It's been a little over 60 years since they figured out the optimal strategy for Blackjack. A group of statisticians wrote a paper in 1956, and that paper's findings were verified in Edward O. Thorp's 1962 book Beat the Dealer. Now, millions of Blackjack players around the world are learning these strategies, including the option to double down. This is when you double your wager and receive one single card; if you haven't gone bust after receiving this card, you stand with whatever you've got.
If you're not familiar with doubling down, or you're still learning the basic strategy, Single Deck Blackjack is the right game to start with. Bovada just introduced a modern version of this game to go alongside the Classic version; try out the following strategies, and you'll be one step closer to playing perfect Blackjack. At Bovada, you can double any two cards when you play Single Deck Blackjack, and the Dealer must hit on Soft 17.
If the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6 against your hard total of 10, doubling down is the way to go. If the dealer has a 5 or 6, double down when you have a total of 9. In general, chances are good when the dealer is showing a bust card – this is a card of 5 or 6, and you have one ace as well as a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. The double down is a move that allows you to double your original bet (and, therefore, give yourself the chance to double your winnings) after the initial cards have been dealt to both the player and the dealer. The decision to go for the double down, therefore, is based.
What Is Double Down in Blackjack?
Village people party slots. You can double down after you're dealt your two hole cards, which means you have the option to double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Then, if you haven't gone bust already, the Dealer plays, and the winning hand is declared. If you're playing at a live casino, take however many chips you need to match your original bet, and place them nearby – but outside the betting box. Then use your index finger to point at the doubled bet. Figuring out how to double down at Bovada is much easier: Just hit the 'Double' button. No hand signals required.
In this video we cover the options in the game of Blackjack of Doubling Down and Splitting your hands., as well as when it is best to use these tactics. It depends on where you are playing and the house rules that are in operation on what card combinations you can double down on. Some limit you to only being able to double down if you have a two card hand value of 9,10 or 11. Blackjack players should always double down on a hard 9, 10 or even 11 vs. A dealer's weak upcard (2 through 6). In fact, players who decide to double down on a 9 against a weak card will win 59% of the hands in the long run. Likewise, they will win 48 cents for every dollar wagered on 11 vs.
Blackjack Double Down Rules
In both Single Deck Blackjack variants at Bovada, you're allowed to double on any two cards you're dealt – and you can double down after a split. Some live casinos will not allow you to double after you've split your hole cards. You might also find games where you're allowed to double after receiving a third card or more.
When to Double Down
This is where the rubber hits the road. As always in Blackjack, the correct double down strategy will depend on how many decks are in the shoe, and the specific rules for the game you're playing. Let's take a closer look at the Single Deck Blackjack games available at Bovada, and how to double down in these games for maximum value. In both the Classic and New versions, the dealer must hit on soft 17, which caters to the following strategies when you're dealt the following hole cards:
Hard Hands (No Pair)
If you have 11 in your hand (say, Seven-Four), you should always double, hoping to spike that 10-value card to make 21. Otherwise, follow this guide:
10: Double when Dealer shows a Nine or lower
9: Double when Dealer shows a Six or lower
8: Double when Dealer shows a Five or a Six
Soft Hands
With hands containing an Ace, you'll occasionally double when the Dealer shows a low card (Six or lower). If you're holding Ace-Six, always double against a low card. Here are the other times to double:
19: Double when Dealer shows a Six
18: Double when Dealer shows a Three, Four, Five or Six
13, 14, 15, 16: Double when Dealer shows a Four, Five or Six
Pairs
In Single Deck Blackjack games where you're allowed to double after splitting, like the ones at Bovada, there's only one pair you should double first: a pair of Fives. This should only be done when the Dealer's up-card is a Nine or lower, just like you would with any other hand worth 10. If you have a pair of Fours, split instead when the Dealer shows a Four as well as a Five or Six, and hit otherwise.
