When you’re learning the lingo of blackjack, it can all seem scattered. A common mistake that many novice players make is confusing doubling down with splitting.
Although both actions can increase your stake and potential payout during a hand of blackjack, they don’t have much more in common. Doubling down is simply doubling your original wager on a hand.
There are specific rules for when you can do so during blackjack and also common guidance for when it makes sense to do so. Even within those parameters, though, there can be some variance.
How to Double Down in Blackjack
In most versions of blackjack, how and when to double down is quite simple. It’s important to note that this is not the same as splitting your hand, which is what it’s called when you turn your single hand into two hands after you receive two cards showing the same value.
When you double down, you’re simply doubling the value of your bet on your existing hand. It is a move you make when you’re confident that you are going to win.
The opportunity to double down will come after you receive your first two cards and the dealer has revealed their first. You will need to decide at that point one way or the other on doubling down.
If you choose to double down, you will simply add the same amount of chips you originally staked to the hand to the existing pile you’re risking on this round. So, for example, if your original bet was $10, you’ll need to add another $10.
From there, you’d just tell the croupier that you are doubling down to make your intentions clear. The game then progresses as normal, with the dealer and all players trying to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
The old saying, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” applies to doubling down in blackjack. Knowing the best times to double down in blackjack is all about the odds.
The Basics of When to Double Down in Blackjack
The biggest part of the dos and don’ts of doubling down in blackjack is playing the probabilities. Because there are a finite number of cards in each game, it’s possible to figure out the odds of any specific outcome.
While that’s an equation that many players can’t do in their heads for every situation, there’s no need to go that far when considering broad rules for doubling down. There are some common scenarios you can look for, like when you have a hard nine and the dealer is showing a six or less without an ace.
If you want to get familiar with these scenarios, the best thing to do is to register at BetMGM Casino and start playing blackjack. When it comes to learning a new skill like doubling down, experience is the best teacher.
