Double down Strategy & System

Tips & Tricks for Blackjack

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One of the most interesting options that Blackjack players can elect during a round of Blackjack is the double down option. New players to the game may not be aware of this, but double down, if used correctly, can actually make a very formidable and effective Blackjack strategy that can potentially win more than the standard win would allow. Experienced Blackjack players love the thrill of doubling down on their original bet and waiting to see if they will be rewarded with a nice big profit margin. The trick with the double down strategy in Blackjack is to know when and how to use it. This is where a lot of rookie players struggle. In this article, we will explain all the ins and outs of this valuable and potentially lucrative strategy. Next time you hit the Blackjack tables and an opportunity to double down comes your way, you’ll know just what to do!

Important facts at a glance:

  • Simple in-game Blackjack strategy
  • Successful double down win = double profit
  • Simple and easy to use at the right time
  • Can only double down on certain card combos

 

Blackjack Double down system

Basics

As you can see from the simple overview described above, the double down strategy can potentially be very exciting and very effective, if used in the right way and at the right time. The first thing to really understand is what a double down actually is. The short answer is that double down simply means that you are buying another card from the dealer. The cost of this extra card is equal to your original bet, hence the term ‘double down’.

Other strategies you need to know:

  • Tournament Strategy
  • Paroli Strategy
  • Parlay Strategy
  • Oscar’s Grind Strategy
  • Kelly Criterion Strategy
  • Fibonacci Strategy
  • Card Counting
  • 1-3-2-6 Strategy

The double down move is quite similar to asking for a hit in online Blackjack although the fundamental difference here is that you are paying for the hit and just getting another card. This is why doubling down should be viewed as a strategy, one that needs to be used at the right time, using it too often or at the wrong time could cost you – big time! Generally speaking, most Blackjack games will allow you to double down on any two original cards while some games will restrict when you can double down. Usually, these games restrict doubling own to hard totals of 9, 10 and 11 meaning you can only double down if your first two cards match those totals. The double down strategy is also permitted after a player has split a pair.

Blackjack Double Down Online

Blackjack games online with double down strategy

The Blackjack double down strategy

Explained by example

To understand how the double down strategy would work in practice, let’s take a look at an example. In order to initiate a double down move on a hand, you will need to first create an additional wager for it. This is simply achieved by placing a stack of chips (or single-chip depending on the game) equal to your original wager in the allocated area for you wager. Some games will also allow your double down amount to be less than the original wager amount. The dealer will acknowledge your desire to double down on your hand by dealing you with an additional card. The dealer will place your additional double down card across your original two cards. This then ends your involvement with the hand and, regardless of its total value, must be left until the conclusion of the round. Important Tip: If you wish to double down on a pair you need to say the words “double down” to the dealer. This way the dealer knows that you do not wish to split your hand, but rather double down on the pair. Knowing when to double down is also very important to a successful outcome of the strategy in practice. Watch this short video which further explains when to use this highly effective Blackjack strategy:

Summary

  • Use the double down strategy wisely and judiciously
  • If dealt a hard 11 always consider doubling down
  • Double down if you have a hard 10 and if the dealer has 4, 5, or 6
  • Double down if you have a hard 9 and if the dealer has 5 or 6

Advantages and Disadvantages

Of the double down strategy

As with any Blackjack strategy, there are advantages and disadvantages to using the double down system. On the advantages side, we have a fairly simple strategy that does not necessarily rely on more advanced tricks like card counting. Another distinct advantage is that, if done correctly, you can walk away from the round with twice the money you would have come out with on a normal win (if you hadn’t chosen to double down). Of course on the other hand, a clear disadvantage of inexperience can make the simple Blackjack strategy very dangerous and, if used at the wrong time, could end in disaster. Not knowing how the tricks of the trade work, in this case, simple strategies like doubling down, could see you lose your bankroll very fast. Another potential disadvantage to the double down system is that, if it works once or twice, some players will tend to overuse the strategy and the law of diminishing returns will kick in. This basically means that if you try to use it too much you will undo any positives that you may have created with the double down system in your game during previous rounds.

 

Screenshot 61

Chances and risks

Of using double down strategy

The double down strategy in Blackjack can be a very tempting and exciting strategy to use. However, there is always the risk of using it too often which could end up having the opposite effect and draining your bankroll before you know it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Blackjack double down strategy in three points:

Who should use the Double Down Strategy for Blackjack?

The Blackjack double down strategy is not the most complicated of blackjack strategies, especially when you start getting into various advanced card counting techniques. However, the technique is by no means so simple that anyone can just apply it without knowing how it works when to use it and what the specific risks are when using it in a real live blackjack for real money game. So, in conclusion, the double down strategy in Blackjack would be recommended for advanced players who have already mastered the basic skills required in Blackjack.

  • 90% Beginner
  • 80% Advanced
  • 70% Pro

How high is the risk of the Double Down Strategy for Blackjack?

The risks involved in using the double down strategy in Blackjack are well–worth considering. Part of the risk associated with doubling down has to do with the card totals at hand versus what the dealer may be holding. The general consensus is that one should always double down on an 11 card total. The reason behind this idea is that there is a good chance of getting a ten-card, thereby making 21. The risk comes in when based on the quality of the deck. If the deck is negative (a low number of high cards) then the chances of getting a 4, 5, or 6 are much higher resulting in a poor/losing hand. So, in other words, it can be very risky indeed.

Are winnings guaranteed?

Naturally in any game of skill and chance one cannot say that winning is guaranteed. The level of probability of winning is directly proportional to the amount of experience and skill a player brings to the table. If a player knows what the quality of the deck is at any given moment (see our article on card counting) then it becomes a bit more likely that a win is guaranteed when doubling down on a given hand. The opposite holds true as well, a lack of experience and not knowing when the optimum moment is to double down will significantly lower the guaranteed certainty of a win.

Blackjack Double Down

Blackjack double down success for online casino

 Conclusion

Is the double down strategy worth it?

The double down strategy for Blackjack is a great strategy to use and it has a number of advantages that outweigh any of the disadvantages associated with the strategy. The strategy is simple to use and has the potential to create significant wins off of just a single Blackjack hand. The learning curve that is associated with the double down strategy is also fairly low and once a new player understands which two-card total is best to double down on, it is just a matter of applying the knowledge in practice. We would definitely recommend the double down strategy with the caveat that new players or inexperienced players approach the strategy with the caution that it deserves. There are not that many tips and tricks when it comes to employing this strategy although the following tips should be useful: When you are a new player and want to employ the double down strategy use the following basic double down ‘rules’:

  • Always double down on a hard 11
  • Double down on a hard 10 against a dealer’s 4, 5 or 6
  • Double down on a hard 9 against a dealer 5 or 6

Highlights

  • Easy to use and suitable for beginners
  • A lot of different opportunities
  • No advanced techniques are necessary
  • Chance for a double in profit is given

Tips & Tricks

  • Study the game in detail
  • Learn from experienced opinions on the use of the strategy
  • Know which two-card combinations are most suited to double down on
  • Consider the dealer’s cards as part of your decision-making process.