Double Down

Double down is one of the most strategic moves in blackjack and can significantly increase your winnings when used correctly.

To double down means to double your original bet in exchange for committing to receive only one additional card. It’s a high-risk, high-reward option that should be used when the odds are in your favor—usually when you’re dealt a hand that is likely to beat the dealer’s upcard with just one more card.

This option is generally only available on your first two cards and is considered a cornerstone of basic blackjack strategy. Knowing when to double down can give players a slight edge in favorable situations and is often the difference between casual and skilled blackjack strategy.

Key Details of Doubling Down in Blackjack

Doubling down can improve your expected return when used strategically, though it comes with a higher risk since you’re locked into a single card.

Definition: Doubling your original bet in exchange for one additional card only
Best Scenarios: Typically done with a total of 9, 10, or 11 against a weak dealer upcard
Payout: Same as a standard win (1:1), but now applied to a doubled wager
House Edge Impact: Proper double down usage reduces the house edge; misusing it increases it
Restrictions: Some casinos limit when you can double (e.g., only on totals of 10 or 11)

How to Bet the Double Down in Blackjack

To double down, wait until your first two cards are dealt. If the table rules allow, and your hand qualifies, you’ll:

Place a second wager equal to your original bet.
Signal to the dealer that you want to double down (usually by pushing out another chip and pointing with one finger).
Receive exactly one more card, which ends your turn regardless of the outcome.

Example:

You bet $25 and are dealt 10 + 2.
Dealer shows a 5 (a weak upcard).
You double down with an additional $25.
You receive a 7, making 19.
If the dealer busts or has a lower hand, you win $50.

How Does Doubling Down Work in Blackjack?

The option to double down turns a strong starting hand into an opportunity for higher profits. For instance, if you’re dealt a 10 or 11, you have a high probability of reaching 20 or 21 with one card—making the extra bet a statistically solid choice.

But doubling down is not just about strong totals. It’s also about dealer vulnerability. A dealer upcard of 4, 5, or 6 puts the dealer at greater risk of busting, so players often double on softer hands like Ace + 3 (soft 14) to maximize expected value.

Some casinos allow players to double down after splitting (DAS—Double After Split), while others don’t. Knowing the table rules matters.

Examples of Doubling Down in Action

Example 1: Ideal Double Down Scenario

Player is dealt: 6 + 5 = 11
Dealer shows: 6
Player doubles down with an extra $25 (total bet now $50)
Draws a 9 for a total of 20
Dealer draws to 18
Player wins $50 payout

Example 2: Risky Double Down

Player is dealt: 8 + 3 = 11
Dealer shows: 10
Player doubles, draws a 2 for 13
Dealer ends with 18
Player loses $50

Tips for Doubling Down in Blackjack

Double on 11 against any dealer card: The best spot for a double due to the strong odds of hitting 21
Double on 10 if dealer shows 9 or less: Less chance they can outdraw you
Avoid doubling if the dealer shows a 10 or Ace: Your odds drop significantly
Know soft vs hard hands: Soft doubles (with an Ace) have more flexibility, but be careful
Check table rules: Not all games allow doubling on all totals or after splits

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