When to Double Down in Blackjack?
Blackjack is one of the most popular and exhilarating casino games among gambling enthusiasts. Whether you play online blackjack or at a live casino, it is a great money-minting game if you know how to play it right. People who are well-versed with the rules of this game probably find double down as the most thrilling moves. The concept is simple- you double your bet in the middle of a hand and receive only one card. However, the risk is unnerving. Double down swipes away the chance for you to hit again, even if you receive a low second card and might end up losing your bet.
If you’re looking for a win, it is necessary to strike the perfect balance between using a statistic-based strategy and risky double downs to accentuate your winning probability. Basic mathematical analysis can help you get the strategy part right, but it is equally important to know when’s just the right moment to double down.
This article will help you determine the perfect time to double down in your game of blackjack! Read on to know all about it!
What is Double Down?
Blackjack offers a great opportunity for the player to win more by increasing their bet anytime in the game.
In the game, the player can double the wager amid the game following the receipt of the two original cards. Once they double down, they receive one additional card and the game turns to player-versus-dealer until one wins.
The game prohibits the player from doubling down after hitting. The bet can only be placed after the initial two cards are dealt by the dealer. This is when the player must decide whether they want to bet or hit. Haste can undoubtedly prove to be a game-changer in such situations.
Doubling down is entirely controlled by the player and allows them to spot the perfect position for them to play the bet and get a chance to win double the amount. However, if played thoughtlessly, it can pose a significant risk of losing the doubled amount. This is why it is important to be able to strategize well and have an eye for the opportunity.
Focus on Rules
Blackjack, like any other casino game, is all about playing by the rules. Given that blackjack rules vary in different physical and online casinos, your doubling down strategy might vary accordingly as well. The basic playing strategy for doubling your bet lies in the total count of your hand. If it is permissible to double down with more than two cards, you can find multiple hands to play the bet. On the contrary, if the rules cancel out the possibilities of doubling down when you should, you can find yourself in a pickle, but don’t forget to hit regardless.
Right Position to Double Down
Blackjack is all about mathematical probabilities for finding out the best moves in the long run. The toughest stakes, like doubling down, too can be boiled down to statistical analysis. There are mostly three optimum situations to double down in a game. These increase your probability to finish with a high hand and the dealer to lose.
Here are the three best situations for doubling down.
Hard 9
When you are dealt with a hard 9, that is combinations of 2-6, 3-6, or 4-5; you can double down if the dealer shows cards between 2 to 6. Ace, 7, and 7 above cards should not be considered. In case you have a soft 9, that is, ace and 8, it is best to hit irrespective of the dealer’s hand.
Hard 10 or 11
In this game, both the dealer and the player aim to get closest to 21. Due to this, you know you are in a strong position if you have a hard 10 or 11 after two cards are dealt with. This means, a combination of two numbers that totals to 10 or 11, that is, 2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6. A hard hand does not include the Ace card. In this situation, if the dealer shows you a lower total or a lower card than 10, you can double down with the least risk factor and higher winning potential.
Soft 16 to 18
If you have a soft 16, 17, or 18, that is, Ace combined with 5, 6, or 7; you can double your bet if the dealer shows low cards between 2 to 4. In case you have a soft hand with a low card, that is, Ace with 2, 3, or 4; it is best to stand.
Whether you are playing in a brick-and-mortar casino or an online one, it is always best to go through the rules before starting off and risking your bet. Don’t go all in or be too timid while placing your bets-confidence is the key if you know what you need to do. The bottom line is, find the best strategy complying with the rules of the casino amid the game. The basics still remain that if your total is higher than the dealer’s hand, it is a safe place to bet.
Now that you know all the basics and strategies for doubling down in blackjack, it’s your turn to hit the casino and win some cash at Jackpot City Casino today!
