Casino action and jackpot thrills are free—and right at your fingertips!—in the world’s biggest social casino app. Win big on over 100 authentic slot machines, from 3-reel classics to the latest Las Vegas hits, and the same name-brand Video Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette you know and love from the casino floor. In some gambling establishments, blackjack players are permitted to double down for less than their initial bet. For example, if you wager $20 on a hand suitable for doubling down, you can double for an amount smaller than $20, like $15 or $10. It is typical for some conservative or underbanked players to take advantage of this rule variation. As the name implies, to double down means to double the initial wager in a game of blackjack. So, when the dealer provides the player with two cards, the player can double the wager if he feels that his hand has a certain winning potential.
- Blackjack Double Down Percentage Chart
- Blackjack Double Down On Bobeck
- Blackjack Double Down Pulling Tractor
- Double Down Blackjack Pics
Inexperienced players often wonder how is it possible to win at blackjack in the long term when their probability of winning a hand in a fair game is approximately 44%. Well, one of the main reasons why this is possible is the player’s ability to get more money into action when they hold an advantage against a dealer who is in trouble.
One way to increase your action in favorable situations is to double down, in which case you post an extra bet that should be equal in size to your initial stake. In exchange, you get one additional card and are no longer able to hit your hand. The dealer would either tuck the extra card under your chips in pitched games or place it sideways next to your initial two cards in a multiple-deck game.
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Doubling down can indeed be risky since it involves increasing your bet. This causes clueless or more conservative players to altogether avoid this play out of fear they might end up losing twice as much money on a single hand. Others tend to overdo it, exercising the double down option each time their “intuition” tells them they stand to win a hand.
Yet, doubling down can be one of the most thrilling and profitable moves you can make at the blackjack table, but only on condition you are able to identify the advantageous situations that call for a bet increase. In this article, we tackle doubling down rule variations and give you further insight into some of the key doubling decisions that can help you maximize your profits.
Doubling Down Rule Variations
The tricky thing about this play is that the rules related to doubling down may vary wildly in different casinos, which is why you should be well-acquainted with the doubling rule variations you may encounter. These are not written on the table’s felt so you will either have to ask the dealer for specifics or stand by and observe others play for a while.
In many multiple-deck games, players are permitted to double on any starting two-card total without further restrictions. This is the most player-friendly rule variation because it gives you the opportunity to potentially turn a profit in all advantageous situations you face.
This is not the case in some casinos where players are restricted to doubling only on specific two-card totals, particularly on hard 9, 10, and 11, which increases the house edge by 0.09%. Some venues would even restrict doubling to totals of 10 and 11 only which gives the house edge a boost of around 0.18%.
The “Free” Double Down Rule
We previously explained the player is normally required to increase their bet up to the amount of their original stake. In some casinos, however, there are blackjack tables where the so-called “free double down” rule applies. This variation of the game is known as Free Bet Blackjack and was invented by Geoff Hall, the same guy who came up with Blackjack Switch.
Free Bet Blackjack debuted in the summer of 2012 at the Golden Nugget Casino in downtown Las Vegas and immediately attracted crowds of eager blackjack players because it gave them the opportunity to double down on the house, i.e. without the need of posting additional wagers.
Instead, the dealer places a lammer next to your original wager to mark your double down. If you win, the dealer will pay you both for your initial bet and your double. Should you lose, you lose only your original bet.
You probably think this sounds too good to be true and indeed, you are right. The main catch here is that players are restricted to doubling at no cost only on totals of 9, 10, and 11. When the dealer draws to a total of 22, they do not bust like they normally would. Instead, they push with you if your total is 21 or lower. Add the H17 rule and the absence of surrender to the mix and you have the house edge for this game jump to 1.04% with basic strategy.
Doubling Down on Three Cards or More
At some blackjack tables, players are given the option to double on three cards or more, which is great because it translates into even more opportunities to turn extra profits. Suppose, for example, you start your hand with two cards that add up to 7 against a dealer 5 and then you draw a 4 for a total of eleven.
It would be impossible to double down at this stage in a regular game of 21. However, if you are playing a blackjack variation that allows for doubling on three or more cards, you will be able to fully exploit your dealer’s weakness by doubling on your three-card 11 and potentially pocketing an extra payout.
This rule variation is an absolute rarity, of course, but do not hesitate to take advantage of it if you do happen to come across one such table – this rule takes away around 0.20% of the casino’s edge.
Doubling Down for Less
In some gambling establishments, blackjack players are permitted to double down for less than their initial bet. For example, if you wager $20 on a hand suitable for doubling down, you can double for an amount smaller than $20, like $15 or $10. It is typical for some conservative or underbanked players to take advantage of this rule variation.
