What Does Double Down Mean in Blackjack?
Double Down in Blackjack is a great strategy to increase how much you can win from the hand you are playing. After being dealt your original two cards by the dealer, you can Double Down, which means you are doubling your bet for one extra card in the hope of improving your own hand. However, this must be done before the dealer gives you another card. To Double Down, you simply place another bet of equal value to your first bet before the dealer then gives you one more card only.
Double Down Rules in Blackjack
During a game of Blackjack, the only time when players have the opportunity to Double Down is straight after your first two cards have been dealt by the dealer. If you wish to use this blackjack strategy, you simply place a second bet of the same value as your original stake next to your initial stake.
If your overall hand with the extra card then beat the dealer, you win double the money you would have got if you had not chosen to Double Down. However, if the dealer goes on to beat your hand, you will lose double the money you would have, so it is important to use this type of bet at the correct time.
How to signal Double Down in Blackjack
If you like the look of your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card looks low, you can Double Down by placing a second bet of the same value as your first bet next to the initial bet. This should be placed outside the betting box, and you signal to the dealer this is the bet you wish to play by pointing with one finger.
When to Double Down in Blackjack
If you choose to Double Down, it is important to use this strategy at the right time. There are three different groups of hands when this approach makes sense, because you cannot go bust, and your chances of beating the dealer to win the hand are enhanced.
1 – you are dealt a hand of a hard nine, which is two cards that add up to nine but do not include an Ace, for example, a 2 and 7, 3 and 6, or 4 and 5. Meanwhile, the dealer has a face-up card of between 2 and 6. You cannot go bust when you are dealt your third card, but the dealer must draw at least one extra card, meaning there is a greater chance that they could go bust.
2 – you are dealt a hard 10 or 11, such as a 2 and 8, 7 and 3, or 4 and 7 etc., but the dealer has a face-up card that is lower than yours. Again, when you get your third card, you cannot go bust, but the dealer is at risk of going over 21 because they have to take a card until they reach 17.
3 – you are dealt a soft 16, 17 or 18, and the dealer’s face-up card is between 2 and 6. A soft hand means you have an Ace in your initial two-card hand with a 5, 6 or 7. Now is a good time to Double Down, as the Ace can be a 1 or 11, so there is a good chance you can improve your hand with one more card.
When not to Double Down in Blackjack
Players should never Double Down if they have a hand that totals higher than 11 (unless they have a soft hand that includes an Ace). This is because the chances of going bust with a third card are too high to risk. It is usually better to hit or stick on a lower total in the hope that the dealer will go bust.
Blackjack Double Down FAQ
Can you Double Down after splitting in Blackjack?
No. In a typical hand, you will not be able to Double Down after splitting. Splitting is when you are dealt two cards of the same value, which gives you the opportunity to split those cards into two separate hands, where you will receive two new cards from the dealer.
Can you Double Down after hitting?
No. You will not be allowed to Double Down after hitting, which is when you take another card after the initial two you have been dealt. Double Down is only allowed after the initial two cards have been dealt.
How many cards do you get when you Double Down in Blackjack?
If you choose to Double Down after being dealt your initial two cards, you will only be dealt ONE further card.
Can you Double Down on 21 in Blackjack?
No. If you could Double Down on 21, everyone would do it every time the croupier dealt them Blackjack.
Should you Double Down on 10 in Blackjack?
If you have been dealt a hand that totals 10, this is a good opportunity to Double Down if the dealer has a lower card showing.
Should you Double Down on 11 in Blackjack?
Yes. It is almost always a good strategy to Double Down when you have been dealt a hand that totals 11, especially with many cards in the deck that are worth 10.
Can a dealer Double Down in Blackjack?
No, this is not the rule in Blackjack.
Do you Double Down on 9 against 2?
Yes. You should almost always Double Down if the cards you have been dealt total 9, 10, or 11, without an ace.
Do you Double Down 11 vs Ace?
It is advisable. In a single-deck game of Blackjack, you should always Double Down if your cards total 11 against any card the dealer is showing. Many players will hesitate to do this, fearful that the dealer will have Blackjack, but the odds are with the player.
Is Doubling Down in Blackjack profitable?
Doubling down can be one of the most profitable ways to play online blackjack because if you win, you will receive double the payout you would have won.