When Should You Double Down in Blackjack
One of the options available to you in blackjack is called a double down. This simply means to hit once after getting your initial two hands and then to stand and double your bet size. With this option you can win twice as much as your initial wager. The first thing you would ask is when would be the right time to double down in blackjack.
Of course, you won't double down every single time you are dealt cards. Players should still use basic strategy to know when to double down and when to go for other options. When one masters the right times to double down you are well on your way to winning more money and bringing down the casino's edge over the players.
Let's now move on to the rules on strategy regarding the double down option. Every player who really wants to make money from playing blackjack should commit the following guidelines to memory. You can do practice drills, put the said strategy on paper or flash cards and memorize each one as you play, or use a computer. No matter how you do it, the point is that you should know when to double by heart.
You should double down when you get an initial total of 11. A hand that has this total will have four chances out of 13 to make a 21 after a single hit and an equal opportunity or probability of ending up as a really good hand after you hit. Given these statistics you should take advantage of this option in blackjack.
You should only double on an initial total of ten if your dealer has cards from two to nine. This hand, obviously, has a slightly tougher chance of making a good hand compared to a total of 11.
For a total of nine, the smart thing to do is to double down only if you see your dealer has three to six. A hand with this total should take advantage of your dealer's weak hand. You should rather opt for other options with this total if a double won't be possible.
A hand with an initial value of eight should only be doubled when your dealer either has five or six. However, you should also take note that this part of blackjack basic strategy is applicable to multiple deck games.
These are the only times or conditions where a double down is beneficial. If other conditions exist that are not covered here then you should rather opt for other moves in blackjack. Take time to commit these simple rules to memory and make more money next time you play blackjack.