Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular card games played in casinos all around the world. A critical part of playing blackjack successfully is knowing when to “double down.” Doubling down can significantly increase your profits when done at the right time but can also increase your losses when done incorrectly.
In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into the strategy behind doubling down, understand its significance, and showcase examples to help you make the right decision every time.
What does it mean to “double down”?
In blackjack, after receiving your initial two cards, you have the option to “double down.” This means you double your initial bet in exchange for exactly one more card. No matter what this third card is, you can’t draw any further cards after doubling down.
The Rationale Behind Doubling Down
The main reason to double down is when the odds are in your favor, meaning there’s a higher chance you’ll beat the dealer by either getting close to 21 or by the dealer busting. Essentially, you’re doubling your bet because you believe your hand has a good probability of winning.
When to Double Down
To know when to double down, one must understand basic blackjack strategy. Here are some general rules of thumb:
- Hard 9: Double down if the dealer has a 3-6. Example:
- Your cards: 4 and 5 (total of 9)
- Dealer’s card: 5 This is a good opportunity to double down because the dealer has a higher chance of busting.
- Soft 16 to 18: Double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6. Example:
- Your cards: Ace and 6 (total of 7 or 17, hence the term “soft”)
- Dealer’s card: 6
- Hard 10 or 11: If your cards’ total is more than the dealer’s up card, consider doubling down. Example:
- Your cards: 6 and 5 (total of 11)
- Dealer’s card: 9
- Soft 13 to 15: Generally, avoid doubling down on these. However, if the dealer has a 5 or 6, some players may opt to take the risk.
When NOT to Double Down
- When the dealer has an Ace showing: The dealer has a good chance of having a blackjack or at least a strong hand.
- Dealer’s up card is a 7 or higher: In this case, the dealer has a good chance of having a pat hand (17-21), making it more risky for you.
- If you have a hard 12 or higher: The chance of busting with one more card is too high.
- When you have a soft 19 or higher: You already have a strong hand. No need to risk busting.
Examples of Doubling Down Scenarios
Example 1:
- Your cards: 5 and 6 (total 11)
- Dealer’s card: 7 This is a classic scenario where you should double down. With an 11, you have a high chance of drawing a 10-valued card, while the dealer has a riskier hand with a 7.
Example 2:
- Your cards: Ace and 4 (soft 15)
- Dealer’s card: 6 Here, it’s ideal to double down. The dealer’s 6 is a weak card, and you have flexibility with a soft hand.
Example 3:
- Your cards: 8 and 3 (total 11)
- Dealer’s card: 10 It might be tempting because you have 11, but the dealer’s 10 can be tricky. It’s a judgment call, but many experts would still advise doubling down, banking on the probability of drawing a 10-value card.
Final Thoughts
Mastering when to double down in blackjack can be a game-changer, potentially maximizing your profits in favorable situations. Like any casino game, it’s crucial to be disciplined and not let emotions drive your decisions. Remember, while the double down strategy increases your odds, there’s no guarantee of winning. Always gamble responsibly and within your limits.
