In blackjack, it is generally recommended to double down when you have a total of 9, 10, or 11 in your initial hand. These totals offer a good chance of improving your hand with a single additional card, increasing your potential winnings.
When playing blackjack, knowing when to double down is key to maximizing your potential winnings. Doubling down is a strategic move that can drastically increase your chances of winning the hand. It involves doubling your initial bet and receiving just one additional card. This move is typically made when the player is confident that a single card will improve their hand and beat the dealer.
The most common and recommended situations to double down in blackjack are when you have a total of 9, 10, or 11 in your initial hand. These totals offer the best opportunity for improving your hand with a single card. Let’s explore these situations in more detail:
-
Total of 9: When you have a total of 9 (consisting of a 2-7, 3-6, or 4-5), it is advantageous to double down when the dealer’s upcard is weak (2-6). By doubling down, you stand a good chance of getting a high-value card (10, J, Q, K) to reach a strong hand total.
-
Total of 10: With a total of 10 (such as a 4-6 or 5-5), you should consider doubling down when the dealer’s upcard is any value card besides a 10 or an Ace. This is because there is a greater ratio of high-value cards in the deck, which increases the likelihood of achieving a strong hand.
-
Total of 11: Having a total of 11 (for example, a 6-5 or a 7-4) presents a prime opportunity to double down, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. The probability of getting a 10-value card is high, potentially resulting in a powerful hand total of 21.
One of the cardinal rules of blackjack is “double down on 11 or don’t.” This quote by Dr. Edward O. Thorp, a renowned mathematician and author of the book “Beat the Dealer,” emphasizes the significance of doubling down when you have a total of 11.
Here are some interesting facts about doubling down in blackjack:
-
The option to double down is not available in all variations of blackjack. It is commonly found in traditional variations, such as American or European blackjack.
-
Doubling down can significantly increase your expected return and decrease the house edge, when used strategically.
-
Some blackjack tables impose restrictions on doubling down, such as only allowing it on specific hand totals or limiting the number of times you can double down during a game.
Now, let’s visualize the recommended situations to double down in a table:
Initial Hand Total | Dealer’s Upcard | Doubling Down Recommended? |
---|---|---|
9 | 2-6 | Yes |
10 | 2-9 | Yes |
11 | Any | Yes |
By following the strategy of doubling down in these specific situations, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning in blackjack. Remember, however, that blackjack is ultimately a game of chance, and results may vary based on numerous factors such as deck composition and playing conditions. Happy doubling!
You might discover the answer to “What cards do you double down in blackjack?” in this video
In the video “When to Double Down in Blackjack | Gambling Tips”, the process of doubling down in blackjack is demonstrated. By showing three players with different initial hands, the video explains that doubling down involves placing an additional bet in the hopes of getting a stronger hand. The players in the video all choose to double down and end up winning twice the amount they originally bet when the dealer busts. The video emphasizes that doubling down can be a strategic move to gain an advantage at the blackjack table, especially when the player has a strong hand and the dealer has a weak card.
There are alternative points of view
Doubling down is making a bet equal to your initial wager after being dealt your first 2 cards. You only get dealt 1 more card and cannot hit. Double down if your cards total 9, 10, or 11 without an ace. You can also double down if your cards total 16, 17, or 18 when you have an ace.
Things You Should Know
- Doubling down is making a bet equal to your initial wager after being dealt your first 2 cards. You only get dealt 1 more card and cannot hit.
- Double down if your cards total 9, 10, or 11 without an ace.
- Never double down if the dealer has an ace or if your cards total more than 11.
More interesting questions on the topic
- You have hard nine and the dealer’s face-up card is two-six (inclusive)
- You have hard 10 or 11 and the dealer’s face-up card is lower.
- You have soft 16, 17 or 18 and the dealer’s face-up card is two-six (inclusive)