This puts the dealer in a tough spot, as they must draw another card (remember, the dealer can’t stand before reaching 17), which will likely make them bust. Following the previously explained logic of a 10-value card being the most likely card to show up, the dealer’s likely total after drawing another card is going to be 15 or 16.

If the dealer has a 10 or an ace, you should maybe reconsider doubling down since your chances of beating them are not particularly high.Īnother situation in which doubling down makes sense is if the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6.

Still, you must consider what the dealer is showing. Even if you draw a low-value card, you still have a chance of winning if the dealer busts.Drawing a 10-value card (most likely scenario) gives you a strong total of 19, 20, or 21.Regardless of which card you draw next, you’ll receive that one card only, so you can’t possibly bust.If you draw to a total of 9, 10, and 11, it makes perfect sense to double down because: Since 10-value cards are the most common in blackjack (10s, jacks, queens, and kings are all worth 10 points), you have to start with the assumption that a 10-value card is the most likely card to be drawn next. There are a few simple scenarios where doubling down makes the most sense. Naturally, you should only double down when you know you have a good chance of beating the dealer. Instead, you receive one card only to make your total. The flip side is that, from that point on, you don’t get to decide whether to hit or stand. To double down basically means to double your initial bet.

The Doubling Down Rule in Blackjackĭoubling down is one of several choices a player has after receiving their two initial cards in the game of blackjack. However, doubling down in blackjack is not some sort of foolish high-risk, high-reward type of move and can instead bring you a much better return if you’re using it correctly.īelow, you’ll find a breakdown of the doubling-down rule, explanations on when and when not to use it, and a neat doubling down chart that can help you the next time you’re playing blackjack. It’s easy to assume that doubling down is only for avid risk-takers hungry for higher payouts.

Blackjack split with ace and jack