Blackjack Double Down Meaning
Want to leave the casino as winners in Blackjack? Then, you need to get familiar with a number of rules and strategies of the game. Doubling down can be a risky move, especially when you are a rookie. Many players know what it is all about, but fail to use it properly during the game. As you are betting twice the amount, it also means you risk losing twice the amount if you don’t win. However, you instantly get double the profits for very little effort if you win the hand. Keep on reading to know more about this bet.
What does Double down mean?
After you found out what is double down in blackjack, it is a matter of a great importance to be aware of the situations when it is necessary to double down in blackjack. When the game starts, you get two playing cards while the dealer receives just one card. In blackjack, to double one's wager after seeing one's initial hand of cards, with only one more card allowed to be drawn afterward. Having already lost a massive sum, he decided to double down an already huge bet to try to win back some of his money.
Once you receive your first two cards, Doubling down means that you are doubling your initial bet. You need to check out the Blackjack rules of the particular game before doubling down. Some land-based casinos allow players to double down for less, such as not having to put down the same amount as the initial bet.
How was Double down used in the past?
There were restrictions on when players can Double down in a game of Blackjack in the past. They were allowed to double down only when the total two card amount was 11 or 10. In short, the players were deprived of getting the advantage from the move. Nowadays, Blackjack is played very differently. You will be able to use the additional moves and will have the freedom to double down whenever you want to. This is why it is termed as a Double-edged sword and players need to have proper knowledge about the bet before applying it in the table.
How to signal Double down bet?
First, signal the dealer and let him know about your intentions. Next, put the same amount of chips next to your initial bet. This is the general way of putting a Double down bet in most of the land-based and Live Blackjack casinos. As soon as the dealer acknowledges your bet, he or she will put an additional card next to your two cards that were dealt with initially. After this, your double down bet ends. You will be barred from taking any additional hits and you have to complete the game with your total hand of three cards.
Important!
Note that the action for Double down as almost similar to the Split action. If you are either splitting or doubling down, this does not pose a problem. But, you need the dealer to know about your intentions properly by saying “double down” (before placing the additional bet) when you are doubling down on a pair. When you are playing a game of online Blackjack, you won’t be able to say “double down” to the dealer as the dealer is effectively computer generated. Simply hit the ‘Double down’ button and your additional bet will be placed automatically.
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When is the best time to Double down?
Luckily, the basic Blackjack strategy has been mapped using mathematical probabilities which lets the player know when the best situation for doubling down is. There are some particular situations which are suitable to double down during the course of a Blackjack game. In the following situations, you won’t go bust but you will likely end up with the upper hand (while the dealer will likely lose the hand).
Situation 1
If you have a total hand of 9 and the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6 (any number below 7 excluding the ace), you need to double down. The situation is known as the Hard 9 and you could end up with any one of the combinations: 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. It is better to stand down if you have a soft 9 or A-8.
Situation 2
If you have a soft total of 16 to 18 (or, you have an ace and a 5,6 or 7 card) and the dealer has a card from 2-6, it is a good time to double down. It is better to hit with an ace and a lower card from 2-4 as you are most unlikely to end up with a high hand.
Situation 3
If you have a hard 10 or 11 or a combination of 2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6, it puts you in a powerful position. Double down immediately if you find that the dealer has a lower total than yours. Doubling down on hard 11 is a good move as there is a good chance that you will receive 10 cards as the third card which will have a total of 21.
When To Double Down Blackjack
Summary
Name: What does Double Down mean in BlackjackAuthor: Helen Stratford
Published Date: 15/04/2019