In blackjack, double or double down refers to the possibility of doubling the bet. The player takes a higher risk with this decision, but ideally double the profit beckons. Doubling down is only possible at a certain point in time and is not always the best option.
Skillful use of this play is critical to long-term success or failure. Below we explain doubling down in detail and describe the appropriate situations for a blackjack double down. You can save this page to read it again before playing at a non GamStop casino or any other online casino on the web.
Blackjack Double Down: What Does Doubling Down Mean?
Double down allows a player at the blackjack table to double the bet already made after receiving the first two cards in their hand. However, this means that the player only gets one more card. The player therefore risks that the value of his next card could be too low to beat the dealer’s hand. If the player wins the round, the payout is also doubled.
Double down is usually allowed in almost all blackjack variants . The usual rule is: “Double down on any two”. This means that the player can double the bet regardless of the value of the two cards in hand. In short, Double Down promises double winnings in blackjack. However, the move also involves risks and is not always appropriate.
Doubling down after splitting a hand describes the “Double down on split pairs” rule. Usually this is also allowed. The player then receives exactly one additional card for each of the split hands with two cards each.
The so-called betting or betting means betting on a player’s box at the blackjack table without having any influence on the game.
When Is It Worth Doubling Down in Blackjack at Non GamStop Casinos?
The risk of doubling down in blackjack is not only the double bet and the possibility of losing twice as much. It is also a risk in itself to be dealt only one card afterward, giving up the opportunity for another card or a four-card hand. A third low value card can mean that the player loses the hand against the dealer.
On the other hand, the player risks busting, i.e. exceeding the limit of 21 points. So there are only a few instances where double down is the right play at blackjack. However, if you avoid doubling at the right moment out of ignorance or fear, you are giving away the valuable chance of higher winnings in card games. A double down is recommended in the following cases:
1. The Hand Value Is 11
In this case, the chances are good to hit blackjack or at least a high score with just one more card. So, it’s worth doubling down if the value of the hand cards is exactly 11 points.
2. Soft Hands: 16, 17 or 18
The ace can be worth 1 point or 11 points in blackjack. Soft hands therefore refer to combinations in which an ace occurs. So, the soft 16, soft 17, and soft 18 blackjack hands consist of an ace and the cards 5, 6, or 7. In this case, doubling down is appropriate as long as the dealer has a low hand card, i.e. worth 2 to 6.
With a soft 18 hand, many players often choose to stand, also known as a “stand”. However, the chances of improving the hand with another card are better. If you have a low soft hand with an ace and a card valued from 2 to 4, a “hit”, asking for an additional card, is generally recommended as a move.
3. Hard Hands: Hard 9 or 10
The opposite of soft hands are hard hands without an ace, which cannot be scored in multiple ways. If the dealer has a low card with a value of 2 to 6, a double down is announced even with a hard 9 or hard 10. If the player receives a comparatively high card here, the chances of winning against the dealer are not bad.
No Double Down: When Not to Double Down in Blackjack?
The rule of thumb is: In the majority of cases, a double down in blackjack is not worthwhile. In most game situations, the risk of doubling down is too great. Particularly noteworthy are:
- Dealer Ace: If the dealer has an ace, a double down is too risky. The chances of blackjack or at least a high score are very good for the dealer.
- Score Greater Than 11: In this case, doubling down is not worth it because the player risks busting even with just one card. In the case of a bust, the loss is then twice as large. Instead of a double down, a stand is the appropriate play here, because with a little luck the dealer will land a bust.
- Uncertain Hands: Anyone who is unsure how to play the current hand cards should never decide to double down. Double down is not a play to choose without solid strategy.
How to Indicate Double Down in Non GamStop Casinos?
Doubling down on blackjack is easy at non GamStop casinos. There is a separate button for the move, which is usually labeled Double, Double Down or Doubling. If the option is not available in the current game situation, the button cannot be pressed or is blocked accordingly.
But how does doubling down work at the blackjack table in the casino? The player can indicate his intention by placing the appropriate chips in the space provided next to the original bet. The value of the chips must be identical. At best, they are exactly the same tokens.
It is best to form two stacks and not mix or stack the two bets. This way the dealer can clearly see that it is a double down. Shuffling the chips could also look like manipulation of the bet.
Doubling the bet and drawing another card: This is how players signal a double down in blackjack
The move can also be announced: “Double Down” or simply “Double” addressed to the croupier are internationally recognized. “Double” or “I double” are also accepted in non GamStop casinos. Indicating with one finger that the player only wants to draw one more card is another indication to the croupier of a double down.