Blackjack is a fast-paced and popular casino game, where doubling down is one of the most important strategies for maximizing your winnings. Knowing when and how to double down can significantly impact your results, but many players are unsure of the right situations to use this move. Fewer still understand the concept of doubling down for less, a risky variation that often reduces the benefits of the strategy.
In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of doubling down in blackjack, when to use it, can you do it after splitting, and why doubling down for less is usually not the best option.
What Is Doubling Down in Blackjack?
Doubling down in blackjack is a strategy that lets you increase your bet after seeing your initial two cards. When you double down, you place an additional bet equal to your original wager and agree to take only one more card.
This move allows you to maximize your potential winnings when you believe you’re in a strong position. It’s a common bet to make amongst experienced players, and a key part of basic blackjack strategy.
How Does Doubling Down Work?
The process of doubling down is straightforward. If you believe you have a good chance of winning after the initial deal, you place an extra bet next to your original bet, signaling your intent to double down. You then receive exactly one more card, no matter what the outcome is.
The risk is that you cannot draw further cards, so choosing the right moment to double down is essential. In online blackjack, most platforms have a “double” button for ease of use, while in land-based casinos, you indicate your choice by placing chips next to your original bet or signaling the dealer with a single finger.
When Should You Double Down in Blackjack?
Doubling down is a powerful way to play blackjack, but knowing when to use it is what matters. The best times to double down are when your hand is strong enough to benefit from the extra bet without too much risk. Basic strategy highlights specific hands and situations where doubling down can be beneficial.
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Visible Card | Double Down? |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 3-6 | Yes |
| 10 | 2-9 | Yes |
| 11 | Any (except Ace) | Yes |
| 12 or higher | 10 or Ace | No |
What Are the Best Hands to Double Down On?
Certain hands offer a better opportunity for doubling down. Generally, these are situations where you can’t bust with a single card like a hard 9, 10 and 11, and you have a strong chance of beating the dealer’s hand.
Hard 9, 10, and 11
A hard total of 9, 10, or 11 is one of the best times for you to double down. With these hands, it’s impossible to bust with one additional card, and the chances of hitting a high-value card (like a 10) are strong. A total of 11 is particularly favorable, as hitting a 10 will give you 21, the best hand in blackjack. Doubling down here maximizes your potential winnings without much downside.
When the Dealer Has a Weak Hand
When the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6, their chances of busting are higher. A weak dealer hand combined with a strong player hand, such as a 10 or 11, is one of the best times to increase your bet. Even if you don’t hit a perfect card, like a 10, the odds of the dealer going bust are high enough to justify doubling down.
Can You Double Down After Splitting?
Yes, you can double down after splitting in most blackjack games because split hands are treated as separate hands. For example, if you split a pair of 8s, each new hand can be played independently, allowing you to double down if you believe you have a good chance of winning. This is a key advantage in blackjack, as it gives you more flexibility to maximize your potential profits.
However, there is one exception: aces. When you split aces, many casinos allow only one more card per hand, and doubling down on split aces is typically not permitted.
Be sure to check the house rules, as some casinos have specific restrictions on doubling down after splitting.
When Should You Avoid Doubling Down in Blackjack?
There are a few times where you should avoid doubling down, such as when you’re showing a 12 or more and when the dealer has a strong first card. It’s often safer to stick with your original bet.
Hard 12 or More
If your hand totals 12 or more, the risk of busting out increases massively. To double down on a hard 12 would put your hand at jeapardy, as a 10 could easily make you bust.
When the Dealer Is Showing an Ace or 10
If the dealer’s face up card is a 10 or an Ace, their chances of hitting a strong hand, and potentially blackjack, are high. The dealer is likely to beat your hand or at least match it, so it’s not wise to double down here.
What Is Doubling Down for Less, and Is It a Good Idea?
Some blackjack games allow you to double down for less – so to place a smaller additional bet than your original. It’s not a great idea as you lower your bet and reduce potential profits.
Why Doubling Down for Less Is Usually a Bad Strategy
Doubling down for less weakens the value of the double down, which is a problem, as otherwise what would the point of doubling down be? You double down to capitalize on a strong hand, so to double down without actually doubling your bet means you aren’t taking full advantage of the possible value. Either double down by actually doubling your original bet, or stick to the first amount and avoid it altogether.
Related Blackjack Strategies
Our BestUSCasinos blackjack strategy guides are extensive. There are two other blackjack strategies that people question regularly, including splitting pairs and taking insurance.
Should You Take Insurance in Blackjack?
Insurance is a weak value bet, that causes you to lose money over time. You can read about it properly in our guide to surrender and insurance.
What Are the Best Times to Split a Pair in Blackjack?
The best time to split is when you have a pair of 8s or a pair of aces. Read more about when to split and when to avoid splitting in our guide.