Should you do it, though? No, doubling down for less is not a good idea. This decision is contrary to what doubling is all about. Players can maximize their profits only by reaching deeper into their pockets and increasing their double down bets to the full permissible amount at the table.
Let’s consider the following situation to better demonstrate how stupid doubling for less than your original bet really is. Suppose you post a $10 bet and are dealt a nice starting total of 11 against the dealer’s Queen, which, as you know, is assigned a value of 10 like all other face cards. You have several options here, excluding standing since not drawing more cards on your 11 is contrary to all logic.
You can hit your hand, double down for the full amount of your bet or double down for less. Hitting a starting total of 11 against a dealer 10 results in a win around 56% of the time. Therefore, your average expectations with a total of 11 are to win roughly 56 out of every 100 hands, ties excluded. With a $10 bet, this accounts for overall profits of $560, overall losses of $440, and net profits of $120 over the course of a hundred hands.
Doubling Down for Less Additional TipsWhen you double down on a two-card 11 against a dealer 10, your win ratio slightly drops down. You are allowed only one extra card and would sometimes end up drawing small cards like 2 or 3 that get you stuck with a low total against the dealer’s powerful face card. This peculiarity of the game causes your win ratio over the course of a hundred hands to decrease to 54%, which accounts for a 2% difference.
You may think “How is doubling down more profitable in this situation when I end up winning fewer hands this way?!”. If you double for the full amount, which is $20 (2x$10) in this case and win 54 out of every 100 hands on average, you shall generate overall profits of $1,080 and incur total losses of $920.
You still end up with $160 in net profits over the course of every hundred hands on average. As you can see, doubling on your 11 against the dealer’s 10 gives you more value over the long term when compared to merely hitting, where you only win $120 over a hundred hands.
Let’s see what happens when you take the conservative approach and double down for less than your initial $10 bet, say $2.50. Your average win-to-loss ratio, not counting pushes, is the same per every hundred hands played, or 54 to 46. If you double for $2.50 only and win 54 out of every hundred hands, you generate overall winnings of $675 as opposed to the $575 you lose on average. This accounts for average net winnings of $100.
As you can see, doubling down for less is the worst of the three options you have profit-wise. So remember never to double down for less when playing regular blackjack – this is a profitable course of action only for blackjack tournament players.
Doubling on Soft Hands vs. Doubling on Hard Hands
We explained on a couple of occasions that a blackjack dealer ends up winning a bit more frequently than the player whose probability of winning hands in a fair game is around 44% as opposed to the dealer’s 47% probability of winning. The remaining 9% account for the occasions when the dealer and the player push.
From this perspective, it makes sense for the player to bet more conservatively on the majority of the hands they go through. However, this is not the case when it comes to doubling down on hard totals where you should play more aggressively, increasing your action if the dealer has a relatively high likelihood of exceeding 21 and you have an edge over their hand.
Some people would settle for their soft totals and dismiss both hitting or doubling on such hands because they are too afraid they may end up getting stuck with a lower total by drawing an additional card. This fear causes them to pass on many lucrative opportunities to increase their action when holding an advantage against the dealer.
Others wrongfully assume the reason why basic strategy recommends doubling on certain soft totals is that you try to outdraw the dealer. But if you take a quick look at the basic-strategy chart, you will see doubling is a viable option with soft totals only when the dealer is exposing a weak card.
In other words, you double on hands like A-4 and A-5 against the dealer’s 4, 5 or 6 because they are more likely to bust with these small cards and you want to get as much money into action as you can against a vulnerable dealer.
When Your Double Down Goes Wrong
Doubling down can be very profitable but it can also be very tricky for the simple reason you are entitled to draw only one extra card. When doubling on soft hands, you may get stuck with a lower total than the one you started with.
Similarly, if you double down on a hand like 7-2 against the dealer’s 5, you draw a 2 or a 3 for poor totals like 11 or 12. The only way for you to win the round would be for the dealer to break their hand. You would have been able to hit your hand repeatedly if you had not doubled. And yet, doubling is the correct play in one such scenario. Continue reading to see why.
Insight into the Key Doubling Down Decisions
Basic strategy tells blackjack players when it is the best time to hit, stand, split, or double down. It is based on mathematical probability and millions of computer-simulated trials, which guarantees the plays it comprises are the optimal ones in the long run. Let’s examine several situations where doubling down is the best course of action and explain why.
