Double Down in Blackjack
Before you decide to hit or stand, you may double down if you believe
that your hand has a much better chance of beating the dealer's hand.
Some casinos allow you to double down only if your first two cards total
9, 10, or 11. Other casinos will allow you to double down on any total
for your first two cards. The best way to find out the casino's rule is
to ask the dealer (or read the online casinos' game rules section). Doubling down
is adding to your initial wager. You may double the amount of your
wager or you may "double down for less." The dealer then deals you a
third card. You cannot stand on the two and you cannot take another hit.
For example, let's say that you wager $25, you get an eight and a two
(a total of ten), and the dealer has a six showing, so you decide to
double down. You put a $25 chip next to your initial wager (doubling
down) and you receive one card. By deciding to double down, you feel
your hand has enough chance to beat the dealer's hand that you want to
increase your potential winnings. By letting you double your bet, the
house gives you only one single additional card, not the usual unlimited
hits or the option to stand on two cards. Doubling down can be a very
powerful tool for the players when used at the appropriate times and
used according to basic strategy, doubling down will increase your
profits in the long run.
Take a quick look back at the basic strategy charts.
There are two things to note about double down decisions. First of all,
we double on our strong hands of 10 and 11 because if we get a 10,
we'll have a very powerful hand. In that way, we capitalize on our
strength. But we're also focused on taking advantage of the dealer's
weakness. We often double down against the dealer's weak
cards-particularly the creampuff 5 and 6. We can't be timid about
putting more money out on the table in a favorable situation. The right
doubles are crucial to increasing your overall profit expectations.
It's important to note that some casinos restrict doubling down to hands
of 10 and 11. This is an unfavorable rule, but it still leaves us with
the bulk of doubling down opportunities. If you ever come across a game
where you can't double at all, make sure you walk away on the double.
Interestingly, in terms of percentage, you often lose more when you
double down than when you simply hit. Lose more? Didn't we just assure
you that proper doubling down will increase your profits? Well, both
statements are true. Let's say you make a $100 bet. You receive a 10 and
the dealer gets a 7 up. If you simply hit (the wrong move), you'd have a
29% percent advantage, which means you'd expect to make a $29 profit on
average. If you double down, you would only have a 23.5% advantage on
your bet. Why the decrease? Because you're restricting yourself to only
one card. In the case where you hit, you'd have the option to draw more
cards if need be. However, the 23.5% double down advantage is on twice
your bet. That means an average profit of $47($200 x 23.5%).
A smaller edge on more money means more money in your pocket, which is
what we count up (not percentage points) at the end of the session.
Let's look at a few hands that may make you do a double take:
11 vs. 10: This is a costly way to wimp out. Yes, the dealer has a big
card, but so do you. Sure you'll make $11.70 per $100 when you hit, but
you'll turn that into $17.80 when you double down.
11 vs. 6: If you're afraid to put more money on the table for this hand,
it's time to find another game. Just hitting will profit you $34.
Doubling makes a mockery of that decision: it earns you $68 per $100 on
average.
Next... Surrender
