SHOULD YOU DOUBLE DOWN IN BLACKJACK?

Should I Always Double Down In Blackjack?

Even though online blackjack is not the most lucrative of casino games, millions of players are taking part in blackjack sessions. The reason for this comes from a wide array of tactical moves that players can perform to beat the dealer. For example, the decision to double down is one such betting option and you can find it in most Top US online casinos.

Even so, should you always double down in blackjack? Well, to answer the question, we prepared a concise but comprehensive guide. Thus, scroll down to find out how to boost your chances of winning a bit more dollars in a New Jersey online casino.

Blackjack Basics – Doubling Down

So, before we go into the details, a quick glance at the basics of blackjack. In other words, let’s explain first what does it mean to double down in blackjack.

In a way, doubling down is a simple and straightforward betting option. As the name says, to double down means to put another wager next to your initial stake in the hand. By doing so, you will risk twice as many dollars. But, you could also win twice as more.

The player can double down as soon as the dealer provides him or her with two cards. So, after you take a look at your cards and assess the situation, you should decide whether you will double down or not. If you decide to go for it, the dealer will give you an extra card, which is the final card for you in the hand. After that, you can only wait for the dealer to show his hand to determine the winner of the pot.

To be clear, not every online casino in the US will offer this option at their blackjack tables. Yet, you should be able to double down on almost all New Jersey online casinos. However, most players are reluctant to use this betting strategy in the first place. Here is why.

Should You Risk More To Win More?

As we said in the beginning, blackjack is not a game that will make you a millionaire and change your life in a second. Of course, you could accumulate the wins and earn millions of dollars over time by playing blackjack. But, this requires a lifetime, and many players are not patient enough.

For that reason, doubling down in blackjack may seem like a great way to boost your winnings. In a way, this is true. If you double down and the hand goes your way, your earnings will be bigger as well. Needless to say, this will spike up the adrenaline. That is why doubling down is one of the most exciting bets you can make when playing online blackjack.

At the same time, players who are not familiar with the ‘rules’ of basic strategy will often misplay the hand. In other words, they will double down even when the odds are stacked against them. As a result, the casino will drain their bankroll in a flash. Because of this inherent risk, doubling down has earned a somewhat notorious reputation in the American casinos. Yet, if you know when to use this strategy, thousands of dollars could go your way. So, let’s cut to the chase and show you if you should always double down in blackjack.

When To Double Down In Blackjack?

Knowing when to double down will make all the difference next time you join a session of blackjack at some of the New Jersey online casinos. Therefore, here is what you need to keep in mind.

So, the first rule of doubling down in blackjack is:

You should NEVER double down if you have anything over 11

In a way, this ‘rule’ is self-explanatory. If you decide to double down, you will receive an extra card. For example, if you are holding a 13, you could bust if you get a 10-value card. Thus, it is advisable to keep the risk at a minimum and never double down if you have anything over 11. Admittedly, there is a slight exception to this rule. If you happen to have a so-called soft 16, 17, or 18 (an Ace + another card), you could double down only if the dealer is showing a weak upcard.

Speaking of weak cards in blackjack (2 through 6), this leads us to the next rule of doubling down.

You should ALWAYS double down if you have 9, 10, or 11 vs a dealer’s weak card (2 through 6)

By doubling down in these situations, there is no risk of going bust (going over 21). At the same time, one more card could take you closer to this magical number, boosting your odds of winning. For that reason, players should always take advantage of this powerful position when playing blackjack.

Play Blackjack on a trusted casino