When Should You Double Down in Blackjack?

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

If you want to win big at blackjack, making a double down bet is a thrilling way to win twice as much money during a hand. While you could double down for any hand, there are some really easy strategies to know when you should and shouldn't risk it all. Keep reading to learn how to make a double down bet and what hands will give you the most luck for a big payout!

Things You Should Know

Doubling down is making a bet equal to your initial wager after being dealt your first 2 cards. You only get dealt 1 more card and cannot hit.
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.

Section 1 of 4:

What is doubling down in blackjack?

Doubling down is when you double your bet and get dealt one more card. After you’re dealt your first 2 cards, you can choose to double your bet if you’re confident that your hand will beat the dealer. After you choose to double down, you’ll only get dealt one more card and won’t be able to hit.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can’t double down if you’re dealt a 10 and an ace since it’s a blackjack equalling 21 and already a winning hand.
- While most casinos only let you double down after you’re dealt your first 2 cards, some casinos may let you place a double down bet after you split a pair into 2 separate hands. Check the table rules to know when you’re allowed to make a bet.

Section 2 of 4:

When You Should Double Down

1
When your cards total 11 There’s a good chance that the next card you’re dealt is a 10, so you’d reach 21 and get a blackjack. Even if you aren’t dealt a 10, the next card could still get you close to 21 without the risk of busting.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
When you have a hard 9 or 10 A “hard” hand means that you don’t have any aces in your hand. Since there are more chances of drawing a high number than a lower number, you have a pretty good chance of getting a high value.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Doubling down with a hard 9 or 10 works best if the dealer has a total of 2–6 in their hand since there are more chances that they’ll get a lower total or bust.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
3
When you have a soft 16, 17, or 18 A “soft” hand is when you have an ace since it counts as either 1 or 11. If you’re dealt a card with a lower value, you have the chance to get a blackjack or even closer to 21. Getting dealt a card with a higher value still puts you close to 21 so there’s a shot you could win the hand.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- A double down bet on a soft 16, 17, or 18 works best when the dealer is showing 3–6 in their hand.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Section 3 of 4:

When Not to Double Down

1
When the dealer is showing an ace If the dealer has an ace, there’s a really good chance that they’ll get a blackjack. Rather than risking chips by doubling down, stick with your initial bet and play out your hand. You can still hit to get more cards if you want, but don’t make any additional bets on your hand.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
When you have a hard total of more than 11 If you don’t have an ace in your hand and your cards still total more than 11, there’s a lot of risk that the next card could make you go over 21 and bust. It’ll be safer to keep your initial bet so you can hit or stand without having to lose more chips.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Section 4 of 4:

How do you double down in blackjack?

Place an equal bet next to your original wager after you’re dealt cards. Right after you’re dealt your first 2 cards, all you have to do is push chips equal to your original bet out onto the table. The dealer will know that you’re doubling down on your hand and they’ll deal your next card horizontally to show that you can’t hit for any more cards.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- You’ll always have to wager exactly the same amount as your initial bet when you double down.