Last updated: October 10, 2023
Doubling down is one of the more well-known playing options to focus a strategy around. You can find out what that means and how to use it correctly with our blackjack strategy – when to double down in blackjack.
It’s an adrenaline rush when you make a move to double down in games of blackjack. You must remember that you won’t always get the rub of the felt and come out a winner. However, using this tactic will give you a great chance of increasing your blackjack winnings over time.
The double down blackjack definition is basically you have the confidence in your hand; therefore, you are doubling your initial wager and requesting just one more card from the dealer.
You are only able to make this play directly after your initial two cards have been drawn.
Honestly, only three situations make sense for when to double down on your original bet. With these three situations, it is impossible to go bust (go over 21), and therefore it is more likely that you will win the hand over the dealer.
Having a hand worth 11 gives you an excellent opportunity to crack 21. If you aren’t entirely lucky, you still likely to get a total of close to 21.
A soft 16, 17, or 18 is when you have an ace plus another card. Realistically, you should only opt for the double when your dealer is showing a lower card but don’t underestimate your odds of improving one of these higher soft hands.
A hard hand does not include an ace, and again you should focus on doubling down only when the dealer has a lower value card showing. You have a good chance of getting a high value to beat the dealer.
We’ve shown you when it’s optimal to make a play and double down in blackjack, but when should you avoid this tactic?
The most obvious indicator is if the dealer is holding an ace – never double down. With that ace, the dealer has a great chance of getting a blackjack, and even if they don’t, they still have a great chance of finishing closer to 21 than the player would.
If your hand has a value higher than 11, avoid doubling down. The risk of going bust is significant, and therefore the optimal strategy is to hit if you’re feeling lucky or stick to your hand and cross your fingers for the dealer going bust.
Whenever you doubt what to do, just stick with the safe-game and play your wager as it is.
If you are doubling down in blackjack on most of your hands, you will lose many of your games. The smart play is to double down when you have a clear advantage.
There are a few different methods to signal that you’d like to double down when playing blackjack games. Online it’s as simple as hitting the ‘double’ or ‘double down’ button, whereas, in traditional casinos, players have some options.
The first method to signal that you’d like to play a double is to push a stack of chips next to your initial bet. You must ensure that the amount is the same as your initial bet. Some advice from us, never put your chips on top of the initial bet as this is looked down upon by staff and dealers. It might even suggest that you’ve tampered with your bet.
If for some reason, the dealer doesn’t acknowledge your double down bet when you push your chips in, you can notify the dealer by either verbally telling them or by pointing with one finger at your hand.
You need always to consider the casino’s rules when doubling down in blackjack. This can often identify whether doubling down is allowed and, if so, when this can be done. The vast majority of casinos will allow players to double down when their hand is worth 10 or 11, but not any other time.
Remember to check what the dealer’s card is and what the rules are surrounding what value they must continue to hit. This is necessary as it will help you identify how possible it is that they will go over 21.
A great tip is to determine whether dealers check for blackjack whenever they are dealt an Ace or a card with a value of 10. Why’s this? If the dealer checks and the game continues, that means they do not have a blackjack, and therefore your chances of winning would be higher.
If the dealer did have a blackjack, the game would end, and all players without a blackjack would lose.
Susan is a verified gambling support specialist who has helped thousands of problem gamblers get back on their feet through therapy and financial counseling. She’s also worked as a cage manager in four Las Vegas casinos and spent two years in Macau in her 30s, where she became extremely savvy at Sic Bo and other Asian table games. Her knowledge and expertise have and continue to play a priceless part in how we structure our content, particularly when it comes to game guides and casino reviews.
