Blackjack Double Down: When to Use this Gambling Strategy

Joseph Havens

Casino expert

 Updated:
Blackjack Double Down Strategy

Doubling down in Blackjack is regarded as one of the most important moves at a Blackjack table because it greatly affects your hand and impacts your bankroll. It mainly involves doubling the ante of your bet in the middle of a hand and getting an additional single card.

To be successful, you should know when and how to use basic Blackjack moves, including selecting a top Blackjack casino bonus or using strategies like the Blackjack double down. This guide shows you when and how to apply the latter strategy.

Our exclusive tips and tricks will answer your most likely questions:

  • What does double down mean in Blackjack?
  • When do you double down in Blackjack?
  • How to make better decisions and maximize your bets?
  • How to let someone know you are making your move?

Let’s dive right in:

What Does Double Down Mean In Blackjack?

What Does Double Down Mean In Blackjack

It means that you increase the value of your ante by 100%. This move allows you to make an additional wager equal to your initial bet. In return, you get one extra card.

For instance, if the bet is C$10 at the beginning of the hand, doubling down will add another C$10 to your bet totaling it to C$20.

But what does double down mean in Blackjack for your overall gameplay?

By using it, you can either make or mar your hand; it depends on the third card you receive. Receiving a third bad card can make you lose your hand and the total bet. However, if the third card is a winning hand, you will get a 1:1 payout.

Using our example above, winning the hand will give you $40, including your stake.

The best basic strategy to double down in Blackjack at land-based or online casinos is to know when to make a move or not. We have gathered info about the best Blackjack double-down rules and tips to win big and minimize risks.

Check them out!

When Do You Double Down In Blackjack?

When Do You Double Down In Blackjack

Getting more hands can indeed increase your chances of success. To achieve this, you could use a high tier no deposit bonus to have more tries at the game, for instance. Or you could get an additional card by using a basic Blackjack strategy.

So, it is essential to know when you can make this move while playing Blackjack. You don’t need sophisticated ideas like counting how many decks of cards are used at the table. To make sure you stand a real chance, there are a few simple strategies you need to use.

You Got a Hard 9 or 10

Double down if you have a total hand value of 9 and the dealer’s face card shows three, four, five, or six. As long as their face-up card is below 7 without the Ace, you can ask for the extra card with little or no risk to your hand.

However, ensure that you hold a hard 9 and that there is no Ace in your hand when making your move. Safe combinations include 2-7, 3-6, or 4-5. This rule also applies to a total of 10. Only make your move if the game dealer’s up-card is not Ace or a 10-card.

When The Total Of Your Cards Is Equal to 11

Always double down the total hand is 11 unless the dealer shows an Ace. However, it must be a hard 11, meaning two cards that make 11 without an Ace (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6).

This is a powerful combination, and you will surely win 9 out of 10 times by doubling your bet when the dealer has a lower hand.

You Got a Soft 16,17 or 18

A soft hand refers to a hand consisting of an Ace and another card. Soft totals are great for your double-down strategy.

But you shouldn’t ask for the third card with all soft totals. This only works if the Ace is in your hand, together with a 5,6, or 7, giving you a soft total of 16,17,18 against a dealer’s card of two through six. However, it is best to hit if you have a lower card (2-4) with your Ace.

When You Should Not Use This Move?

When You Should Not Use This Move

There are definite times when using this strategy will cost you your win. Check out the scenarios where you should definitely avoid it!

When The Dealer Is Showing An Ace

An Ace is a very powerful card, and when it is in the hands of your dealer, the odds are stacked against you. It is advisable not to double down and risk twice your original wager in this condition.

Since the odds are in the dealer’s favour to hit Blackjack or get close to 21 first, doubling down will only put more of your bankroll in harm’s way.

When You’re Showing Anything Higher Than 11

Holding a hard hand that is higher than 11 gives you a greater chance of going bust when applying this strategy.

You do not need to take such a high risk. The correct decision would be to keep playing and hope lady luck smiles on you.

What You Should Look Out For When Doubling Down

  • Don’t hit when doubling down;
  • You won’t be able to split before doubling down;
  • Always check your total Blackjack hands;
  • Heed the rules before you start the game.

Let us explain:

Don’t hit

Hitting means asking the dealer for another card. Since doubling down will also get you another card, you can only play it after dealing your two initial cards.

You cannot Blackjack double down after splitting

If you get two same-value cards, especially a pair of Aces, you are given a chance to split them into two separate split hands and get two new cards from the game dealer. Since this move also gives you an additional card, you cannot separate hands and apply this strategy.

Pay attention to your total hands

When you make a move at a live table or online casino, you may not be able to undo it. So it’s essential to be observant and pay attention to your total hand ranking before doubling down.

Check the Blackjack game rules before playing

Some online casinos have different rules apart from the standard Blackjack double down rules. Some don’t allow it on specific soft totals. It is vital for you to check a casino’s online Blackjack rules before playing for real money.

Suppose you want to make sure the site you choose will have clear and transparent Blackjack rules as well as a convenient house edge. In that case, make sure you search for an online casino Canada that has been verified and approved by industry professionals.

How To Signal The Blackjack Double Down

If you have received your two cards and they look promising- and the Blackjack dealer’s face-up card looks lesser- then it’s prime time to use the Blackjack double down move. Pick up or push the correct stack of chips with the same amount as your original bet next to your initial wager to play the hand.

Then, point with one finger, and the game dealer will understand your move. However, don’t put new chips on top of the initial amount, so they won’t think you are tampering with your stake.

However, if you’re playing at a top-quality live casino online, it’s even simpler: you should find the option on the screen.

Blackjack Double Down Visual Chart

lackjack Double Down Visual Chart

The information contained in this article is indeed enough to guide you on Blackjack double down. But we have gone the extra mile by providing you with an easy-to-read chart for more understanding.

Image source: The Telegraph

Explaining the chart:

  • H stands for Hit;
  • S represents Stand;
  • P represents Split;
  • Sh is Split if double after split is allowed, if not hit.