There are many factors that have made blackjack one of the most popular casino games around. Whether you are playing on your mobile device or at the local casino, you are guaranteed to experience the thrill, fun and excitement that blackjack provides. However, there are also elements of the game that require the players to think strategically in order to increase their chances of winning.
One of those instances is doubling down and here we will advise players on whether it’s a useful tool to help you to win.
What does it mean to double down in blackjack?
Firstly, you’ll need to know what double down means before you decide whether to do it! After you have been dealt your initial hand with two cards, you have the choice to double down. This will increase your bet by double the amount and in turn you will be given one more card.
However, after that one card, you have to stick with that hand. From there, it plays out as normal, and if you win you will receive double the winnings because you had raised the bet. Clearly, there are advantages and disadvantages to that and the fact you only get one more card makes the choice intriguing and risky.
When to double down
With that in mind, you have to seriously consider the options available and when to double down. The chance of doubling your win from one hand is enticing, but it must be weighed up with the fact you could lose twice the amount as well.
Therefore, it’s best to approach the game with an idea of how you will approach each scenario, although fortunately in many cases common sense should prevail.
Obviously, with a low hand it would be a poor call to double down. Anything from eight down would require a lot of luck to win the hand. You’ll be relying on a high card to even stand a chance of winning. Likewise, if you have anything from 16 onwards, you will need a low card for a chance of success. In those instances it’s best to ignore your option to double down. Why would you increase your stake in that position?
Yet, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a time and place to double down. It’s widely acknowledged that the best hand to double down on is 11. With a ten card giving you the chance of the magic 21, a high card the probability of a win and zero chance of going bust, it’s about as risk free a call you can make. Of course, a low card would not help, but there’s always an element of risk with doubling down.
Similarly, with a 9 and 10 you may want to consider doubling down. Again, you can’t go bust and a high card will leave you with a good score.
As well as that, should you land 12 or 13 from your initial hand, it’s worth considering a double down. Obviously, the possibility of going bust can deter you, but it’s a hand that you’d invariably hit on anyway, which makes doubling down appealing.
Always check what the dealer has
Whenever you double down, it’s vital to see what the dealer’s upcard is. If it’s a high number, doubling down becomes riskier with certain cards. That’s because they are likely to have a strong hand and one card may not be enough for you.
On the other hand, with a low card on show, you have less pressure when you double down. That’s because the dealer is likely to have to hit themselves after the initial hand, which increases the likelihood of going bust.
Overall, deciding whether to double down is always tough, with the risk and reward process in your mind. However, it’s a part of what makes blackjack so gripping. Simply check out Lucky Nugget Casino for your chance to enjoy the exciting casino game and we hope this guide will help you when it comes to doubling down!
