Double down is an option associated with blackjack games. Players get this possibility during play and it is one of the most exciting events in a round of 21. Many blackjack strategies consider this option and advise players when to use it and when not to.
If you wish to become a good blackjack player, you need to master the fundamentals of doubling down.
Understand What Double Down Is
Before any cards are placed on the table, all blackjack players make their bets. When the first two cards are dealt, the players are given the option to double down – double their original wager and ask for an additional card.
One can double their bet and hit only once, hoping to form a hand that beats the dealer’s combination of cards.
After doubling down, your hand is over, meaning there will be no other cards given to you or any other moves to play. After using double down, you wait to see the dealer’s hand.
Read the Rules of Doubling Down
The rules for permitting the double down option can vary from game to game and from casino to casino. It is vital that you go through the rules before you start placing bets on blackjack.
Most casinos allow doubling down on any two initial cards, but some may impose their house rules that are different than most. It is possible that you are restricted from doubling down on any hands that aren’t hard hands that total 9, 10 or 11.
How to Double Down?
It is quite simple to use double down, especially in online blackjack games. Whenever you are allowed to take advantage of this opportunity to double your original bet there will be a button that lights up and draws your attention.
Even if no animation is used, the button which says “Double Down” should be clearly visible, and all you have to do is click on it. Once you do, your initial wager will automatically double and your hand will receive a third and final card. This represents the hand you must play, as you cannot hit after doubling down.
When to Double Down?
Now, this is the tricky part – knowing when to use double down and when to choose an alternative. For this, there are numerous strategies you can consult and pick up useful tips on which hand totals are favorable for doubling down.
Some of the basic tips claim that one should always double down on a hard total of 11, a hard total of 10 when the dealer’s hand totals 4, 5 or 6 and on a hand total of 9 against the dealer’s total of 5 or 6.
