Blackjack is one of the most popular table games at online casinos in South Africa. Double down is an exciting Blackjack strategy that allows you to increase your bet and the chances of beating the dealer. However, it is not as black and white as it sounds. Thus, in this post, we will cover the basic concept of doubling down, the scenarios where it is the most effective, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to master this strategy.
What is the double down option?
If you are just learning how to play Blackjack online, this is the perfect time to learn how to use the doubling down move. This is a move where you get to double your initial wager and receive one card and one card only to make your hand stronger. You can choose to use this move after receiving the first two cards in your hand. This Blackjack rule will not allow you to hit and receive more cards after doubling down.
This Blackjack rule significantly increases your chance of winning a hand but sometimes it can be a little tricky. There are certain factors to consider and to master this move, you may even need a lot of practice. On top of that, the specifics of doubling down can vary depending on the rules of the specific game variant you are playing. Different online casinos might also have different sets of rules regarding this move.
The basic of double down Blackjack strategy
To help you make the most of your hand when playing at a Blackjack table, we will now break down the basics of doubling down. Before we show you when to double down, let’s get into the factors that will choose whether to use this Blackjack strategy or not.
- Dealer’s face-up card – the weaker cards the dealer has, the better your chances of winning. For instance, if the dealer’s face-up card has any number between 2 to 6, there is a higher chance that the dealer will bust after hitting. That would be a great chance for you to double down.
- Your hand value – if your hand total is 9, 10, or 11, there is no way that you will bust if you double down. Even in the worst-case scenario, where you get an Ace with 11 points in your hand, the Ace will add only one point making your total 12. In all other cases, there is a good chance that you will get a stronger hand by doubling down.
- Blackjack rules – whether you are playing classic or live Blackjack at a South African online casino, game rules will always dictate your strategies. On another note, you might also find that Betway Blackjack & casino rules are significantly different from Party Casino. So, always check the game and site rules before choosing to double down.
When can you consider doubling down?
Now that you know which factors influence your winning chances, it is time to figure out how to double down in Blackjack effectively. Let’s look at the best scenarios when you can double down based on mathematical probabilities and card-counting principles.
- Hard 9 – if you have 9 points in your Blackjack hand and the dealer’s face-up card is between 3 and 6, it is a good chance for you to double down. The logic here is that the dealer has a higher probability of a bust if their face-up card is low. Plus, with a 9, you have a good chance to get a significantly stronger hand with just one more card.
- Hard 10 or 11 – when your two cards total 10 or 11, and the dealer’s face-up card is anywhere from 2 to 9, you should double down. This is one of the best scenarios to double down in Blackjack because you have a good chance of drawing a card valued at 10 points (Jack, Queen, King, or 10). This will give you a hand worth 20 or 21 points, which is often unbeatable.
- Soft 16 to 18 – if you have an Ace and a lower card between 5 and 7, you have a hand between soft 16 and soft 18. Now, if the dealer’s face-up card is a 5 or 6, that is when you double down. You can’t bust even if you get a face card (Jack, Queen, King, or Ace) because in that case your Ace will just count as 1. On top of that, the dealer’s weaker hand gives you an advantage.
When to avoid doubling down
At a Blackjack table, knowing when not to double down is as important as knowing when to do so. If the dealer has a strong face-up card (7 through Ace), you should always refrain from doubling down. That is because the dealer, in this case, has a higher chance of reaching a pat hand (17 to 21), which will reduce the effectiveness of your double down. On the other hand, if your hand total is 12 or higher and not a soft 16 to 18, you should avoid doubling down as this increases your risk of a bust.
Common mistakes in using this strategy
Doubling down can increase your chances of winning but that does not mean you should double down on every hand. You already know what factors give you a better opportunity and when to use this Blackjack strategy effectively. At this point, you should steer clear of common mistakes in using the double down option. Below are a few mistakes you must avoid when playing Blackjack at online casinos.
- Overusing double down – doubling down too often will deplete your bankroll very fast. That will, in turns, reduce your playtime and potential winnings if you lose a few hands. So, you should double down when there is a high chance of winning based on the dealer’s face-up card and your hand value.
- Ignoring dealer’s face-up card – this is a very common mistake in online Blackjack. Having a strong hand is not always a cue to double down. If you use the strategy against a dealer’s strong face-up card (7 through Ace), there is a good chance that the dealer will end up with a strong hand and you will lose the hand in the process.
- Unnecessarily doubling down on soft hands – yes, doubling down on a soft hand (soft 16 to 18) can work towards your advantage. However, it might cost you if the dealer’s face-up card is strong. So, if you have a soft 16 to 18, always ensure that the dealer is showing a weak face-up card like a 5 or a 6.
- Neglecting table rules – it is another common mistake many players make. Not all Blackjack tables allow you to double down. Some variants might not let you double down after splitting pairs, others may restrict certain hand totals. To steer clear of this mistake, always read the table rules before playing or play the variants you are good at.
If you are interested in other card games, you can check our article about Omaha Poker basics.
