• What Double Means Blackjack
• What It Means To Double Down
• When To Double Down In Blackjack Chart
• What Does Double Down And Split Mean In Blackjack Machine
• What Does Double Down And Split Mean In Blackjack Terms
• When To Double Down Blackjack

When the Blackjack Double Down is an Advantage for the Player. If we accept that the double down blackjack move is an advantage play, we have to ascertain why this is the case. Firstly, we need some rules for when to double down in blackjack. As a basic guide, you need the following to be true.

Even people, who are not very interesting in diverse gambling activities, have heard some information about the blackjack card game. It appeared more than three hundred years ago, and so far the history of the appearance of this game has acquired a number of myths and legends. One thing is certain: blackjack is included in the list of the most popular games of our time. The following article from the Login Casino team will provide more information regarding an important aspect of this game – how to double down in blackjack.

When a game starts, initial bets are usually placed before the playing cards are dealt. In majority of situations, you will not get another opportunity to place additional bets.

So what does Double Down mean in Blackjack and why is it such a popular strategy? In short, it is bumping up your initial bet by 100% and staying in the game after only receiving one more card. It might seem like a risky strategy and for some doubling their winnings is the main motivator, but there can be some good reasons behind such a bold move. On your original two cards, you can double your bet before the dealer gives you another card. You place another bet equal to the first. Then, the dealer will give you only one card The dealer settles all bets at the end of the hand. If you have sevens, you can split a pair, as above, and double down if you want to. The object of blackjack is for a player to defeat the dealer by obtaining a total as close to 21 as possible without accumulating a total that exceeds this number. In blackjack, the standard rule is that if the player is dealt a pair of identically ranked initial cards, known as a pair, the player is allowed to split them into separate hands and ask for a new second card for each. Then, the dealer will give you only one card The dealer settles all bets at the end of the hand. If you have sevens, you can split a pair, as above, and double down if you want to.

However, the double down is completely different. It allows you making an additional wager that is equal to your ante in order to get one additional playing card. Having received your third card, you have to wait in order to see what cards the dealer has.

It also should be mentioned that before you start being involved in this activity, it is essential to read carefully the rules of the selected gambling establishment. Having done this, you will feel much more comfortable and so nothing will stop you from honing your skills in this popular card game.

Blackjack double down rules: how to use this bet correctly?

After you found out what is double down in blackjack, it is a matter of a great importance to be aware of the situations when it is necessary to double down in blackjack. When the game starts, you get two playing cards while the dealer receives just one card. If the dealer shows a five or six, for instance, and you have a 9-value playing card, you understands that a ten will probably allow you winning a hand. This is a good moment to make the additional bet.

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Shoes with a large numbers of decks have more 10-value cards (this regards kings, queens, jacks and tens). If you are playing at a table where six-eight decks are utilized, hitting a ten is more likely.

In general, one of the extremely important things to take account in while trying to place this type of bet is the casino’s rules – it is not enough just to know what does it mean to double down in blackjack. Make sure that you have got acquainted with the basic information, which will indicate how it is allowed to make this additional bet. For example, many gambling establishments allow players to place this type of bet only in the cases when they are demonstrating playing cards totaling ten or eleven – if you have other value hand, you will only be able to go on as normal (unless, of course, you will receive a chance to split). In others, you can double down on any total.

In this part, we will mention three situations, in which we would advise to place this type. They are:

1. The total of your cards is eleven while the dealer has a low-value playing card (six or even lower).
This is due to the fact that you have good chance to win hitting twenty-one, and even if do not manage to do this, you are very likely to get a score that is closer to that magic number. The dealer, at the same time, might face a risk of losing.

2. When your number of points is sixteen, seventeen or eighteen (in this case, you have a card and an ace).
As with the previous point, you should double down if the dealer’s card is a low-value one. Of course, in this situation, you might have a desire to stay as you are, especially if the number of points is eighteen but indeed there is a good possibility that you will significantly improve your hand with an only card.

