When to Double Down in Blackjack: Rules and Strategy (2024)

FAQs

When to Double Down in Blackjack: Rules and Strategy? ›

Double down if your cards total 9, 10, or 11 without an ace. You can also double down if your cards total 16, 17, or 18 when you have an ace. Never double down if the dealer has an ace or if your cards total more than 11.

Should you Always Double Down on 11? As the player and dealer aim to get as close to 21 as possible in order to win the hand, the player is in a strong position when holding 11 after two cards are dealt. If the dealer is showing a lower card than a 10, it is good strategy to double down.

The Martingale System is a negative-progression blackjack strategy rooted in the idea that you, in theory, will always win eventually. In this strategy, each time you lose, you double your bet. And before you leave us here, hang on. Successful play of this riskier strategy could pay off big.

For a double down, put your DD bet right next to your current bet, and this should indicate a double down. For a split, put your split bet near your current bet, but not right next to it, and use the split hand signal by placing your first two fingers on the table spread apart (think peace sign).

A basic betting strategy is simply to double the bet after losing a hand, also known as the Martingale system. This can go for multiple hands in a row until you win at blackjack. Then, you reset the bet to the starting value. That one bet will cover your previous losses and even provide a profit.

These combine to offer the best blackjack strategy according to the math: RULE #1: ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON 11, UNLESS THE DEALER SHOWS AN ACE. RULE #2: WHEN THE DEALER'S UPCARD IS 2-9, ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON AN INITIAL SCORE OF TEN. RULE #3: WHEN THE DEALER'S UPCARD IS A 5 OR 6, ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON A SOFT 13-18.

The 212 system draws its name from a specific betting pattern. You start by risking 2 units, followed by 1 unit after a win, followed by 2 units after another win. You continue increasing your bet by 1 unit for every successful round after the third win.

Just like the flip of a coin, the odds are that you will not lose multiple blackjack hands consecutively. Therefore, by doubling your bet each time you lose, you are statistically likely to recoup the money you lost on a series of smaller losses with one winning hand.”

If and when you're ready to take the risk, signal your double down by simply pushing a stack of chips (the same amount as your initial bet) next to your current wager. Avoid putting the new chips on top of the initial amount as this can be seen as tampering with your bet.

When not to hit on blackjack? ›

In general, if you have a hand that totals 17 or higher, you should stand. If your total is between 13 and 16, consider the dealer's up-card before deciding whether to hit or stand. If the dealer's card is 6 or lower, then you should hit; if the dealer has a 7 or higher showing, then you should stand.

That bonus is also known as 3 to 2 and this describes the odds the player is paid when getting a blackjack. If a player gets a blackjack, then they are paid 3 to 2 (or 1 ½ times their bet). As soon as the bet has been paid, the cards should be placed in the discard rack.

Question: “When should I hit on my 15?” Sam says: “Always hit a hard 15 when the dealer's up-card is a 7 through an ace. If you stand on that 15, you will win 25.36 percent of the time and lose 74.64 percent of the time. That makes a net loss of 49.28 percent.

Always split eights.

See below: Playing your two eights as one hand starts you at 16 (a very weak hand). Hitting at this point is a risky proposition. Anything above a 5 will cause you to bust, so you have about a 60% chance of losing the hand from the get-go.

In general, if you have a hand that totals 17 or higher, you should stand. If your total is between 13 and 16, consider the dealer's up-card before deciding whether to hit or stand. If the dealer's card is 6 or lower, then you should hit; if the dealer has a 7 or higher showing, then you should stand.

When holding nine or less or 12-16 it's best to hit, but stand on a total of 17 or more. If the dealer's card is a four, five or six it is vital you do not bust. It is common practice to hit on eight or less, but stand on anything 12 or higher.