Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around, and there are many different strategies players can employ to improve their chances of winning. However, even the best strategy won’t work all of the time. Doubling down is an option that can be very risky, but it can also increase your potential winnings over the long term. The trick is to double down when the situation calls for it and not just out of gut feeling. This article will examine the do’s and don’ts of doubling down in blackjack, so you can make the most of this risky move.
Blackjack requires quick math, not just card counting, and it’s important to know when you should be doubling down. Doubling down is a great way to maximize your winnings on a hand, but it can be risky and will cost you money if you don’t play it correctly. This is why some players avoid the move, but it can actually be profitable if you use it at the right times.
The first thing to understand about doubling down in blackjack is that you will only be able to do it when your initial two cards total at least 10 or 11. This means you won’t be able to double down with any other value hand, and even if you have an ace in your hand, it may not be worth it to double down.
Once you have your two cards, you can choose to double down by pushing a stack of chips equal to your original bet in front of you. Alternatively, if you are playing online blackjack, you can click the “Double” button that appears automatically after your cards are dealt. This action signals to the dealer that you want to place an additional bet, and he or she will deal you another card.
When you double down in blackjack, the aim is to get closer to 21 than the dealer. This is not a guarantee that you will win, but it is the best way to improve your odds of success. However, you should remember that doubling down will decrease the likelihood of a dealer busting, so you should only do it when your hand is strong enough.
A good example of a situation when you should consider doubling down is when you have an ace in your hand alongside a 5, 6 or 7 giving you a soft total of 16 to 18. This means that the dealer will likely have a lower value card and will therefore be more susceptible to busting. It is also a good idea to double down when you have a hard 9 or 10 against the dealer’s 2-6, as this will put you in a stronger position against them. If you have a soft 10 against the dealer’s 3-7, however, it is best to just hit.