3. When you do not have an ace and the number of your points is nine or ten. Yet again, it should be done only in that case when the dealer has a low-value card. If you receive a high-value card, you have very good chances against the dealer.

Therefore, the-above mentioned situations in blackjack show when to double down is a good decision.

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When not to double down

1. First of all, it should be said that you do not have to automatically place a double down bet when the total number of your cards is eleven. This option always seems very tempting but you should act carefully if the dealer has a ten-value card, an ace or even a 9. This is due to the fact that the dealer has good chances of reaching a good total and, in such a case, you are likely to lose.

This may seem like a missed opportunity if you don't double on the number of eleven but, in some cases, it is a right choice. Just be patient – the opportunity will appear again soon.

2. The next tip is quite obvious: never place this bet when the dealer has an ace.

Put quite simply, the dealer’s chances to get blackjack are too high. Even if the dealer does not have blackjack, it is very likely that he or she will end up with a total number of points close to twenty-one.

3. Finally, do not double down when you have anything higher than eleven since your chances of going bust are too high and it risk. It’s better to have a lower total and then expect the dealer to go bust.

In general, if you are unsure when do you double down in blackjack – stick with the safer option and try to keep your bet as it is. Of course, you will see a number of gamblers at a playing table who double down in all situations, and they often lose significant amounts of money. Thus, you should not always double down – just take risks when you are very likely to win.

When you want to try blackjack double down, there is just one thing you have to do: you need to push a stack of chips near your starting bet. It should be equal to your initial bet. If it doesn’t work, simply communicate the dealer your desire to double down and show one finger in order to demonstrate that you want to get one more card. It is quite simple.

Useful tip: do not put your chips in this case on top of the starting bet. In some situations, casino staff might perceive this as an attempt to the initial bet.

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Double down: its advantages and disadvantages

This type of wager can be called an additional bet when you have good chances of winning. This implies that you will need to pay double your wager and so risking more but, in the meantime, you will have more comprehensive information in front of you.

Do not forget that you can also try double down in blackjack on a split pair during some hands. Thus, if you have 10-10 and the dealer shows a three, four, five or six, you may split your playing cards, double down on both of tens, and strive towards twenty-one points on both hands.

Conversely, this type of bet still involves some risks. Remember that the dealers always act after the gamblers and has more data at their disposal. This is exactly what gives the house its slight advantage over the gamblers. In addition, if the hand is tied, only the gambler receives his or her stake back.

As mentioned earlier, major gaming companies have supported a new GB-facing initiative aimed at reducing risks caused by gambling activities.

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Double Down? So what does Double Down mean in Blackjack and why is it such a popular strategy?

In short, it is bumping up your initial bet by 100% and staying in the game after only receiving one more card. It might seem like a risky strategy and for some doubling their winnings is the main motivator, but there can be some good reasons behind such a bold move.

The beauty about Blackjack Double Down is that there are some useful and well defined rules based on mathematical probability and tested by generations of players.

That said, the calculability of a hand’s success is not a guarantee of its profitability, nor does it rob the game of its excitement.

Watch a tutorial here. Credit: androidslots.co.uk

Blackjack Double Down – A Numbers Game

Firstly, however green you are to Blackjack, we can all agree that the highest number you can sensibly get is 21. Secondly, we’re out to beat the dealer, either by having the higher value hand, or watching them go bust.

From there on in it’s a case of using statistics to your advantage. This means that whenever you’ve drawn one of the lower 6 cards, there remains a high statistical probability that the remaining cards are all more likely to be a help rather than a hindrance.

Equally, when the dealer draws a 4; 5; or 6, they are statistically more likely to go bust. It therefore seems quite reasonable that when these two scenarios are in play, Blackjack Double Down may well be a good payoff.

Jumping the Gun

Sadly, many players can become a little hyper focused, looking at only the dealers hand or their own and basing their decision to Double Down on that one factor.

