A Guide to the Blackjack Double Down

Blackjack is a card game with many betting options. One of them is called a double down. This is adding a bet equal to the initial stake after you receive your first pair of cards. When a player opts to double down, that player can only get one hit. If one wins with a double down, one receives twice the initial stake. Otherwise, one loses twice the bet.

A player who decides to double down will place a second bet beside the original wager. That player may then ask for a hit (only one is permitted) or not. After all the other players have made their respective moves, the dealer turns the hole card. If the dealer gets a 17 or higher, the dealer stands. Or else, the dealer draws another card. The players win if they beat the dealer or if the dealer busts, and lose their wagers otherwise.

So when is the best time to double down? This depends on your first two cards and the dealer's up card. It's advisable to double the bet when the dealer's up card is any of the four, five or six numbered cards provided that your hand is strong with minimal risk that it'll bust when hit.

If the dealer has a four, five, or six on the up card, chances are that the dealer will total near 16 after the hole card is turned. In this case, the dealer will have to hit. Under these circumstances, there's a high probability that the dealer will bust or go over 21.

A strong first pair of cards includes a hard hand of nine, ten and eleven. These cards will not bust and these are high cards that will benefit from one hit. Also, a soft hand of a 12, 14, 15, 16, or 17 is a great pair to start with. A hard hand on the initial pair doesn't have an ace while a soft hand on the first pair has an ace valued at 11. A soft hand is likely to become a hard hand after a hit when the ace will have to be valued at one for the count.

If you have a strong pair to start with and the dealer has a four, five or six on the up card, it's advisable to double the bet. Of course, the approach to the blackjack double down depends on the player. Place a double down bet if you have confidence in playing the game. Keep in mind that this betting option places a twofold win from a single hand or a twofold cost if lost.