While learning how to play blackjack, players may hear about a “double down” and wonder what this piece of blackjack terminology means. Doubling down is a potentially powerful move in both real-life blackjack and blackjack online. This blackjack guide explains what it means to double down in blackjack and when experienced players may choose to use the strategy.
What is Doubling-Down?
So what does double down mean in blackjack terminology? On the player’s turn, they can take several actions, like hitting to receive another card or standing to maintain their current hand.
Doubling down is one of these possible actions. It involves a more risk-versus-reward strategy than hitting or standing.
When a player chooses to double down, they receive one more card from the deck and then are forced to stand with the current hand total. As well, the player doubles their current bet for the hand.
This means that the player stands to win twice as much money with a winning hand, or lose twice as much if they’re unlucky. Because players only receive one additional card after doubling down, the outcome of the hand can change significantly, potentially pushing them over 21 and busting them. But there’s always the chance a strategic double down leads to a dominant hand total, or to a decent hand while the dealer happens to bust in the meantime.
Risks of Doubling-Down
The possibility for a double payout comes at a cost. Doubling down is most commonly used on strong starting totals such as 9, 10, or 11, though some soft hands may also be suitable, depending on the dealer’s up-card. In many situations, hitting may be the lower-risk option compared with doubling down.
Blackjack has the chance for an automatic loss if the dealer is dealt a natural blackjack (Ace plus 10). In many blackjack games, the dealer checks for a natural blackjack before players complete additional actions, though rules can vary by game provider. This means that there will never be a chance to double down and get stuck with an automatic loss versus a natural blackjack.
Like in any aspect of blackjack and gambling, don’t overspend on wagering. Doubling down can burn through a budget at double speed. It’s often better to stick to cautious wagers, stretch out the bankroll, and enjoy a longer play session.
How to Double Down in Blackjack
To double down at an in-person blackjack table, add more chips to the bet to double the total while also tapping the table. Another method is to simply tell the dealer verbally while adding chips to the bet.
In blackjack online, doubling down is even easier. Just find the button labeled “Double Down” or “Double” and click it. The game will automatically double the bet and deal out a final card to the player’s hand.
Blackjack double down rules are a fundamental part of the game, and should be available at any blackjack table. Doubling-down rules can vary depending on the blackjack variant and casino provider, so players should review the game rules before playing.
When to Double Down
Doubling down can increase the potential payout of a winning hand, but if the dealer ends up winning, that’s twice as much money down the drain. Doubling down should be used selectively rather than on every hand. Instead, watch for a couple of factors.
First, the best hands to double down on change depending on soft and hard hands. Soft hands generally provide more flexibility because the Ace can count as either 1 or 11.
Second, the dealer’s face-up card should be considered to determine whether risky or cautious play is better. The dealer’s up-card is an important factor when deciding whether doubling down is statistically favourable. The higher the dealer’s upcard, the riskier doubling down is, as hitting multiple times may be necessary to beat out the dealer’s total.
Third, house rules can affect whether doubling down on soft 17s and higher is permitted. This varies from casino to casino or between online blackjack games. Some blackjack games restrict when players can double down, particularly on soft hands, so players should review the table rules carefully.
To generalize, 10s and 11s are the best hand totals for doubling down. Since most of the cards in a deck are value 10, these totals have a decent chance of getting bumped up to a 20 or 21.
Blackjack strategy charts are a great reference for optimal strategy. These show exactly when to double down, hit, stand, split, or surrender depending on the player and dealer cards.
The Best Blackjack Hands to Double Down
The prime moment to double down is immediately after the blackjack deck is shuffled, so the maximum number of 10s and face cards is available to be drawn. Then hope to be dealt one of these hands:
- 2 and 9
- 3 and 8
- 4 and 7
- 5 and 6
Hands totalling 9, 10, or 11 are commonly considered strong opportunities for doubling down, though the best decision also depends on the dealer’s up-card and the specific game rules.
