Do you want to bring in as much profit as possible when playing blackjack? To do so, you need to have a thorough understanding of the moves you can make, and when you should use each one. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at doubling down in blackjack. Is it a good idea? When should you use it? Keep reading to find out.
- Blackjack Double Down With Ace Hardware
- Blackjack Double Down With Ace Inhibitor
- Blackjack Double Down With Ace Inhibitors
The Definition
First, let’s take a look at what doubling down means in blackjack. Essentially, it is a wagering option that gives you the chance to double the value of your initial bet, but you must stand after taking one additional card. Standing holds your total and ends your turn, so you need to have confidence in your hand before doubling down. When this strategy is used correctly, it can help you quickly increase your profits.
When to Double Down in Blackjack
Some players feel nervous about doubling down. After all, it does come with some inherent risk. Since you can’t hit again, if you are dealt a low card, you could risk losing twice as many chips. However, if you keep these tips in mind, it will be much easier for you to determine when to double down in blackjack.
Here's why: Let's say you decide to double down with 11 against the dealers Queen. They don't check for the blackjack ahead of time, so now you have double your bet out there. You end up catching a. This is why you double down more often when the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6. The cards where the dealer is least likely to bust are the Ace, 10, and 9. When the dealer has one of these cards showing, they also have another advantage since the player has to act first. Blackjack double down on a soft-9. Soft 16 to 18 against a dealer’s low card In a case where you have an ACE and either a 5, 6 or 7 cards, then you have a soft hand that total between 16 to 18. If a dealer shows a low-card of 2 to 6, this would be an ideal time for you to double down on your wager.
There are three scenarios in which we would recommend doubling down.
1. Hard 9 vs. Dealer’s Low Cards
When you are dealt cards that have a total value of 9, you should double down when the dealer reveals a card between 2 and 6 (not including the Ace). This needs to be a hard 9, meaning that you don’t have an Ace in your hand. The possible combinations could be 4-5, 3-6, or 2-7. If you have A-8, also called a soft 9, you should stand no matter what the dealer reveals.
2. Soft 16 – 18 vs. Dealer’s Low Cards
In this scenario, you need to have a 5, 6, or a 7, along with an Ace, thus giving you a soft total of 16 to 18. When the dealer reveals a card from 2-6, this would be a great time to double down. However, if you have an Ace and a 2 or a 4, it’s better to hit.
3. Hard 10 or 11 vs. Dealer Lower Card
In this case, you’d want to have a hard 10 or 11, which puts you in a great position. If the dealer has a lower total than you, go ahead and double down.
Doubling Down FAQs
Can you double down after hitting?
You can’t hit and then double down. You’ll only get the option to double down after the first two cards have been dealt. At that point in time, you must decide whether you want to try to increase your potential profits by doubling down.
Can you split and double down?
Players can split their cards into two hands if they are dealt a matching pair, such as 7-7 or J-J. The player must cover the second hand with the same bet size as the first hand, and then the dealer will deal out an additional card to complete both of the player’s hands. Whether or not doubling down on a split hand is permitted is up to the individual casino. Be sure to check the rules, whether you are playing blackjack online or in a physical venue.
Should you always double down with 11?
Since the main goal of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible, you are in a strong position with a hard 11. If the dealer has a card that’s lower than 10, doubling down is a good strategy. If the casino’s rules state that the dealer must hit soft 17, then you should double down on 11 regardless of what the dealer’s revealed card is.
Do you really have to double your wager?
You don’t necessarily have to double your wager in order to double down on a hand. Many casinos will allow players to double for less, meaning that your double down wager is less than your original bet. This strategy is good for players who aren’t comfortable with doubling down strategies, as it minimizes the amount of money you will lose. On the other hand, it also limits the amount of profit you could earn. If you are truly confident in your hand, we would recommend doubling down on the full wager amount, thus optimizing the amount of profit you gain.
Pay Attention to the Rules
While our strategies for doubling down should work in most blackjack games, it’s important to pay attention to the casino’s rules. Some casinos allow you to double down with three or more cards, which would open up new possibilities for you. On the other hand, there may be rules that dictate that you can’t double down on soft hands.
Where to Practice Doubling Down
If you’re ready to put your newfound knowledge to practice, you can play blackjack for fun or for real money at Bob Casino. We offer a huge variety of games. Gamblers of all experience levels are sure to find something they’ll love. Create an account at Bob Casino today and take advantage of our generous welcome bonus!
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The Ace is a powerful tool for any successful hand because of its unique flexibility to count as either one or 11 points, at the player’s discretion. All learned blackjack players know we need to use this card wisely, and not let it go to waste.
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Blackjack Double Down With Ace Hardware
1 or 11 – How to Use an Ace
Required to form a natural two-card blackjack in all variants of the game (and thus a higher pay-out), the Ace is the pillar of the game of 21. A natural blackjack will always trump the dealer’s hand, or possibly force a push (otherwise known as a tie) if the dealer also draws to blackjack. And the Ace’s flexibility to be valued at either one or 11 points can be used according to which value is most advantageous for us, and this should not be taken for granted.
