When in a Blackjack Game Should You Double Down?

While a sound strategy is essential to succeeding at blackjack, timing is as important, as is understanding when to double down.

One of the most popular wagers in blackjack is doubling down, which is a thrilling play. Surprisingly, though, a lot of individuals are unaware of the specifics of the move and how crucial timing is. When done correctly, you may discover that your winnings significantly increase.

So. What does doubling down mean exactly? Simply said, it occurs when you double your wager in the midst of a hand (equivalent to your ante) in exchange for just one additional card. Yes, it’s dangerous. However, it may also result in a higher reward. You must double down when you are in a position to win versus the dealer for the gamble to be profitable.

When to Take a Second Chance

Blackjack is a game where the goal is to defeat the dealer. That’s your chance if you believe you have a statistical advantage! Generally speaking, there are several hands that are better to exploit, including:

The most common and well-known time to double down in blackjack is when the sum of your cards equals 11. This is due to the fact that if you have an eleven, there is a significant possibility that you will strike blackjack, or get very close to it, with one more card. Otherwise, you won’t surpass 21, at the very least. This is the reason why so many players decide to double down when their total number of cards is 11.

Using a hard 9 or 10

Any hand without an ace is considered “hard” (sigh). If the dealer is presenting a lesser card when you find yourself in this circumstance, it’s a good time to double down. You’re putting yourself in a really strong position to beat the dealer if it’s in the cards.

If you have a soft 16, 17, or 18

An ace plus one more card is referred to be a “soft” hand in poker. An ace may be a great winner while playing blackjack, since it boosts your statistical possibilities of either striking or coming extremely near to 21. However, be careful not to overreact when you see that crucial ace. As a general rule, you should only double down in this scenario if the dealer is once again revealing a lesser card.

When not to Take Another Chance

We understand that doubling down is thrilling. However, doubling down too frequently out of a desire to boost your win might be detrimental. In some circumstances, it’s not a good idea, and you’ll quickly lose a lot of money. Yikes. When not to double down, consider:

Whenever the Dealer Aces

When playing blackjack, an ace is a really potent card to have in your hand, which is precisely why you shouldn’t double down if the dealer is displaying one! They have a good chance of either getting a blackjack or getting extremely close to 21.

If Your Hard Hand Is Greater Than 11

Unfortunately, the risks of losing money are just too great to consider double down if you have a hard hand greater than 11. It is always best to be cautious and avoid taking a chance if you are ever doubtful.

More Tips and Tricks for Double Down Blackjack

Use these additional advice and strategies to choose when to double down and when to just stick with your first wager:

• When you’re ready to take a chance, just place a stack of chips equal to your original stake next to your current bet to indicate that you’re going double down. Do not add more chips on top of the original wager since this may be interpreted as changing the stake. Always remember that your double-down wager must be equal to your initial wager. Most players, especially those who are new to blackjack, should nearly always double down when they have an 11.
• Normally, after splitting, you won’t be able to wager again. When you are dealt two identical cards, you have the option of splitting them into two different hands and asking the dealer to deal you two more cards. You might be able to do that at some internet casinos, but the majority of physical casinos won’t. After a hit, you cannot double down. To take another card, strike. Only after the first two cards have been dealt may a player double down.
  It’s time for you to enter the Kiowa Casino & Hotel floor now that you are more knowledgeable about doubling down in blackjack. Just keep in mind when it’s smart to take a chance and when it’s better to avoid double down. Additionally, it’s best to just stick with your first stake if you’re unsure about whether to double it than to run the risk of losing twice as much money!