Introduction to Blackjack
Blackjack, which is also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino games around the world. It is a comparing card game between a player and a dealer, where the players compete against each other to get closer to 21 without going over. It is a game of strategy and skill, which means that if you have the knowledge and practice, you can increase your chances of winning.
![]() |
Welcome Bonus: Up to $8,000 Game Software: RealTime Gaming Cashout Time: 1-3 Days Launched in 2019 |
Play Now |
When Can You Double in Blackjack?
Doubling down is a great way to increase your profits when playing blackjack. But when can you double in blackjack? The answer depends on the rules at the casino you are playing at, but there are some general rules that you should know before you start doubling down.
Hard Hand Doubling Rule
The most common rule is that you can only double down if you have a hard hand. A hard hand is a hand that does not contain an ace or a soft hand, which is a hand that has an ace that can count as either 1 or 11. In most casinos, you can double down on any two-card hand, as long as it is a hard hand.
Soft Hand Doubling Rule
Some casinos also allow you to double down on soft hands, but this is not as common as the hard hand rule. When you have a soft hand, you can double down if your total is 9, 10, or 11. For example, if you have an ace and a 2, you can double down because your total is 13.
Split Hand Doubling Rule
If you are dealt a pair, you can choose to split the hand into two separate hands. If you choose to do this, you can also double down on each hand. For example, if you are dealt two 8s, you can split them and double down on each hand.
Late Surrender
Some casinos also offer a late surrender rule, which allows you to double down after the dealer has already checked for blackjack. This is a great way to reduce your losses if the dealer has a blackjack, as you can double down and get more money back.
No Doubling After Splitting
In most casinos, you cannot double down after splitting a hand. This means that if you split a pair and then draw a card that would allow you to double down, you cannot do so. You must stick with the original bet.
Doubling Limits
Some casinos also have limits on how much you can double down. This limit is usually the same as the table minimum, so if the table minimum is $5, you cannot double down for more than $5.
Doubling Strategy
Doubling down is a great way to increase your profits when playing blackjack, but it is important to know when to double down and when not to. It is generally a good idea to double down when you have a total of 11, as this gives you the best chance of winning. It is also a good idea to double down on a 10, as long as the dealer does not have a 10 or an ace showing.
Card Counting and Doubling
Card counting is a technique that can help you increase your odds of winning. If you are able to keep track of the cards that have been dealt, you can have a better idea of when to double down. This is because the more high cards that have been dealt, the better your chances are of having a good hand.
Conclusion
Knowing when to double in blackjack is an important part of becoming a successful blackjack player. There are several rules that you should be aware of when it comes to doubling down, such as the hard hand rule, the soft hand rule, the split hand rule, and the late surrender rule. You should also be aware of doubling limits and the card counting technique. With the right knowledge and practice, you can increase your chances of winning.