Simplified Doubling Strategies
The doubling plays listed above are mathematically proven to maximize your return playing Single Deck Blackjack at Bovada. They're part of what's known as the basic Blackjack strategy – although that's a bit of a misnomer. Learning all the subtle differences between these optimal moves can take some time. When you're just starting out, you might want to consider using a simplified Blackjack strategy that's easier to remember, so you'll make fewer mistakes trying to implement it. There will be a few plays that you'll make sub-optimally with a simplified strategy, but only a few.
Here's one recommended simplified strategy for doubling down in Single Deck Blackjack:
1. Double with Hard 9 or Soft 16-18 if the Dealer shows a low card (2-6).
2. Double with Hard 10 or 11, unless you have 10 and the Dealer shows a 10 or Ace.
That's it. Again, using this simplified double down strategy will leave a little money on the table, but it should protect you from even greater losses while you're still learning the game. The Blackjack double down may appear risky in the end, but in very specific situations, it's the best play to make – and you should learn all these situations if you want to get the most out your Blackjack sessions. Memorize them, try them for free using the Practice Play mode at Bovada, and you'll be one step closer towards 'Blackjack Expert' status.
One of the best and most exciting options available in blackjack is when we have the opportunity to double down on a bet. As a ‘twice the risk, twice the reward' option, it has the potential to net us a sizeable return, if we know how and when to properly employ such a tactic. As explained on our terminology page, to double is to place another wager on your hand, equal to the amount of your initial bet, in exchange for only one additional card, and the obligation to stand after that one card is dealt.
For example, if you have been dealt a Six and a Four (a total value of 10), you may choose to double your original wager of $100, as drawing a card valued from seven to 11 is a strong possibility and will stand you in good stead to win the hand. If you do win the hand, instead of receiving a $100 profit if you did not double, you will net a return of $200.
Double Down in Play
Doubling is an essential tactic, and if used correctly, helps to lower the casino's house edge. A knowledgeable player should know when to employ this move for an advantage in the long run, but the decision needs to be carefully considered before commitment, based on a the following important factors:
- The total points value of your current hand
- The dealer's up-card
- The house rules and edge
- The version of blackjack being played
Blackjack Tips And Strategies
That's it. Again, using this simplified double down strategy will leave a little money on the table, but it should protect you from even greater losses while you're still learning the game. The Blackjack double down may appear risky in the end, but in very specific situations, it's the best play to make – and you should learn all these situations if you want to get the most out your Blackjack sessions. Memorize them, try them for free using the Practice Play mode at Bovada, and you'll be one step closer towards 'Blackjack Expert' status.
One of the best and most exciting options available in blackjack is when we have the opportunity to double down on a bet. As a ‘twice the risk, twice the reward' option, it has the potential to net us a sizeable return, if we know how and when to properly employ such a tactic. As explained on our terminology page, to double is to place another wager on your hand, equal to the amount of your initial bet, in exchange for only one additional card, and the obligation to stand after that one card is dealt.
For example, if you have been dealt a Six and a Four (a total value of 10), you may choose to double your original wager of $100, as drawing a card valued from seven to 11 is a strong possibility and will stand you in good stead to win the hand. If you do win the hand, instead of receiving a $100 profit if you did not double, you will net a return of $200.
Double Down in Play
Doubling is an essential tactic, and if used correctly, helps to lower the casino's house edge. A knowledgeable player should know when to employ this move for an advantage in the long run, but the decision needs to be carefully considered before commitment, based on a the following important factors:
- The total points value of your current hand
- The dealer's up-card
- The house rules and edge
- The version of blackjack being played
Blackjack Tips And Strategies
If you are playing a game with eight decks and you can double on any total, the house edge is 0.55%. If you can double after splitting, this reduces the house edge by 0.13%, but if you can double only on totals of 10 and 11, this increases the house edge by 0.21%. And obviously we want the lowest house edge possible.
Mastering basic blackjack strategies is key to winning. Here are some guidelines worthwhile remembering in order to maximise our chances and avoid unfavourable odds when opting to double:
Take Advantage of 9, 10 & 11 Totals
The best hands to double down on are considered to be those with a value of nine, 10 or 11. We already have the ideal hand to hit on and end with a strong total with just one additional card. If you find yourself dealt a hand with these totals, consider doubling down to maximise your winning payout. There will always be a risk present in every decision you make, but the key to winning more games than losing is to take advantage of an edge while you have it. If you are hesitant to double down because of the size of the bet and your potential loss, you might be playing at a table with too high stakes.
Don't Split Fives, Go For The High Five: A common tactic for players who find themselves with low pocket pair hands such as Deuces or Treys is to split them and improve their chances of winning with two separate hands, which is fine. But if you find yourself with a pair of Fives, refrain from splitting and consider doubling. A total of 10 points is a strong position to be in (as explained above), so with a pair of Fives and roughly a 24% chance of drawing a card valued at 10 points on the next hit (to give you a total of 20), doubling is in your best interests. You also have a solid chance of drawing an Eight, Nine or Ace, resulting in favourably high hands of 18, 19, or 21.
The Rule of 9
Wolf slot games. The ‘Rule of 9' is an established guideline regarding when and when not to double if you are dealt a soft hand (a hand with an Ace). Knowing when to double with a soft hand is crucial, so it is worthwhile understanding the rule's instructions which explain how to maximise our chances of winning. As always, these are recommendations and you don't have to double just because these rules say so.
The ‘Rule of 9' works as follows: if you hold a soft hand, add the value of the dealer's up-card with the value of your non-Ace card. If the total value is greater than nine, it is suggested to double down. If the total value is less than nine, proceed to hit instead.
For example, if the dealer's up-card is a Four and your hand contains an Ace and a Seven, you should double because the total sum would be 11. In contrast, if the dealer's up-card is a Five and you hold is an Ace and a 3, you should hit, as the sum, according to the rule, is eight. There are a few exceptions to this rule: never double down if the dealer's up-card is above Seven, as they are in a strong position to beat you. If the dealer is showing a Deuce, don't double either as the odds favour the dealer. Also, when the dealer's up-card is a Five or Six, you should double down with a hand of an Ace and a Deuce through to a Six, as you are in the stronger position.
Be Mindful of the Dealer's Up-Card
It may seem like common sense, but plenty of players often forget to keep the dealer's up-card in mind before opting to double down. All of the above tactics should be dependent on the dealer's up-card, and while it's good to be aggressive, it can be unwise to double with a soft hand if your dealer has a Nine or Ten showing. The worst cards for the dealer are up-cards of a Deuce through to a Six because those cards give the dealer the highest chance of busting, and this is when we should pounce and double down. Dealer up-cards of Five and Six give their hand the highest chance of busting at roughly 42%.
You tube slots. Here are the most commonly recommended hands to double down on, taking in to consideration the dealer's up-card:
[table id=1 /]
If you are dealt an Ace with a Deuce through to a Seven, this leaves us in a relatively strong position to double (depending on the dealer's up-card, as specified in the table). If your soft hand is an Ace and an Eight or Nine, then doubling is not favourable; standing is your best bet.
Being dealt an Ace and a Six or Seven is the ideal hand to double down on. Many people may opt to stand with a soft total of 17 or 18 which is fine, but doubling is often advised. As the table suggests, your decision needs to be dependent on the dealer's up-card. If you do opt to double with a soft 17/18, you have a strong chance of receiving a card valued at 10 (giving you a hard total of 17 or 18) which leaves you in the position you began in, just with the chance to win double the cash. If you are dealt an Ace, Deuce or Trey, you now hold an even stronger total of either 18, 19, 20, or 19, 20 or 21. If you are dealt a Four on the soft-17 hand, that will also leave you with an unbeatable 21. The point is to take advantage of strong starting soft hands, because of the unique value the Ace holds.
How To Play Blackjack And Win
Know Which Variant You're Playing
American blackjack (unlike American Roulette) has more favourable odds for the player, so where possible, play American versions of the game.
American rules are as follows:
– You are not restricted when doubling down; you can have a hand with any value and choose to double.
– You can also surrender at any time, and the dealer must stand on a soft-17.
Blackjack Double Down Chart
European blackjack has the following rules:
– When offered the chance to double, you may only do so if your hand totals nine, 10 or 11.
– The dealer must hit on soft-17, and you cannot surrender.
