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When to double down in blackjack?

The most beautiful opportunity that playing blackjack gives you is doubling your bets. Each time you bet, you swing like a pendulum at the gaming table, swinging between periods of ups and downs. Eventually, the game becomes monotonous. However, doubling the stakes acts on it like an adrenaline shock. How to double down in blackjack? Suddenly, the risk of loss doubles, and the potential gain doubles. If you are a real gambler, you cannot do without doubling your bets. Nothing else will give you so much thrill.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that there is a specific strategy for doubling the rates. You can't just say your catchphrase and drop your money wherever you want. Doing so would expose your chips to unnecessary risk. You should be wise and try to master the double down blackjack.

To get started, learn the situations in which you should double your bets, as well as the ability to recognize the moments when it is not worth doing. The detailed explanation of this skill is mainly based on mathematical calculations. Nevertheless, we have tried to highlight for you the basic rules for doubling your bets in blackjack.

Blackjack strategy

At first glance, blackjack looks like a simple card game. It is partly true, and affordability is the main reason for its widespread popularity. But it is essential to learn how to feel the process of the game. It is pretty complex and requires constant improvement from beginners. Regardless of experience, the correct blackjack strategy will help you quickly get used to the game.

Basic strategy

The basic blackjack strategy has been created especially for beginners. It is on it that the basic rules of conducting a correct game are built. That is why it is called primary. Blackjack tactics involve several actions for specific situations that must be remembered and used.

Almost every strategy for playing blackjack increases the chances of winning because card gambling is based not only on blind luck but also on the correct actions of the player. Despite the wide variety of the brightest strategies, the basic strategy in blackjack remains in the first place.

Why double your rates?

What does double down mean in blackjack? Compared to the dealer, the player has one significant advantage – while the casino employee is obliged to act strictly according to the rules. You, as a player, can follow a list of actions that are likely to bring you profit.

According to professionals, the doubling of the bet in the future will bring a proportional increase in profits and severe chances of winning. Before doubling your original bet, you need to analyze whether one card is enough for you to win.

As a result, the player can decide to double the bet after the dealer has given him two starting cards. For example, the game is played with one deck, and you have 6 and 5 in your hands, which provides you with 11 points in total. The dealer's upcard is 4. Now it will be appropriate to double the bet because you are in a better position. However, let's take a closer look.

Be aggressive with 9, 10 and 11

The most important rule is that if your total starting hand is 9, 10, or double down on 11, then the chances are high that drawing another card will result in an amount between 19 and 21. In other words, you are likely to win the match. Therefore, in such a situation, don't just take another card – double your bets. The golden rule of gambling: act sharply with an advantage. Even if you are risk-averse and prefer not to bet big, you can still be tempted to bet money with a strong starting hand of 6-4 or 7-2. Maximize your winnings while the odds are in your favor.

Should you split the fives? Never!

In the overwhelming majority of cases, players prefer to raise their bets through a split with low-value "pocket pairs" of cards in their hands. Did you get two deuces? There is no point in continuing the game with four total. In this case, it is logical to split the deuce and try your luck in two different hands. Depending on the dealer's top card, the same applies to a hand of two threes and possibly fours and sixes. But what about the fives? Do not split in any way! The temptation to break a 5-5 pair to double your winnings is undoubtedly great, but enlightened blackjack players don't. The best strategy for a ten is to double your bet to win both stakes on the same hand. Knowing when to split pairs in blackjack is essential!

Be creative with an Ace

Once you get a hand like A-6 or A-7, you should probably try to win it with a made-up 17 or 18 without changing cards. However, in this situation, this is the least of what you are capable of. By doubling your bet, you can increase your profits. It is possible that by taking a piece card, you will just as well stay within 17 or 18, thus doubling your payoff in case of superiority over the dealer. And if you are fortunate, you will draw the magic three or four and gain the coveted 21 points! Most ace starting hands give you the chance to double up and win big.

Think about the top dealer card

The dealer's top card affects all the above rules. In general, having a high dignity starting hand is best to be aggressive. On the other hand, if you and the dealer both have nines, you may be in trouble. Likewise, it makes sense to double your hand at 5-5, but what do you do if the dealer has a ten himself? When making any decisions, you must consider not only your cards but also the dealer's hand.

Simulation of situations for a better understanding of the issue

How to double down? Imagine that the dealer has already dealt you cards, and the total number of points is 11. We recommend that, regardless of the dealer's hand, double your bet and request a card. You are in a winning position.

If the dealer has given you cards worth 11 points, but you are playing not one but several decks, everything is not so simple here. If the dealer's up card is an ace, refrain from doubling the bet. He has a good chance of getting a blackjack double down. In any other case, double it.

Suppose the total amount of the hand is ten. It doesn't matter how many decks are involved in the game. We double the bet for any dealer's card from 2 to 9. The chances of winning are minimal.

Let's say the dealer gives you a combination worth 8 points. We recommend doubling your bet, provided that the dealer has a card open from 3 to 6 (when playing with several decks) or from two to six (if playing with only one deck).

When the hand's value is 8, you cannot double the bet when playing with several decks. If the game is played with only one deck, while the dealer has 5 or 6 open, you can safely increase your bet.

Check with the casino dealer where you play in advance if the gambling house provides an opportunity to double your bet on the so-called "soft hands" (this is the name of the hand in which there is an ace). If doubling is prohibited, take a card instead.

Follow blackjack double down rules, and you will double your bets at the right time and thus ensure yourself the opportunity to win the maximum amount of money.