Blackjack Double Down For Less
Some land-based casinos allow players to double down for less, such as not having to put down the same amount as the initial bet. How was Double down used in the past? There were restrictions on when players can Double down in a game of Blackjack in the past. They were allowed to double down only when the total two card amount was 11 or 10. All basic blackjack strategy cards have information on when a player should double down and split their hand. This extra bet amounts will help players maximize returns and lower the house edge for the casino. Let’s first take a look at the hands a player should double down to maximize their return when playing blackjack using the basic strategy.
Want to leave the casino as winners in Blackjack? Then, you need to get familiar with a number of rules and strategies of the game. Doubling down can be a risky move, especially when you are a rookie. Many players know what it is all about, but fail to use it properly during the game. As you are betting twice the amount, it also means you risk losing twice the amount if you don’t win. However, you instantly get double the profits for very little effort if you win the hand. Keep on reading to know more about this bet.
What does Double down mean?
Once you receive your first two cards, Doubling down means that you are doubling your initial bet. You need to check out the Blackjack rules of the particular game before doubling down. Some land-based casinos allow players to double down for less, such as not having to put down the same amount as the initial bet.
How was Double down used in the past?
There were restrictions on when players can Double down in a game of Blackjack in the past. They were allowed to double down only when the total two card amount was 11 or 10. In short, the players were deprived of getting the advantage from the move. Nowadays, Blackjack is played very differently. You will be able to use the additional moves and will have the freedom to double down whenever you want to. This is why it is termed as a Double-edged sword and players need to have proper knowledge about the bet before applying it in the table.
How to signal Double down bet?
First, signal the dealer and let him know about your intentions. Next, put the same amount of chips next to your initial bet. This is the general way of putting a Double down bet in most of the land-based and Live Blackjack casinos. As soon as the dealer acknowledges your bet, he or she will put an additional card next to your two cards that were dealt with initially. After this, your double down bet ends. You will be barred from taking any additional hits and you have to complete the game with your total hand of three cards.
Important!
Note that the action for Double down as almost similar to the Split action. If you are either splitting or doubling down, this does not pose a problem. But, you need the dealer to know about your intentions properly by saying “double down” (before placing the additional bet) when you are doubling down on a pair. When you are playing a game of online Blackjack, you won’t be able to say “double down” to the dealer as the dealer is effectively computer generated. Simply hit the ‘Double down’ button and your additional bet will be placed automatically.
When is the best time to Double down?
Luckily, the basic Blackjack strategy has been mapped using mathematical probabilities which lets the player know when the best situation for doubling down is. There are some particular situations which are suitable to double down during the course of a Blackjack game. In the following situations, you won’t go bust but you will likely end up with the upper hand (while the dealer will likely lose the hand).
Situation 1
If you have a total hand of 9 and the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6 (any number below 7 excluding the ace), you need to double down. The situation is known as the Hard 9 and you could end up with any one of the combinations: 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. It is better to stand down if you have a soft 9 or A-8.
Situation 2
If you have a soft total of 16 to 18 (or, you have an ace and a 5,6 or 7 card) and the dealer has a card from 2-6, it is a good time to double down. It is better to hit with an ace and a lower card from 2-4 as you are most unlikely to end up with a high hand.
Situation 3
If you have a hard 10 or 11 or a combination of 2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6, it puts you in a powerful position. Double down immediately if you find that the dealer has a lower total than yours. Doubling down on hard 11 is a good move as there is a good chance that you will receive 10 cards as the third card which will have a total of 21.
Blackjack Double Down For Less
Summary
Name: What does Double Down mean in BlackjackAuthor: Helen Stratford
Published Date: 15/04/2019
Do you want to bring in as much profit as possible when playing blackjack? To do so, you need to have a thorough understanding of the moves you can make, and when you should use each one. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at doubling down in blackjack. Is it a good idea? When should you use it? Keep reading to find out.
The Definition
First, let’s take a look at what doubling down means in blackjack. Essentially, it is a wagering option that gives you the chance to double the value of your initial bet, but you must stand after taking one additional card. Standing holds your total and ends your turn, so you need to have confidence in your hand before doubling down. When this strategy is used correctly, it can help you quickly increase your profits.
When to Double Down in Blackjack
Some players feel nervous about doubling down. After all, it does come with some inherent risk. Since you can’t hit again, if you are dealt a low card, you could risk losing twice as many chips. However, if you keep these tips in mind, it will be much easier for you to determine when to double down in blackjack.
There are three scenarios in which we would recommend doubling down.
1. Hard 9 vs. Dealer’s Low Cards
When you are dealt cards that have a total value of 9, you should double down when the dealer reveals a card between 2 and 6 (not including the Ace). This needs to be a hard 9, meaning that you don’t have an Ace in your hand. The possible combinations could be 4-5, 3-6, or 2-7. If you have A-8, also called a soft 9, you should stand no matter what the dealer reveals.
2. Soft 16 – 18 vs. Dealer’s Low Cards
In this scenario, you need to have a 5, 6, or a 7, along with an Ace, thus giving you a soft total of 16 to 18. When the dealer reveals a card from 2-6, this would be a great time to double down. However, if you have an Ace and a 2 or a 4, it’s better to hit.
3. Hard 10 or 11 vs. Dealer Lower Card
In this case, you’d want to have a hard 10 or 11, which puts you in a great position. If the dealer has a lower total than you, go ahead and double down.
Doubling Down FAQs
Can you double down after hitting?
You can’t hit and then double down. You’ll only get the option to double down after the first two cards have been dealt. At that point in time, you must decide whether you want to try to increase your potential profits by doubling down.
Can you split and double down?
Blackjack Double Down For Less One
Players can split their cards into two hands if they are dealt a matching pair, such as 7-7 or J-J. The player must cover the second hand with the same bet size as the first hand, and then the dealer will deal out an additional card to complete both of the player’s hands. Whether or not doubling down on a split hand is permitted is up to the individual casino. Be sure to check the rules, whether you are playing blackjack online or in a physical venue.
Should you always double down with 11?
Since the main goal of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible, you are in a strong position with a hard 11. If the dealer has a card that’s lower than 10, doubling down is a good strategy. If the casino’s rules state that the dealer must hit soft 17, then you should double down on 11 regardless of what the dealer’s revealed card is.
Do you really have to double your wager?
You don’t necessarily have to double your wager in order to double down on a hand. Many casinos will allow players to double for less, meaning that your double down wager is less than your original bet. This strategy is good for players who aren’t comfortable with doubling down strategies, as it minimizes the amount of money you will lose. On the other hand, it also limits the amount of profit you could earn. If you are truly confident in your hand, we would recommend doubling down on the full wager amount, thus optimizing the amount of profit you gain.
Pay Attention to the Rules
While our strategies for doubling down should work in most blackjack games, it’s important to pay attention to the casino’s rules. Some casinos allow you to double down with three or more cards, which would open up new possibilities for you. On the other hand, there may be rules that dictate that you can’t double down on soft hands.
Where to Practice Doubling Down
Double Down Blackjack Game
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