or soft 18 (ace-7) when the dealer’s upcard is 2 to 6. The ace’s flexibility reduces the risk of busting and lets players take advantage of the dealer’s weaker position.

How the Dealer’s Up Card Influences Doubling Down

In blackjack, the dealer's upcard provides critical insight into the dealer's potential hand strength. By analyzing the upcard, you can assess the likelihood of the dealer busting or achieving a strong hand. This can help you make choices regarding hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting.

Doubling down works best in the following situations:

  • If your hand totals 9 (without an ace) and the dealer shows a weak upcard.
  • When your hand totals a hard 10 or 11, and the dealer's upcard is lower than your total.
  • When holding a soft 16, 17, or 18, and the dealer's upcard is 2-6.

Common Mistakes Players Make When Doubling Down

Doubling down is a powerful move, but players often misuse it, leading to costly errors including:

  • **Doubling Down on Weak Hands:**Some players mistakenly choose to double down with hands that total 12 or more, which increases the risk of busting with the next card. This strategy can lead to losing double the original bet if the player is not careful.
  • Ignoring the Dealer's Upcard: Failing to consider the dealer's upcard when deciding to double down is a common mistake. Doubling down when the dealer shows a strong card (like a 10 or an ace), is risky because the dealer has a higher chance of achieving a strong hand or even blackjack.
  • Doubling Down Too Frequently: Overusing the double down option without careful strategy can quickly deplete a player’s bankroll. It is important to use this move only in situations where odds are favourable.
  • Doubling Down After Hitting: Doubling down after taking a hit is not allowed under standard blackjack rules, as players must make this decision immediately after the initial two cards are dealt.

Advanced Doubling Down Strategies

Card counting helps track the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck, allowing for more informed doubling-down decisions. By monitoring the cards that have been dealt, you can estimate how many high cards (10-ace) are still in play.

When the deck contains more high cards, the chances of drawing a strong hand improve, making doubling down interesting. For example, if your hand totals 11 and high cards remain in the deck, doubling down may offer a stronger likelihood of success. At the same time, when the deck is rich in low cards, doubling down is often less viable, as the odds of significantly improving your hand are lower.

Doubling Down in Multi-Deck vs. Single-Deck Games

In single-deck games, removing a high-value card like a 10 or ace has a noticeable impact on the deck’s composition, slightly increasing the chances of drawing another high card. This makes doubling down more appealing when the situation is advantageous.

In multi-deck games, however, the effect of removing one card is spread across more cards, so the probability of drawing a high-value card changes much less. As a result, doubling down tends to be less effective in multi-deck games, and sticking closely to basic strategy is often the smartest approach.

Blackjack Double Down FAQs

Can You Double Down after Hitting?

No. Players are only given the option to double down when they are dealt their initial hand. Once you have hit, the only options that you will have are to hit again or to stand.

Can You Split and Double Down?

The answer to this is going to come down to the version of the game you are playing. Some variations and casinos will allow players to split and then double down, while others will not. The majority of online casinos and games will fall into the latter category. This is because the game is now considered as two new hands. Of course, we recommend checking the rules of the game you are playing before you place your initial bet and start betting.

Should You Always Double Down on 11?

While there is no situation in which you should always double down, it's worth remembering that doubling down when you have 11 in your hand is definitely one of the best opportunities to reap benefits. There are several reasons for this, but perhaps the most obvious is that you will not break 21 with your next card, regardless of what it is. There is also a very good chance that you will hit a blackjack on your next card, depending on how many 10+ cards have already come out of the deck.

Do you double down on 11 against a 10?

Yes, according to the basic blackjack strategy doubling down on 11 gives the player an advantage. However, you should hit instead of double down if the dealer's face up card is Ace.

When Is It Best To Double Down In Blackjack?

There are a handful of situations in which it is best to double down in blackjack. The best situation to double down is when you have 11 from your first two cards. This is because you stand a good chance of a high-scoring hand from the next card. Of course, you should think twice about this if the dealer is showing an 11.

The other two situations when doubling down can be advantageous. This is when you have a soft 16 or 17 or a hard 9 or 10. The chances of landing a high-scoring hand on the back of these are quite high. However, you should also take into account the hand that the dealer is showing. If they have a high-scoring face-up card, then you may want to approach this with caution.

Should I double down a 7?

In most cases, it is better to double down if you have 10 or more and the dealer has a total lower than 7.

Do you double with 11 against a 2?

Double down can be a good option if you have a hard 11 blackjack hand and the dealer has low-value cards.

How many cards do you get when you double down in blackjack?

When you use a double down option in blackjack, you receive only one extra card.

Do you double down a 10 against an ace?

According to the basic strategy, you should double down on the dealer's 9 or less and hit against Ace.

Learn about other blackjack strategies in our guides: