

However, be aware that the rules of Blackjack do vary between casinos, which can affect your decision making. In almost every Blackjack game this strategy should stay true.

If the dealer has a lower total, it's time to double down. Hard 10 Or 11 Against Any Lower Dealer CardĪ hard 10 or 11 puts you in a powerful position – that is, with any two cards, not including an ace, that make 10 or 11 (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6). With an Ace and a lower card (2 to 4) it is better to just hit, as you are less likely to end with a high hand. If you have an Ace and either a 5, 6 or 7 giving you a “soft” total of 16 to 18 and the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, this is a great time to double your bet. Soft 16 To 18 Against the Dealer’s Low Cards If you have A-8 (a soft 9), it’s best to stand, regardless of what the dealer shows. This must be a hard 9 meaning there is no Ace in your hand – so the combinations could be 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. When you are dealt a total of 9, double down when the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6 (any card below 7, not including the Ace). In all of these situations you can’t go bust and are in the most likely position to finish with a high hand, while statistics indicate that the dealer is in the most likely position to lose the hand. There are three situations when it’s best to double down, explained below. Want to Play But Not In a Regulated State? You Can Still Play Casino Games Like Blackjack At Social Casinos, Including Here At Chumbaįortunately, basic strategies for blackjack have been meticulously mapped using mathematical probability, designed to tell you exactly when is best (in the long run) to double down. We strongly recommending bookmarking this page and using it as a handy reference when playing online at any one of the top blackjack casino sites in your state. It's important to try and strike a balance between sensible safe play, such as using a statistical strategy, and risky double downs in order to maximize your potential winnings. This can lead to more timid players avoiding the double bet, and more adventurous players making it far too often. It’s a risky gamble, as it usually ends your betting – you can’t hit again even if you receive a particularly low second card It allows you to double your bet in the middle of a hand in exchange for receiving just one card. Doubling down is one of the most thrilling moves in blackjack.