Doubling on a 9 against a Dealer with a Small Card
We talked about how sometimes doubling down can get you into trouble but remains the best play nevertheless. This is the case when you are dealt a hard 9 against a vulnerable dealer who exposes a small card like 5. In one such scenario, you will win roughly 59% of the time and lose around 41% of the hands, i.e. if we do not include the pushes.
Thus, if you flat bet $10 and play the same hand a hundred times, you can expect to win $590 and lose $410 for overall net profit of $180. The average profit you generate per hand with this play is $180/100 = $18.
Your win rate for the hand drops down to around 57% when you double down but this difference is offset by the fact that you are winning twice as much when executing this play. Your average net profit per hand in this instance is equal to ($570 – $430) * 2 = $280/100 = $28. As you can see, you win $10 more per hand, which is why doubling on your hard 9 against the dealer’s small card is the best course of action.
Doubling on a 10 against a Dealer with a Small Card
We already discussed the subject of doubling on an 11 against a dealer’s 10 and the prolific effect it has in terms of net winnings. Now, let’s consider an example where you double on a 10 against a dealer with a small card, 4 for example.
Regardless of the composition of your hard 10 (8-2, 6-4, 5-5, 7-3), the mathematical probability of you winning with this move is roughly 58% whereas that of you losing is around 35%, with the remaining 7% accounting for the ties where no money switches hands (respectively there are no net profits). Let’s suppose you have wagered $10 on this hand and are playing a multiple-deck game where the S17 rule applies.
If you decide to merely hit your hard 10 and draw a small card 2 through 7, you are not supposed to draw again anyway because the basic strategy for the game you are playing recommends you to stand on hard totals 12 through 17 when the dealer exposes a 4.
Doubling on a 10 Additional TipsHitting this total over the course of a hundred hands will earn you $580 and cause you to lose $350 on average. Roughly seven out of every hundred hands will result in a push. Respectively, your average net profits per hand when you hit your hard 10 will amount to ($580 – $350) / 93 = $230 / 93 = $2.47.
Now, let’s see what happens when you double down on your 10 instead of hitting. The win-to-loss ratio is the same, so your overall net wins over the course of 100 hands would be equal to 2 * ($580 – $350) = $460. The seven pushes aside, your average net win per hand will amount to $460 / 93 = $4.95 and this is why you always double down on your hard 10 against a dealer’s 4.
Doubling on Soft 13 through 18 against a Dealer with a Small Card
Inexperienced players often struggle with soft totals, especially when doubling down is concerned. They are too scared they might ruin their soft hand by drawing a card that reduces its total and turns it into a stiff. They argue this is way too risky and may cost them twice as much money if the double down is unsuccessful.
However, in certain situations when the dealer is at a disadvantage, basic strategy requires you to double down on your soft hands, particularly when the dealer is weak with small cards 3 through 6. Here is a brief breakdown of the doubling rules for soft hands 13 through 18 for a multiple-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17. If doubling is not allowed on any two cards, proceed by hitting or standing depending on your total and the dealer’s upcard.
- Double on soft 13 and soft 14 against a dealer 5 or 6, otherwise hit
- Double on soft 15 and soft 16 against a dealer 4, 5, or 6, otherwise hit
- Double on soft 17 against a dealer 3, 4, 5 or 6, otherwise hit
- Double on soft 18 against a dealer 3, 4, 5 or 6, otherwise stand
Let’s now examine an example with a soft 17 against a dealer with a 4 to see the exact differences in the net profits when you hit and double. Whether you hit or stand has no impact on the outcome of the hand itself because there is no card you can possibly draw that will cause you to make another hit. In the worst possible scenario, you will end up drawing a 5 for a hard total of 12 and stand against the dealer’s 4 in accordance with basic strategy.
Doubling Additional TipsMathematically, you are bound to win by taking one more card 49% of the time, lose 43% of the time, and push with the dealer approximately 8% of the time. We assume your original bet amounts to $10. Provided that you choose to take the conservative route and hit your A-6, you will net profits of around $490 every hundred hands and lose $430.
The pushes are not taken into consideration because you do not generate any net profits or net losses with them. It follows that your net wins are $60, with an average profit per hand from this play of $60 / 92 = $0.65. If you double down instead of hitting your A-6, you will generate twice as much in net profits, or 2 * ($490 – $430) = $120, for a win of roughly $1.30 per hand.
It is essential to remember that doubling down is always the best course of action with certain totals when you are facing a particularly vulnerable dealer. Not taking advantage of these situations is almost the same as giving back some of your winnings to the casino. So be sure to inspect and memorize the basic strategy chart for the blackjack variation you intend to play. This will help you to fully maximize your profits when you are in a good spot.
