Blackjack online is a game of strategy and skill, but some significant payouts come down to luck and understanding when to double down. Doubling down is a standard blackjack bet, but only some players understand the strategy behind it or the importance of timing. This casino news looks at everything you need about Blackjack double down.
Blackjack Double Down: What Does it Mean?
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. And the goal of Blackjack is straightforward: beat the dealer’s hand total while coming as near to 21 as possible without going over. You can stand (do nothing), hit (take another card), or double down after receiving your initial two cards and seeing the dealer’s up card.
The whole concept of Blackjack double down is that you double your wager and get another card. Doubling down is only a decent strategy if you’re confident of winning the hand.
Today, we bring you an American casino guide to understand how doubling down can increase your chances of going home with the big prize.
Best Instances to Double Down
Again, the singular goal of any blackjack gaming session is to beat the dealer’s hand. In doing that, there are instances where taking a blackjack double down bet are you making the most of an already good hand. Below are a few:
When Your Hand Total Is Specifically 10 or 11
In this scenario, where you have a hand total of 10 or 11, you are in a strong position. This means that you have two cards that total 11. Examples are (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6). You should double down if the dealer’s hand total is less than yours. You’re more likely to get a blackjack or a close-to-blackjack game. One good thing about this hand is that you can never go wrong. No matter the card you’re dealt, you can always be at most 21.
Hard 9
Double down when your hand total is 9, especially if the dealer shows a lower card. Two non-ace cards add up to nine, making it a “hard 9.” It’s always a seven or lower, giving you a 9. If you’re already at 9, your next card will likely get you close to 21.
Soft 16, 17, 18
You should also consider Blackjack double down if your hand options are — a soft 16, 17, or 17 (an ace and a five, six, or seven) and the dealer has a weak card. This is because your sum can range from 6 to 16 to 7 to 17 to 8 to 18 points. Your additional card could be low, bringing you closer to 21. However, any significant figure is added to the tally of six, seven, or eight.
When Doubling Down is too bad an option
Attempting to enhance your earnings through blackjack double down repeatedly can backfire. In some situations, doing so is a bad idea and could result in a rapid and substantial financial loss. Some examples are provided below.
The Dealer Has an Ace
Players should avoid double down when the dealer has an ace when playing Blackjack online. This card gives the dealer a statistical advantage should they get Blackjack or close to 21.
Hard Hand Over 11
If you have a hard hand value higher than 11 and are close to going bust, doubling down is not recommended. When in doubt, don’t take a chance. It would be better to play sweepstakes slots real money games than make a double down over an already bad situation.
Blackjack Double Down: When Can You Do It?
- In most casinos, doubling down after a split is not an option, but certain online casinos make an exception. If doubling down after a split is an option, you should evaluate the hand like any other.
- There is a one-in-a-thousand chance that you can double down after a hit. Because doing so would give the player an unfair advantage over the house, once you’ve hit, you’re stuck with it; you can’t split, obtain insurance, or do anything else than hit again.
Conclusion
If you feel confident about your hand, you can double your bet and winning odds. Of course, you’ll have to risk twice as much money as you originally intended. The problem with blackjack double-down is that you’re still taking a chance. The dealer has more information and will always go for the players. Blackjack is a game of skill, just like poker, where you learn strategies like how to count cards in poker, etc. Use our game guides also to learn some tips for Blackjack. This will give you an edge over your opponents.
Feeling lucky? Then try multiple casino game alternatives! Playing paradise slots is always a great alternative for your leisure, and you never know: you could get the greatest prizes you could ever imagine.
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