Doubling down can be a profitable move while playing blackjack. However, you need to know how to do it right to make the most of it. We’ll explain everything you need about this move in this article.
You’ll learn when to double down, when not to, and strategy tips to improve your gameplay. We’ll also include how to use this move at PlayAmo casino blackjack tables and other relevant rules.
What is Double Down in Blackjack?
Double down in blackjack means requesting another card to increase your initial bet. However, your turn for that round will end once you receive the other card.
We consider doubling down risky as you won’t be able to hit again if you get dealt a low card. You’ll also risk losing twice your chips. Therefore, it’s best to know when to double down to avoid losses.
Note that you can only double down after you’ve received your first two cards. However, you can’t use this move if you’re dealt a blackjack, place an insurance bet, or hit.
You’re allowed to double down when you get a split hand. One thing we love about this move is that you can use it as many times as possible during a blackjack game. However, it’s only applicable once per round.
Double Down Rules
Although doubling down is easy, you need to follow some rules. For instance, you can’t double down if you’re dealt an Ace and a 10. That’s because it’s a blackjack, which equals 21 (a winning hand).
Also, most online casinos allow you to double down after dealing your first two cards (blackjack double betting). Others let you make this move after splitting a hand. Remember to check the table rules to know when to use this move.
Double Down Betting Mechanics
From experience, doubling down is a simple affair. Here’s how to use this move repeatedly while playing at PlayAmo blackjack tables:
- When players can double down: You can only double down upon getting your initial two cards. After that, you can take further actions like hitting or standing.
- Place your double-down bet: Note that the amount you’ll use for doubling down must equal your initial bet. Thus, if your first wager is €25, your double-down stake will also be €25. Therefore, your total bet will be €50.
- Receiving your extra card: After doubling down, you’ll get another card to complete your hand. You don’t need further hits, so you must depend on this extra card to improve your hand.
When to Double Down
As mentioned in the introduction, doubling down can be an excellent strategy. However, you need to know when to make this move.
Here are the top situations where doubling down is recommended:
Hard 9/10 plays
A hard hand simply means you don’t have an Ace. Therefore, there are more chances to draw a higher number than a lower one. You’ll probably get a high value in your next draw.
Note that doubling down with a hard 9 or 10 is best if the dealer has a total of 2 to 6 in their hand. That’s because they’ll likely bust or get a lower card.
Hard 11 strategy
We love doubling down whenever our card total is 11. That’s because there’s a higher possibility our next card might be a 10, bringing the total hand to 21 to get a blackjack.
Even if you don’t receive a 10, your next card can bring your total close to 21 without busting.
Soft hands strategy
In blackjack, when you have an Ace, it’s considered a soft, as it can count as 11 or 1. We recommend doubling down when you have a soft 16, 17, or 18. Here’s why: if you receive a card with a low value, you can still get closer to 21 or a blackjack.
However, if you’re dealt a higher-value card, you might get close to 21 and win the hand. A double down on soft 16, 17, or 18 is suitable when the dealer has 3 to 6 total cards on their hands.
Dealer’s upcard considerations
Consider doubling down if your hand is 9, 10, or 11 and the dealer’s upcard is 3, 4, 5, or 6. Also, if a dealer shows a card between 2 and 6, they’ll likely bust. Therefore, it’s best to double down.
When Not to Double Down
While doubling down has many benefits, you need to tread cautiously, as there are many instances when making this move isn’t recommended.
Here are scenarios where you shouldn’t double down:
Against Dealer’s Ace
From experience, when a dealer has an Ace, they’ll likely get a blackjack in the next card. Even if they don’t get a blackjack, their total hand might be close to 21. Therefore, rather than doubling down and risking your chips, keep your original bet and play out your hand.
The best you can do is to hit to be dealt more cards. Don’t make any extra bets.
Hard Hands 12+
If your card total is over 11 and you don’t have an Ace, your next card might go beyond 21 and bust. As such, it’s best to keep your original bet so you can stand or hit without losing more of your wager.
Multiple Card Hands
Doubling down on multiple card hands is disadvantageous but favours the online casino. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it. For every time you make the move, you’re leaving more money on the table for the gambling platform.
Common Double-Down Mistakes
In addition to the already mentioned scenarios, don’t double down when you’re unsure. Most new players always make this move even when their instinct says otherwise.
