When it pays to double down in blackjack
In blackjack, there is one decision that surpasses all others in excitement: The Double Down. It allows you to double your bet on the starting hand. You are then dealt only one more card. This is a risky move because it usually ends your bet – you can no longer choose “hit” and that even if you have received a particularly low second card.
This is why cautious players avoid the double down and reckless players use it far too often. To maximise your chances of winning, it is important to keep a balance between sensible play, based on a static strategy for example, and risky double downs.
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When a Double Down makes sense
Fortunately, blackjack strategies have been extensively tested for their mathematical probabilities. That’s why we know when it’s worth doubling down (in the long run). There are three situations where a double down is the best choice. We explain them below.
In all these situations, a bust is not possible. Moreover, the chances are good that you will have a high hand and the dealer will lose with his hand according to statistical probability.
Hard 9 against lower cards of the dealer
If you have received a total of 9 points and the dealer holds a card between 2 and 6 (any card below 7, except the ace), then you should choose the double down. This must be a hard 9. This means that there is no ace in your hand – so the combinations can be 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. If you have A-8 (a soft 9), then Stand is the better choice and it doesn’t matter what the dealer has in his hand.
Soft 16 to 18 against the dealer’s lower cards
If you have an ace and either a 5, 6 or 7, then it is a soft hand between 16 and 18. If the dealer has a card between 2 and 6, then this is a good time to double your bet. With an ace and a lower card (2 to 4), hit is the better choice as the chances of winning with a high hand are lower.
Hard 10 or 11 against a lower card of the dealer
A hard 10 or 11 gives you a superior position – that is, with any card combination that does not have an ace and totals 10 or 11 (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6). If the dealer has fewer points, it’s double down time.
Pay attention to the rules
This strategy is applicable to almost any blackjack game. However, you should keep in mind that blackjack rules differ from casino to casino, which in turn has an impact on your decisions. If it is possible to double your bet with three or more cards, then you will have extra hands available for the double down. So keep an eye on your total score.
On the other hand, the rules might prohibit you from doubling down in situations where the strategy says it makes sense – for example, soft hands (the hands that contain an ace). If the double down is not available to you in these cases, you should replace it with a hit.
Blackjack Double Down for beginners
Choosing Double Down in Blackjack allows players to double their bet after receiving the first two cards. After this, you receive one – only one – more card. Then the winner is announced: you or the dealer.
A player chooses Double Down because the chances are good to risk more and thereby win more. Since you have control over when you use a double down, it makes it a powerful tool for players who recognise the perfect opportunity. Below we give specific examples so you know what is possible and what is not.