For example, many players will draw a 9 and Double Down if the dealer has anything other than a 10. This is strategically flawed and will lead to a significant loss over time.

The other ill-judged manoeuvre is for a player to split a pair of 5’s, which in itself is a risk. A sensible rule here is to keep them together and treat them like a 10. That way you stand a better chance when Doubling Down.

Blackjack Double Down Rules

Rules can vary slightly between casinos, but generally Doubling Down can be used after the player draws their first two cards. Some venues, both online and real-world allow Doubling Down on a Blackjack, whilst others can restrict its use to totals of 9; 10; or 11.

Wherever you play, make sure you know the house rules before you play.

Where it is permitted, splitting a hand into a pair and then doubling down can be useful, but as already mentioned, use this with caution.

Once you have signalled your intention to Double Down, you place your wager. Normally this is 100% your original bet, though some casinos will allow a less-than-double additional wager.

Once you have signalled your intention to Double Down, or simply pressed the relevant button in an online casino, only one more card can be drawn for the player, and they are committed to play.

How to Double Down in Blackjack?

Plenty of rookies have come unstuck, learning the various strategies for making a good Blackjack Double Down play, but not paying attention to its execution.

Etiquette and protocol are a must if you’re not going to spoil the atmosphere at the table. Thankfully online gaming has made the embarrassment from a faux pas less of weighty on the ego, however, you could still miss out if you don’t know when to make the right move.

In short, most games expect the Double Down to be executed immediately after being dealt their second card. If you accidentally hit, you’ll miss your chance and that would really be a shame.

History

The question of when to double down in Blackjack is one that was answered back in the 1950’s when Magician John Scarne took the time to work out the mathematics behind the King of Casino games, Blackjack. His work, published in a book ‘Scarne’s New Complete Guide to Gambling’ described the odds and various plays to be able to make the best possible calls.

The amazing thing about his work is that it still stands true today, with the mathematics and odds transcending time and permeating every Blackjack table in the world.

Today there are many Blackjack Double Down charts that simplify the learning process so that committed players can memorise the best plays.

What Double Means Blackjack

The Strategies

When to double in blackjack is one of the most asked questions about the game. The best advice originates mainly from John Scarne’s work and has been published and republished in various forms. However, a problem arises whenever that advice is shortened or misquoted.

For example, if the player has drawn 11, they should Double Down, or so the rule says. In reality, there are factors that can influence the probability of this being a successful strategy.

The main one being what cards are left in the deck. Now this question is mainly one reserved for card counters who are able to discern whether the remaining deck is negative heavy, i.e. full of low cards, or not.

In this case, Doubling Down could be risky, especially if the dealer is showing a 10 or higher.

In contrast, where the remaining deck is positive, the player can be assured of more 10’s and above in the pack and has the option to play more hands that could result in a 20 or 21.

For those without that card counting knowhow, it’s usually a good strategy to stick to Doubling Down whenever you have an 11.

What are Hard and Soft Hands then?

Terminology is important, so get it right. Hard Hands don’t normally have and Ace unless it is being used as a 1. Soft Hands, conversely will have an Ace being used as either 11 or 1. With this tid-bit of knowledge under our belt, let’s move on…

What to do with a Soft Hand

This primarily depends on what the dealer’s hand is showing. Using the Rule of 9 can offer some guidance. This is where the Player has drawn an Ace and any card from 2 to 7. Where the player’s ‘number’ card and the dealer’s up-card sum up to 9 or more, the player should Double Down.

Two important exceptions to this rule should be heeded. The first is where the dealer’s up-card shows an Ace, the obvious reason being its ability to be played as its lower denomination.

The second is to never Double Down in Blackjack when the deal’s up-card is a 7 or above, again, the odds are not with you. So don’t do it!

Light work for Hard Hands

There are so many opportunities to Double Down it can feel like you can do it any time, but the reality is that you should choose your moment wisely.

When you have a hard 11, always Double Down, it’s too good to miss. You can also take a fairly good risk with a hard total of 10, but don’t ever try it when the dealer has a 10 or an Ace.

