Doubling down in blackjack is a great way to increase your chances of winning. However, it’s important to know when and when not to double down, as this can make a huge difference in your blackjack strategy. Luckily, there are plenty of blackjack strategy charts that can help you figure out when doubling down would be the most favorable for you.
The basic idea behind doubling down is to double your initial bet in exchange for receiving one extra card. This is an effective strategy when the dealer has a weak up card and you’re confident that you will hit blackjack or get close to it with one additional card. However, you should avoid doubling down on soft hands when the dealer has a strong up card or you will risk losing money.
When to Double Down in Blackjack
The most common time to double down is when you have an initial two-card hand with a total of 11 (or more, if your cards aren’t aces). This is a good opportunity to ask for an additional card because it increases your chance of getting a blackjack or a very high number that will beat the dealer’s. However, you should never double down when your cards are aces or your total is more than 21.
Another effective time to double down is when you have a pair. This means that you have two matching cards, such as two eights or two sixes. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your weaker hands by splitting them and playing them separately. In addition, you’ll receive an additional card for each of your pairs, boosting your chances of making a higher-value hand.
It’s important to note that when you double down, you only get one additional card and you can’t hit or take insurance. To make a double down bet, simply push a stack of chips equal to your initial wager next to your current bet. Some casinos may have rules that prohibit you from pushing the additional chips on top of your original bet, so be sure to check the rules before doubling down.