A hand with an Ace is known as a “soft hand” based on the fact that if we hit, we cannot bust. For example, if we hold an Ace/Four (five or 15 points in total) as our first two card dealt, it is impossible to bust by drawing another card, because if we drew a card valued at 10 points, we would simply give the Ace a value of one, for a hand total of 15. If we drew another Ace from the Ace/Four hand, such a hand could total either six or 16.
Drawing an Ace and a high-valued card such as a Seven, Eight or Nine give the player a strong starting hand, and needs to be played based on what the dealer is showing. It is important to play to the Ace’s strengths, but also be aware of the potential danger we face when the dealer shows an Ace; it’s equally as deadly a weapon when used against us.
If we draw two Aces, our first course of action is to always split them. While the Ace is a powerful card on its own, if we are dealt a pair of Aces on our first draw and opt to keep them together, their combined total value is either two or 12 points. While drawing another card would not bust our hand, starting with a soft-12 is a much poorer hand with much weaker odds of winning, than beginning afresh with two new hands which both have the potential to draw to blackjack.
While we are required to place another bet equal to our original wager when we split our cards, it is well worth the money, as we stand in a much stronger position than before. And should we win, the payout will be greater. Keeping the Aces together wastes the inherent value of the Ace card by itself. Always split them to have the best possible chances of bettering your hand.
The Catch With Split Aces
Because the decision to split a pair of Aces is universally agreed upon, because of the favourable odds such a move hands the player, casinos employ certain rules to counter its effectiveness.
- If we split our Aces and draw a 10-valued card to achieve blackjack with either hand, many land-based casinos enforce the rule that such a hand is not considered a natural blackjack, and therefore, we are not be entitled to the usual 3 to 2 payout; instead we only receive a 1 to 1 payout. We have more freedom playing online simply because of the vast range of different games with different rules, but there are still quite a few variants which enforce this rule, so be mindful of it before you let rip at not scoring a bigger return from your hard-earned 21.
- Another rule which can counter the effectiveness of split Aces states we are only allowed to be dealt one additional card to each Ace, with no allowance for hitting (just like if we were to double down). This significantly hurts our chances if we are dealt two lower cards, such as a Deuce and a Four, two our Aces, giving us totals of 13 and 15 respectively, and leaving us with no other option but to stand. Again, with the flexibility of online gaming, try to play games of 21 which do not own such a rule.
- One other rule which is far less enforced but still exists, is the simple rule which dictates players are not permitted to split Aces, full stop. There are subtypes of blackjack where this regulation is imposed. Steer clear of such games.
How to Maximise Our Aces
Using an Ace to its full potential is a key part of basic strategy. Whenever we are dealt an Ace, it is important to take note of the dealer’s up-card before we proceed (as it is with any other card). To understand what moves we should make with any hand containing an Ace, familiarise yourself with basic blackjack strategy here.
Exploiting an ‘Ace rich deck’ is a tactic used by many gamblers. A single standard deck has 52 cards, and there is one Ace for every thirteen cards. Should we be playing a single deck game, we should take note if no Aces appear in the first deal of 13 cards, or if even luckier, the second or even third deal of 13 cards. If such a scenario arises, we tend to call the deck an Ace rich deck, as none of the four Aces have yet been dealt.
If no Ace card shows in the first 13 cards dealt in a single-deck game, we should double our starting bet, and raise it again by around $5-$10 for every subsequent 13 cards dealt without an Ace. While this rare situation gives us only a slight boost in our odds, it should be taken advantage of whenever possible so as to potentially net us more bang for our buck.
She is a Beauty
We here at blackjack.com.au like to personify the Ace. Whenever we see that first letter of the alphabet appear on a card, we get excited, and more often than not, we reap the rewards of being dealt an Ace. So it’s only fair we pay tribute to her beauty. Her value is unique, akin to no other card, and in the game of blackjack, if we are ever so lucky to be dealt a pair of Aces, split them apart so they don’t get jealous of one another. Naturally, there is an increased risk when splitting, as we need to double our bet to create two hands, but she’s worth every penny.
Origins of the Ace
The term Ace first began in dice games rather than card games, and was used to refer to the side of the dice with only one dot. Ironically, in the earliest forms of card games and card gambling, the Ace was considered useless. It had the lowest value of all cards and was the worst one to draw. This is a far cry from its high value today.
Blackjack Double Down With Ace Inhibitor
When the French game of Vingt-et-Un (meaning twenty-one), came to America via French colonists, it helped to change the way Aces were perceived and used in blackjack, by shifting the previous perception of royal cards as being the best cards, especially following the beheading of King Louis XVI.
Blackjack Double Down With Ace Inhibitors
French gamblers, who felt it was politically incorrect for the royal cards to continue being considered high-value, replaced their crowns with personified representations of the ideals of democracy, liberty and honesty, while raising the Ace – considered now to be the personification of the common man – to the highest value. It has retained its status until this very day.