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Blackjack may seem like a simple game. A player must try and beat the dealer by having a hand closer to 21 without going over 21. The game attracts many beginners for this reason, making blackjack one of the most popular card games.
But it also offers plenty of complexity and strategy for the advanced cardfg player. Those who know the game can also use situational awareness and card counting to better their chances.
Blackjack players who know their strategy often double down. But what does “doubling down” actually mean?
What is doubling down in blackjack?
Doubling down is a strategic move. A player will double their original bet but he or she has to commit standing down after receiving an additional card. When a player doubles down, they can potentially receive 100% extra on their bet.
Doubling down is a powerful tactic that capitalizes on situations where the player has a strong chance of winning the hand.
But understanding when to double down is crucial to maximize a player’s chances of beating the dealer.
Are there times when a player should not double down?
Blackjack is a game of strategy, and the more a player knows, the better. Doubling down is quite often a great idea. Sometimes, though, it should be avoided. Online casino blogs such as Casino.org advise players on when not to double down.
Also remember that doubling down is different in various casinos. Many casinos allow a player to double down only when their total is 10 or 11.
With that in mind, let’s look at when to double down.
Doubling down: when’s the right time to do it?
With a hand of 9, a player should double down when the dealer shows a weak upcard (the face-up card that a dealer receives at the start of a hand). Weak upcards include cards 2 through 6. These upcards mean the dealer is more likely to bust, and a total of 9 gives the player a good chance of reaching a strong hand.
A total of 10 means that a player should double down against any upcard other than a 10 or ace. With a total of 10, the player has a great chance of getting 20 or 21 when they receive an extra card.
If a player has an 11 total, they should double down against any dealer upcard. A total of 11 brings the best chance of hitting 21. This is one of the best times to double down.
Soft hands (when a player has an ace plus another card) bring more chances to double down. A player should double down when the dealer’s up card is weak.
So to summarise, a player should double down when the dealer’s upcard is weak and when the player’s total is between 9 and 11, or when they have a soft hand.
How can situational awareness and psychological attributes help?
So we’ve understood the basic principles of when to double down, but how can situational awareness help?
To begin, a player should be aware of the number of decks in play. In single-deck games, players may double down more than in multi-deck games.
Also remember those house rules – some casinos may allow a player to double down on certain totals or after splitting pairs.
Card counting can also help inform a decision on doubling down. When the count’s high, players should double down more frequently because the chances of drawing a 10 increase.
As with other situations in blackjack, reading the dealer and other players can help a player choose when to double down. Psychological skills like managing one’s own emotions and maintaining focus under stress always benefit a card player.
If a player can focus under pressure, they have a better chance of making good decisions.
Patience is another important attribute in a good blackjack player. Avoiding impulsive moves and acting too quickly is important if a player wants to beat the dealer.
Resilience is another skill that the best players develop. A player must sometimes lose and be able to move on and focus on the next game.
What are some examples?
Alright, enough theory. Let’s look at some practical examples of when to double down.
A player has a total of 10 and the dealer shows 4. This is a great time to double down. The player holds a strong hand that’s likely to improve with one more card, and the dealer’s 4 is weak, increasing the chance of them busting.
Another example would be: the player has a soft 17 (ace and a 6), and the dealer shows 5. The player’s soft hand can improve in several ways, and the dealer’s 5 is weak.
Okay, one more: player has 11 and dealer shows 10. The dealer’s 10 is a strong card, but the player’s 11 still offers a good chance of drawing a 10-value card and making a 21. Therefore, it’s still a good choice to double down.
Let’s sum up
In blackjack, players should double down when they have a strong chance of improving their hand with one additional card.
When a blackjack player knows when to double down – and when not to – they have a good chance of beating the dealer.
