Double Down in Blackjack – Rules & Strategy

Hello and welcome to Casino Mary! This week we’re going to be talking about one of my favorite moves in blackjack – doubling down.

Doubling down is a very powerful play in blackjack, and knowing when and how to use it can greatly increase your chances of winning.

So whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, this article should help you out.

What Does Double Down Mean in Blackjack?

In blackjack, doubling down means that you get to double your original bet in exchange for agreeing to stand after receiving one more card. It’s a risky move because if you get a bad card, then that’s it – but if you get a good card, then it could really change things around for the better.

Blackjack Double Down Rules

Most blackjack casinos allow players to double down on any two cards they have been dealt with at the beginning of their turn; however, some only allow this option if the total value of those two cards is equal or less than nine (9), ten (10) or eleven (11).

Doubling Down After Splitting: Some casinos also let people double down after splitting pairs, which can be really useful.

Doubling Down on Soft Hands: This is allowed in most places too – soft hands having an Ace that counts as 11 without busting.

When to Double Down in Blackjack

The key to successful doubling down lies in knowing when to do it.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide:

Hard 9: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3 through 6. These are known as “busting” cards because they are more likely than others to force the dealer into drawing another card, which will take them over

Hard 10: Double down whenever possible unless the dealer has an ace showing; again, anything other than an ace should give them reason enough not to want another

Hard 11: Always double down except against an Ace

Soft 16-18: Double against 2-6

Soft 19: Occasionally against dealer’s weak upcard (6)

Strategy Chart for Doubling Down

For quick reference, here’s a handy chart to help you decide when to double down:

Player’s Hand	Dealer’s Upcard	Action
9	3, 4, 5, 6	Double Down
10	2-9	Double Down
11	2-Ace	Double Down
Soft 16-18	2-6	Double Down
Soft 19	6	Double Down

This chart is a great tool to have by your side while playing, helping you make quick and informed decisions.

Advanced Tips for Doubling Down

Now, the basic rules are clear to you, and you know when to double down. So here are some advanced tips that can make your game even better.

Consider the Dealer’s Upcard

Whether or not you should double down depends a lot on this card. Among other terms, these cards (2-6) are called “bust cards” because they tend to make the dealer go bust. On the other hand, if the dealer has a 7-through Ace showing, then they have a stronger hand, and that makes doubling down riskier.

Count Your Cards

You don’t have to be an expert card counter; having just a basic idea can give you an advantage over others. If it is allowed in your casino, try keeping track of which cards have been played, as this knowledge might come in handy when deciding whether or not doubling down is worth it for you at any given time during play.

For example, if there are still many 10-value cards left in the deck, then it becomes more attractive to double down on a 9 or 10-hand.

Table and House Rules

Take note of table limits as well as house rules, such as those about doubling after splits or soft hands, because different places may have different variations on these rules – knowing them will help adjust strategies accordingly.

Practice Makes Perfect

Before you hit up any blackjack casinos with real money involved – get some practice rounds online or among friends where no actual betting takes place, but all decisions are made based on what would happen if bets were being made so familiarity can be established prior to needing speed/confidence later when it counts most!

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced players make errors sometimes, especially when considering which two cards should be doubled among four possible ones (hands).

Here are common mistakes associated with doubling down in blackjack:

Doubling Down on Weak Hands

Do not double down on weak hands, such as totals below nine (9). The risk outweighs the potential rewards, and the chances of losing additional bets are higher.

Ignoring the Dealer’s Upcard

Always think twice before deciding whether or not to double down because it depends largely on what card the dealer shows as his face-up (up) card; doubling against strong dealer upcards (7 through Ace) can lead to unnecessary losses.

Forgetting The Basics

Remember basic blackjack strategy – e.g., hitting hard 12-16 against a dealer’s 7 through Ace. Doubling is powerful but when used with these fundamentals only.

Interactive Practice: Try Doubling Down!

Let’s test your knowledge with some examples where we will provide you with different scenarios, and you just have to indicate if you are yes or no for each:

Scenario 1

• Your Hand: 10
• Dealer’s Upcard: 5

Would you double down? (Yes!)

Scenario 2

• Your Hand: Soft 17 (Ace, 6)
• Dealer’s Upcard: 4

Would you double down? (Yes!)

Scenario 3

• Your Hand: 9
• Dealer’s Upcard: 2

Would you double down? (No!)

Conclusion

If played right, doubling in blackjack can be both an exciting and very rewarding move. Familiarize yourself well with the rules and timing of when to do so while avoiding common mistakes, and then rest assured that your odds at winning big are all but guaranteed.

Just like any other skill, practice makes perfect; therefore, use this manual as a guide towards enhancement of competence, which will enable more self-assuredness coupled with success in future endeavors within a casino playing environment.