What is the risk of doubling down in blackjack?
The risk of doubling down is that you’ll lose double the amount you would have won if you can’t beat the dealer. Because you have to match your original bet when you make a blackjack double down move, you’re increasing your financial risk. However, if you learn when to double down in blackjack, you’re increasing your financial risk in an optimal spot. In other words, you’re betting more when you’re in a strong position.
Can you double down on 21 in blackjack?
No. If you make 21 in blackjack, you automatically stand. Online, the software won’t let you hit or double down. In a bricks and mortar casino, the dealer will tell you to stop.
Should players always double down on 11?
No. Although 11 is a powerful starting total, a when to double down in blackjack chart will tell you not to hit in all instances. The one time you shouldn’t double down with 11 is when the dealer is showing an ace. The reason for this is that the dealer is in a good position to either make blackjack (which would beat any hand you make) or a strong total.
Should players double down on 10?
Yes. In general, you should always double down on 10 when the dealer is showing a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Given that you can double with 10 against most dealer cards, you also have the option not to double. Even though the maths shows that this is a profitable long-term play, you may not want to take the risk of doubling. In reality, you should see the double down as an extra move and not a mandatory one.
How many cards do you get after doubling down?
One. The double down rules in blackjack are very clear on this: if you exercise this option, you only receive one card. Now, there are special circumstances where you can make moves after doubling down. However, these are rare.
Can you double down after splitting?
Yes, in some games. In general, you won’t be able to double down after splitting. However, there are some rulesets that allow you to do this. If you are allowed to double down after splitting, you should follow the standard blackjack rules outlined in this article.
You should also factor in the extra costs as you will have already paid to split your original hand (a pair). If you determine that doubling after a split is the right play, you can really press home your advantage and make some serious returns from a single round of blackjack.
Can you double down after hitting?
No. The double down in blackjack is the equivalent of a hit. In other words, if you opt to double down, you can’t hit and if you hit, you can’t double down.
Should you double down on a hard 12?
No. Blackjack double down is very clear on this. If you have a total over 11, i.e. a total where you can bust by taking a third card, you should never double down.
Should the dealer double down on a soft 17?
The dealer isn’t allowed to double down in blackjack. This is a special move that’s reserved for players. In fact, it’s one of the moves that gives you the chance to cancel out the casino’s edge. Although the dealer’s advantage is fairly small in blackjack (approx. 0.5%), the statistics say they’ll come out ahead in the long run. However, by implementing basic blackjack strategy and learning to make moves such as doubling down at the right time, you have the chance to reduce the house edge.
What does doubling down on soft count mean?
Doubling down on a soft number in blackjack means you’re paying to take an extra card when you’re starting hand contains an ace. As we’ve already said in this guide to doubling down in blackjack, soft hands are those that allow you to choose between two totals.
As mentioned previously, this is possible because aces can be worth one or 11. For example, A + 8 can be worth nine or 19. Therefore, when you double down on a soft count, you’re adding an extra card to a hand that contains an ace.
What does discard after double mean?
In some games, you may be able to “discard” or throw away your hand after doubling down. If you discard your hand, you’ll typically receive a portion of your total stake back (usually the double down bet).
In practice, the discard after doubling down rule is advantageous because you can limit your losses when the move doesn’t give you a strong total. However, this isn’t available in many games, so don’t expect to use it all the time.
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If you want more content like this, read our article on How to play Blackjack.