Blackjack when double

But first, let us discuss when doubling down is even possible. The double down blackjack option is available after your initial cards have been dealt. However, every casino has its own blackjack rules , and these tend to change the overall house edge that the casino has. Typically, every blackjack game will allow you to double down when the total of your two initial cards is either ten or eleven.

However, many casinos also allow you to double down regardless of the total of your initial cards, while some will allow it on nine, ten, and eleven. In some casinos, you are able to double down after you have split your cards. This means you can double down one or each of your new blackjack hands if you so desire.

In practically every casino, you will not be allowed to double down once you have already hit, with other options such as split and insurance also going off the table. This brings us to the real question. When should I use the blackjack double down option in the first place? The answer is that there are a few times when you should do it. Primarily, double down is a great option to use when you are dealt a total of eleven on your first two cards.

Holding eleven gives you a great chance to hit 21 on your next card, which means you can't be beaten. Holding 21 is a bit like having a royal flush in the game of poker , as the worst thing that can happen is for you to tie with the dealer.

Doubling down on 11 is practically mandatory, and you should never be afraid to go after it. This is a better way to make money than waiting for the next hand.

Doubling down on ten is also a good idea. If you are dealt ten, and the dealer is holding a small card, you should go for a double down. The dealer holding a small card means there is a good chance they will bust. If you can get a ten or an ace, you will have a great hand. If you don't, the dealer could still bust, or you will win with your 18 or 19 against their 17 or Holding a soft 16, 17, or 18 are also good times to double down.

You now have a bigger bet behind you that you hope to win back with a return from the dealer. Clearly, you would only double down in blackjack when you think you have a good chance of winning the hand. Once you recognize the basic probability that the next card dealt will be valued at 10 because all picture cards are valued 10 in blackjack , then you can, with a little more authority, take a more profitable line.

Even if the third card is a brick — and double down rules say you can receive no further cards - you still have a chance to win the hand because the dealer might bust. Another time you can double down is if the dealer is showing one weak card like a five or a six. The chances are his next card will be a 10, meaning his total is 15 or 16, and he will have to draw again, likely going bust.

The player can split their cards if they are dealt a matching pair e. The player must cover the second hand with the bet size of their first bet and the dealer deals a second card to complete both hands. A further double down is not usually permitted. Always check the casino rules whether playing live or online as there are often incentives hidden within the rules designed to encourage players to play.

As the player and dealer aim to get as close to 21 as possible in order to win the hand, the player is in a strong position when holding 11 after two cards are dealt. If the dealer is showing a lower card than a 10, it is good strategy to double down.

If the casino rules dictate the dealer must hit soft 17, you should always double down on 11 no matter what the dealers up card. The most basic of these will tell you when doubling down is allowed. Also, pay particular attention to the value the dealer must hit up to. Well, this impacts on how likely they are to go over The more likely they are to go over 21, the more you should think about making a double down blackjack bet. If you can double down after splitting, use the same decision-making process you would when evaluating any normal hands dealt to you.