Double Down? So what does Double Down mean in Blackjack and why is it such a popular strategy?
In short, it is bumping up your initial bet by 100% and staying in the game after only receiving one more card. It might seem like a risky strategy and for some doubling their winnings is the main motivator, but there can be some good reasons behind such a bold move.
The beauty about Blackjack Double Down is that there are some useful and well defined rules based on mathematical probability and tested by generations of players.
That said, the calculability of a hand’s success is not a guarantee of its profitability, nor does it rob the game of its excitement.
Watch a tutorial here. Credit: androidslots.co.uk
Blackjack Double Down – A Numbers Game
Firstly, however green you are to Blackjack, we can all agree that the highest number you can sensibly get is 21. Secondly, we’re out to beat the dealer, either by having the higher value hand, or watching them go bust.
From there on in it’s a case of using statistics to your advantage. This means that whenever you’ve drawn one of the lower 6 cards, there remains a high statistical probability that the remaining cards are all more likely to be a help rather than a hindrance.
Equally, when the dealer draws a 4; 5; or 6, they are statistically more likely to go bust. It therefore seems quite reasonable that when these two scenarios are in play, Blackjack Double Down may well be a good payoff.
Jumping the Gun
Sadly, many players can become a little hyper focused, looking at only the dealers hand or their own and basing their decision to Double Down on that one factor.
For example, many players will draw a 9 and Double Down if the dealer has anything other than a 10. This is strategically flawed and will lead to a significant loss over time.
The other ill-judged manoeuvre is for a player to split a pair of 5’s, which in itself is a risk. A sensible rule here is to keep them together and treat them like a 10. That way you stand a better chance when Doubling Down.
Blackjack Double Down Rules
Rules can vary slightly between casinos, but generally Doubling Down can be used after the player draws their first two cards. Some venues, both online and real-world allow Doubling Down on a Blackjack, whilst others can restrict its use to totals of 9; 10; or 11.
Wherever you play, make sure you know the house rules before you play.
Where it is permitted, splitting a hand into a pair and then doubling down can be useful, but as already mentioned, use this with caution.
Once you have signalled your intention to Double Down, you place your wager. Normally this is 100% your original bet, though some casinos will allow a less-than-double additional wager.
Once you have signalled your intention to Double Down, or simply pressed the relevant button in an online casino, only one more card can be drawn for the player, and they are committed to play.
How to Double Down in Blackjack?
Plenty of rookies have come unstuck, learning the various strategies for making a good Blackjack Double Down play, but not paying attention to its execution.
Etiquette and protocol are a must if you’re not going to spoil the atmosphere at the table. Thankfully online gaming has made the embarrassment from a faux pas less of weighty on the ego, however, you could still miss out if you don’t know when to make the right move.
In short, most games expect the Double Down to be executed immediately after being dealt their second card. If you accidentally hit, you’ll miss your chance and that would really be a shame.
History
The question of when to double down in Blackjack is one that was answered back in the 1950’s when Magician John Scarne took the time to work out the mathematics behind the King of Casino games, Blackjack. His work, published in a book ‘Scarne’s New Complete Guide to Gambling’ described the odds and various plays to be able to make the best possible calls.
The amazing thing about his work is that it still stands true today, with the mathematics and odds transcending time and permeating every Blackjack table in the world.
Today there are many Blackjack Double Down charts that simplify the learning process so that committed players can memorise the best plays.
The Strategies
When to double in blackjack is one of the most asked questions about the game. The best advice originates mainly from John Scarne’s work and has been published and republished in various forms. However, a problem arises whenever that advice is shortened or misquoted.
For example, if the player has drawn 11, they should Double Down, or so the rule says. In reality, there are factors that can influence the probability of this being a successful strategy.
The main one being what cards are left in the deck. Now this question is mainly one reserved for card counters who are able to discern whether the remaining deck is negative heavy, i.e. full of low cards, or not.
In this case, Doubling Down could be risky, especially if the dealer is showing a 10 or higher.
Blackjack Double Down Percentage Chart
In contrast, where the remaining deck is positive, the player can be assured of more 10’s and above in the pack and has the option to play more hands that could result in a 20 or 21.
For those without that card counting knowhow, it’s usually a good strategy to stick to Doubling Down whenever you have an 11.
What are Hard and Soft Hands then?
Terminology is important, so get it right. Hard Hands don’t normally have and Ace unless it is being used as a 1. Soft Hands, conversely will have an Ace being used as either 11 or 1. With this tid-bit of knowledge under our belt, let’s move on…
What to do with a Soft Hand
This primarily depends on what the dealer’s hand is showing. Using the Rule of 9 can offer some guidance. This is where the Player has drawn an Ace and any card from 2 to 7. Where the player’s ‘number’ card and the dealer’s up-card sum up to 9 or more, the player should Double Down.