If you double down indiscriminately, you’ll burn through your bankroll quickly.
Double Down Strategy Tips
At this point, you already know what doubling down entails. However, to have the most rewarding experience, you need to employ a few tips while using this blackjack strategy.
Here are our favourite double-down strategy tips:
Bankroll Management
Be careful of your bankroll. Doubling down means spending an amount equal to your original bet to get an additional single card. Therefore, you must ensure your initial wager and the extra from doubling down won’t deplete your bankroll, especially if you want to play multiple rounds.
Fortunately, we’ve included when to double down and when not to. Therefore, utilise the information to manage your bankroll. Also, take advantage of other responsible gambling tools to know when to quit playing.
Table Selection
The table you’re playing at can significantly affect how you double down. That’s because different tables have unique blackjack double down rules affecting how and where to make this move.
For context, some tables allow doubling down on only specific numbers like 9, 10, or 12, while others let you make this move on any two cards. Also, the odds of drawing favourable cards in casinos with multi-deck and single/double deck differs.
From experience, players can employ card counting to check whether the deck has more Aces and 10s in single or double-deck blackjack rather than multi-deck.
Risk vs Reward
Before doubling down in blackjack, you need to consider the risks and rewards. That’s because each time you make this move, you’ll be forfeiting an amount similar to your initial bet.
This has the possibility of quickly running down your bankroll because your wagers are gone once you lose the round. However, if you win, you get back your initial stake and the doubling down amount.
Also, the dealer’s upcard is crucial in determining whether doubling down will be an unnecessary risk or a rewarding move. For context, if the dealer has hard hands above 12, it’s unwise to proceed with doubling down. On the other hand, if your total hands is 11, you can double down, as your next card might likely bring you closer to 21.
Practice Strategies
Let us reiterate: doubling down in blackjack is simple. You only need to apply the right strategies. Start with knowing when to make this move and when to stick to your initial bet and rather hit or stand.
We recommend doubling down when you have a soft 16, 17, or 18 or a hard 11 against the dealer’s 4 to 6 weak upcard. That way, your next card value can improve your hand, outweighing the risk.
Also, you can employ the card-counting strategy when applicable. Here, you can adjust your doubling-down decision to match the deck composition. Doubling down is highly recommended if there are more Aces, face cards, and 10s in the deck. That’s because it reduces risks and increases rewards.
How to Double Down at PlayAmo
Many online casinos feature blackjack games. However, only a few have favourable player-friendly rules, like PlayAmo. This online gambling platform sports multiple blackjack variants where you can apply strategies like double down.
There are many titles to explore, whether you prefer live dealer tables or the RNG version. In our opinion, playing blackjack in real time gives you an indescribable feeling. You can monitor other players and predict their moves.
Live blackjack at PlayAmo also lets you chat with the dealers in real time if you need more explanation during gameplay. From experience, you can converse with other players through the chat feature.
Whether you prefer gambling on your PC or phone/tablet, these games are optimised for mobile gaming. Thanks to the HTML-5 technology, you can gamble in real time or against the computer with your iPhone/iPad or Android smartphone.
What we love about playing and doubling down at PlayAmo blackjack tables are the interesting betting limits. These games have wager limits to accommodate both high rollers and players on a budget. Some games, like Lightning Blackjack by Evolution, have a €1 minimum bet while the maximum is €10,000.
Another reason we love playing blackjack at PlayAmo is the extensive number of options. We counted over 400 titles in the live casino lobby alone. Grand Blackjack by Playtech, Power Blackjack by Evolution, and One Blackjack by Pragmatic Play are our favorites.
FAQ
What does double down mean in blackjack?
Double down in blackjack means requesting an additional card after your initial two cards. However, you must pay your original bet amount for this extra card. Also, once you're dealt the card, your turn for the round ends.
When should you double down?
You can double down when you have a soft 16, 17, or 18 or a hard 11 against the dealer’s 4 to 6 weak upcard.
Can you double after splitting?
Some online casinos allow you to double down after splitting, while others don't.
What's the maximum double down bet?
The maximum double down bet depends on your chosen game and its bet range. However, note that the amount you'll pay for doubling down will be exactly your initial wager.
How many cards after doubling?
You'll only get one card after doubling down. Therefore, think carefully before proceeding.