Blackjack is the classic card game that is the mainstay of most land-based and online casinos. In this board game, players aim for the magic number 21 without failing. Blackjack is also one of two skill-based online casino games, the other being poker. So if you don’t have the skills to play the game, the house or other players will usually whitewash you.
One of the most successful blackjack strategies is to double down. But what is a double down in blackjack? When should a player use this strategy? We’re answering these questions today, so let’s get started.
What is Double Down in Blackjack?
As the name suggests, doubling up in blackjack is an exciting move that allows players to double their bets during an active hand. In return, the player in question gets an extra card, after which they must stand up. While it can be risky if dealt low, it can also increase overall payouts.
That’s why the next section discusses when is the best time to double down in blackjack. It’s all about striking a balance between adventure and safety. The most worth mentioning here is that cgebet live casino creates exclusive content for players, and cgebet players can use these promotional content to reduce spending.
When to double down
In blackjack, players can only double down after they have two cards. If this happens, you should take advantage of three double-down opportunities. These opportunities allow the player to create a better hand than the dealer without going bankrupt. (Destruction is when a pair of cards hits more than 21 )
3 Double Down Chances in Blackjack:
Situation #1. When your total number of cards is 11
Does your hand total equal to 11? Then this is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to double down on the bet. With a hand total of 11, the chances of getting an extra card to reach 21 or anything closer to it are very high. If you don’t play blackjack, you get 20, 19 or 18 points, and with any of these hands, you can win the game. So, in summary, once your hand totals 11, double down.
Situation #2. when you have a soft 18, 17 or 16
A soft card is a hand that has an ace and another card on it. For example, a soft 17 hand could have Ae + 2 + 4. In other words, the Ace card counts as 1 or 11. Soft hands are very beneficial as players can adjust their hand totals accordingly.
When your hand shows a soft 16, 17 or 18, consider doubling down. But don’t double down too quickly, unless the dealer’s face-up card is low (2 to 6). Always remember that an ace can be either a 1 or an 11, depending on the deal.
Situation #3. When your card totals a hard 10 or 9
A hard blackjack hand is the exact opposite of a soft hand. Here, you have a hand with no aces. So these hands are not as flexible as soft hands because you can’t take advantage of certain situations.
However, if you find your 9 or 10 hard, this is a great opportunity to double down. However, the dealer’s face card should be 2 to 6. The problem is that the dealer has to hit 17, so they could bust.
When to Avoid Doubling Down
By now, you should be eager to start doubling down on blackjack. Well, hold on to your horse until you learn to spot some situations to avoid. In some blackjack situations, players cannot double down even under the gun. They include:
Situation #1. when the dealer has an ace
Owning an Ace card is exciting for blackjack players. But the same is true for dealers. If the dealer shows an ace, the odds of hitting a 21 with the next card must be in their favor. So, don’t have any temptation to double down.
Situation #2. when you display anything greater than 11
If your hand total is greater than 11, your chances of going bust are high. Unfortunately, most players overlook this moment due to the excitement of the game. Rather than doubling down with a hand over 11, pray for the dealer to go bust. As you know, blackjack is full of surprises.
Can I Double Down After Hitting or Splitting?
Hitting and splitting are common strategies in blackjack. To play is to take one more card until you reach or exceed 21. In other words, you can hit as many times as you want. On the other hand, if the first two cards have the same face value, the players can split. But can you go the extra mile in these situations?
Typically, dealers do not allow players to double down on bets after hitting the ball, as this would greatly increase their edge on the dealer. Also, most casinos do not allow doubling down bets after a split.
In conclusion
Blackjack is a game full of twists and turns. Fortunately, the double betting strategy can give you an edge over the dealer. Just master the art of when to use it. But even so, know that the house advantage always wins. So, don’t get your hopes up. If you are just starting your journey, trying to understand how to play, we recommend you to further read all the articles in cgebet like common blackjack mistakes or how to match dealers in blackjack and also play their easily Free slot games.