Two important exceptions to this rule should be heeded. The first is where the dealer’s up-card shows an Ace, the obvious reason being its ability to be played as its lower denomination.
The second is to never Double Down in Blackjack when the deal’s up-card is a 7 or above, again, the odds are not with you. So don’t do it!
Light work for Hard Hands
There are so many opportunities to Double Down it can feel like you can do it any time, but the reality is that you should choose your moment wisely.
When you have a hard 11, always Double Down, it’s too good to miss. You can also take a fairly good risk with a hard total of 10, but don’t ever try it when the dealer has a 10 or an Ace.
To Split or not To Split?
Many casinos allow a player to Double Down after they have split their hand. Here the rule is simple, where you have a pair of 5’s don’t touch them.
Treat them like any other 10 and if the dealer’s hand is 9 or less, you would be wise to double down. Any other cards and splitting may be a sensible option.
What the Dealer’s Hand Reveals
The dealer’s hand is key to knowing how to play your own hand, and thankfully there are some statistics on the bust rates for a dealer’s cards.
For example, a Deuce or Three have just under 40% chance of seeing the dealer go bust. Whilst a 4; 5 or 6 raise that probability to just over 40%.
Meanwhile a 7; 8; 9 or 10 only have a roughly 23% chance of working in the player’s favour whilst the Ace gives a dismally low 17% chance of seeing the dealer fail.
These figures can give hope to a player, especially when they know they also have a favourable hand, and underlines the premise of being fore warned is being fore armed!
Blackjack Double Down On Bobeck
Double Down – Down
There are unfortunately occasions where a player is unable to Double Down, despite all the signs that it is a good move to make. One may be the house rules as we mentioned before.
One piece of advice from the experts is that whenever you find yourself with a soft hand, i.e. a hand with an Ace, then it is usually more prudent to hit rather than go for the Double Down.
The Hard 9
We’ve already mentioned the propensity for some players to find themselves with a 9 and to jump down the Double Down hole if the dealer has anything other than a 10.
This is flawed thinking. This idea comes from a very valid play in games where you draw a Hard 9.
The important thing to remember is that this has to be in conjunction with when the dealer draws anything lower than a 7, excluding the Ace.
How Much to Bet?
Ultimately, this is a question reserved for the player, but there are two important rules that may help.
The first is never, and this cannot be stressed enough, NEVER Double Down with an additional bet of less than 100%. The whole aim of the play is to maximise on the odds that sit in your favour, so to bet anything less than the maximum allowed is a waste.
Secondly, if the prospect of doubling your bet at a table makes you sweat, even though you know the mathematics is on your side, then you should probably be at a table with lower stakes!
Some Rules of Thumb
It’s usually a good idea to Double Down when:
Blackjack Double Down Pulling Tractor
- The player has drawn 11
- The player has 10 and the dealer has 4; 5; 6
- The player has 9 and the dealer has 5 or 6
- Player has an Ace and any card from 2 to 7 when the Player’s non-Ace and the dealer’s card add-up to 9 or more
- Dealer has a soft 17
- Also, remember that if you have a pair of 5’s; you should not be tempted to split them, it’s better to consider them as a 10
Top Three Plays
Out of all the pieces of advice, there are probably three plays which give the player the best advantage against the dealer.
The first of those is the Hard 9 which we’ve already mentioned. This is an excellent play with a very good chance of success.
The second is a similar Hard 10 or 11. Again these should be used against a lower draw from the dealer. As long as the hand is not made up with an Ace and the dealer’s hand is lower than yours, Doubling Down is a good move to make.
The third of our Top Three is a Soft 16 to 18. As with the previous two hands we’re looking for the dealer to have a low draw. As long as they have anything from 2 to 6 then Doubling Down is going to position the player favourably against the dealer.
Word to the Wise
Doubling Down can seem like an unnecessary risk, and it is true that doing it can make or break your time at the table. However, the strategies and rules for identifying the best times to Double Down are tried and tested.
Double Down Blackjack Pics
While you may stand to lose more money on each individual attempt, in the long term, Doubling Down is a sensible strategy as the rewards will more than make up for time you take to practice the techniques above.
Just remember to know the Double Down rules of the casino you’re in as they are likely to place some restrictions on which of the techniques you can use.
This way you can pick the casino with the most favorable rules, and have more opportunity to see and make those Double Down plays.