Blackjack is a top-rated card game among Australian online casino enthusiasts. To boost your odds of winning bets in blackjack, you must develop a sound strategy. For most players, the crucial component of their plan is learning when to double down in blackjack. Doubling down is thrilling, as it involves doubling your wager and receiving one additional card. However, if you double down at the incorrect time, you might magnify your losses. In this article, we will examine the optimal moments to double down in blackjack, the significance of doubling down, and other pointers and tactics to enhance your prospects of beating the dealer.
What Is a Double Down Bet in Blackjack?
A double down bet in blackjack is when a player doubles their original wager during a hand and receives one additional card. This move increases the potential reward but also the risk of losing more money. To make the most of a double down bet, players must carefully consider their position and timing within the game.
When You Should Double Down in a Game of Blackjack
When you play blackjack, your ultimate goal is to beat the dealer. Both you and the croupier have separate hands that you play during the round. And for most players, the best time to double down is when you know you have a benefit in a game. Below, there are a couple of strategies that you can use when doubling down to increase your chances of winning your blackjack hands.
When Your Total Is 11 or Have a Hard 9 or 10
When playing blackjack, one of the best times to go for the double down option is if you have an 11 as your initial bet. This is probably the most popular double down strategy, as if you have an 11, one additional card will likely bring you to blackjack or very close to it. On top of that, since you’re very far from the magic “21” number, you won’t have to worry about going bust when you ask for one more card.
Another option is when you have a hard 9 or 10. The reason this is a good time to double down is similar to having an 11. You’re far enough from 23 that you will benefit from an additional card, and any card would bring you closer to blackjack. However, this is only a viable strategy if you have a hard 9 or 10 and the dealer is showing a lower card than you.
When You Have a Soft 16s, 17s, or 18s
Soft hands in blackjack refer to hands that have an ace. Aces in online blackjack can count as a low card of 1 or high card of 11, depending on which gives you a higher combination without going bust. So, if you have a soft 16, 17, or 18, getting lower cards can bring you closer to winning.
If you get a higher card when you double down, you’re sure that you won’t go bust. While this is a good opportunity to double down, it’s only advisable to do this if the dealer shows a lower hand or a hand of the same value.
When You Shouldn’t Double Down in a Game of Blackjack
Doubling down can be costly if you don’t do it right. So, here are a few instances where you definitely shouldn’t double down and why this is the case.
If You Have a Hard Hand Greater Than 11
Whenever you’re playing blackjack, if you have a hard hand greater than 11, you should never double down and have the dealer hit you with an extra card as this will give the dealer a house edge.
This is because asking for one more card when you already have a fairly high hand increases your chances of going bust. This means you lose all your bets, so the risk isn’t worth the reward.
If the Dealer Shows an Ace
Aces are a very powerful hand when playing blackjack. This is why you shouldn’t risk doubling down if your dealer’s face-up card is an ace. If you have an ace, then it is a great idea to double down. If the dealer has an ace, then a strategy to double down after hitting increases your chances of losing.
Our Best Advice When It Comes to Doubling Down in Blackjack
Generally, you shouldn’t double down if you’re already close to 21. Doubling down in blackjack might cause you to go bust and lose your money. But if you have a relatively low hand or a soft hand and your dealer’s hand is weaker, then doubling down is a great option to boost your chances of winning after the initial bet. So if you think you can pull it off, calculate your chances, and go for it.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when you want to double down, so you look professional and knowledgeable on the table:
- When doubling down your bet, place your new chips next to your current wager, so you won’t be accused of tampering with your initial wager.
- Don’t double down bet when you have split your hand, as this is usually not allowed.
- You can’t double down after a dealer hit.
- It’s always recommended to double down if you have an 11.
- Remember that a double-down always has to match your original bet.
Can I Play Blackjack in Online Casinos?
Many Aussie online casinos offer a wide range of blackjack games that you can play from the comfort of your home. You can choose to play live blackjack against the computer or with a live dealer who deals the cards in real-time via video streaming. However, it’s important to ensure that you only play at reputable and licensed online casinos to ensure a fair and safe gaming experience.
Final Words
In conclusion, doubling down in blackjack is a bold move that can increase your potential winnings or magnify your losses. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that requires careful consideration and knowledge of when to execute it. Timing is critical when it comes to doubling down, and only players who possess a solid understanding of the game and its rules should attempt this move. As with any gambling strategy, it’s vital to gamble responsibly and within your means. Ultimately, doubling down can be an exhilarating and lucrative technique for experienced players who understand the game’s ins and outs.
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