To Split or not To Split?

Many casinos allow a player to Double Down after they have split their hand. Here the rule is simple, where you have a pair of 5’s don’t touch them.

Treat them like any other 10 and if the dealer’s hand is 9 or less, you would be wise to double down. Any other cards and splitting may be a sensible option.

What the Dealer’s Hand Reveals

The dealer’s hand is key to knowing how to play your own hand, and thankfully there are some statistics on the bust rates for a dealer’s cards.

What It Means To Double Down

For example, a Deuce or Three have just under 40% chance of seeing the dealer go bust. Whilst a 4; 5 or 6 raise that probability to just over 40%.

Meanwhile a 7; 8; 9 or 10 only have a roughly 23% chance of working in the player’s favour whilst the Ace gives a dismally low 17% chance of seeing the dealer fail.

These figures can give hope to a player, especially when they know they also have a favourable hand, and underlines the premise of being fore warned is being fore armed!

Double Down – Down

There are unfortunately occasions where a player is unable to Double Down, despite all the signs that it is a good move to make. One may be the house rules as we mentioned before.

One piece of advice from the experts is that whenever you find yourself with a soft hand, i.e. a hand with an Ace, then it is usually more prudent to hit rather than go for the Double Down.

The Hard 9

We’ve already mentioned the propensity for some players to find themselves with a 9 and to jump down the Double Down hole if the dealer has anything other than a 10.

This is flawed thinking. This idea comes from a very valid play in games where you draw a Hard 9.

The important thing to remember is that this has to be in conjunction with when the dealer draws anything lower than a 7, excluding the Ace.

How Much to Bet?

Ultimately, this is a question reserved for the player, but there are two important rules that may help.

The first is never, and this cannot be stressed enough, NEVER Double Down with an additional bet of less than 100%. The whole aim of the play is to maximise on the odds that sit in your favour, so to bet anything less than the maximum allowed is a waste.

Secondly, if the prospect of doubling your bet at a table makes you sweat, even though you know the mathematics is on your side, then you should probably be at a table with lower stakes!

Some Rules of Thumb

It’s usually a good idea to Double Down when:

• The player has drawn 11
• The player has 10 and the dealer has 4; 5; 6
• The player has 9 and the dealer has 5 or 6
• Player has an Ace and any card from 2 to 7 when the Player’s non-Ace and the dealer’s card add-up to 9 or more
• Dealer has a soft 17
• Also, remember that if you have a pair of 5’s; you should not be tempted to split them, it’s better to consider them as a 10

Top Three Plays

Out of all the pieces of advice, there are probably three plays which give the player the best advantage against the dealer.

The first of those is the Hard 9 which we’ve already mentioned. This is an excellent play with a very good chance of success.

When To Double Down In Blackjack Chart

The second is a similar Hard 10 or 11. Again these should be used against a lower draw from the dealer. As long as the hand is not made up with an Ace and the dealer’s hand is lower than yours, Doubling Down is a good move to make.

The third of our Top Three is a Soft 16 to 18. As with the previous two hands we’re looking for the dealer to have a low draw. As long as they have anything from 2 to 6 then Doubling Down is going to position the player favourably against the dealer.

Word to the Wise

What Does Double Down And Split Mean In Blackjack Machine

Doubling Down can seem like an unnecessary risk, and it is true that doing it can make or break your time at the table. However, the strategies and rules for identifying the best times to Double Down are tried and tested.

What Does Double Down And Split Mean In Blackjack Terms

While you may stand to lose more money on each individual attempt, in the long term, Doubling Down is a sensible strategy as the rewards will more than make up for time you take to practice the techniques above.

Just remember to know the Double Down rules of the casino you’re in as they are likely to place some restrictions on which of the techniques you can use.

When To Double Down Blackjack

This way you can pick the casino with the most favorable rules, and have more opportunity to see and make those Double Down plays.