Are you wanting to play more online Blackjack but want to learn some strategies beforehand? I don’t blame you. The nice thing about playing blackjack online on BetUs (don’t forget to use promo code SGPN) is you can start with lower dollar hands as you learn what strategies you like to use. Today, we’re going to talk about when to double down in blackjack.
There are a lot of different blackjack strategies to consider. For a broader overview, you can check out this article. You can also learn when to split in blackjack. As always, remember to gamble responsibly. Starting online is a great way to start learning the game and ease into it.
When To Double Down In Blackjack
What Does it mean to Double Down in blackjack
Before we get into when to double down in blackjack, we should discuss what doubling down is. Much like splitting in blackjack, this is a play that needs the bankroll for it. After getting your first two cards you can choose to double down. When playing online blackjack, it will give you the opportunity to click double down. Some online casinos only let you double on a 9, 10, or 11.
When you are doubling down, you’re doubling your original bet to receive just one card. This is most often done when you’re showing an 11, with the hopes that the one card will be a face card and give you 21. However, it can be used when you have a nine or ten. In those situations, it may be more useful to see what card the dealer is showing first.
It’s important to remember you only get one card when you double down. So if you double down on a nine, hoping for a high card, and get a two, you can’t take another card. You’re just stuck at eleven.
When to double an eleven in Black Jack
When you’re dealt an eleven, it is usually advisable to double down. The highest hand you can get, without busting, in blackjack is 21. When you receive an eleven in blackjack and double down, you’re banking that the next card is a face card. Any ten, jack, queen, or king, would then give you 21, guaranteeing either a win or a push.
Some strategies will tell you not to double an eleven if the dealer is showing a ten. However, if you have the bankroll, I’m always doubling on an eleven. The chance at getting 21 is too good to pass up. Don’t forget, when you double and win, you’re also winning both bets. You’ve gone from betting one unit to winning a profit of three units from your original bet.
When to Double a Ten in Black Jack
When you’re dealt a ten in blackjack it’s not as clear cut as the eleven. Many people will double on a ten anyway. They like the risk. However, you have to really ask yourself when you should double in blackjack. Does this make sense and limit your risk of losing? If the dealer is showing a ten, it’s not advisable to double. The most common rule is to always assume the dealer’s face down is a ten. Therefore, you’re assuming he has twenty.
Only an ace can beat him if you’re assuming he has a twenty and you have ten. The odds of getting an ace aren’t good enough to risk another unit and double your bet.
As far as that goes, I also don’t double if the dealer is showing a seven, eight, or nine either. You have to assume they have 17, 18, or 19, and your odds of surpassing their hand aren’t as great. It’s best to just play your hand with your original bet rather than doubling it for one card.
However, on the other side of things, if the dealer is showing a six or less and you have ten, it’s advisable to double down. You’re hoping for a card above seven and that they have 16 or less. The closer to 16 they have, the more likely they are to bust when they take another card. Keep in mind, that the dealer has to play to 17.
When to double a nine in Black Jack
A nine has very similar rules to a ten. You don’t want to double a nine when the dealer is showing a seven, eight, nine, or ten. I also don’t double a nine when the dealer is showing an ace. If the dealer shows a six or less, doubling a nine could pay off.
The nine is the trickiest one to double and should only be done if your bank roll is decent. It’s more common to double on a ten or eleven.
Good luck all and happy betting!
