Wager Mage
Photo by Anete Lusina Pexels Logo Photo: Anete Lusina

Do you double down against a 9?

Hard 9 Against the Dealer's Low Cards When you are dealt a total of 9, double down when the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6 (any card below 7, not including the Ace). This must be a hard 9; meaning there is no Ace in your hand – so the combinations could be 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5.

Are there millionaires from sports betting?
Are there millionaires from sports betting?

Zeljko Ranogajec is one of the most successful sports bettors of our time, accruing his billionaire status through casinos, horse racing and Keno...

Read More »
Can you be 0 in NFL?
Can you be 0 in NFL?

Numbers 0 and 00 are no longer used, though they were issued in the NFL before the number standardization in 1973. Quarterback Johnny Clement,...

Read More »

Doubling down is one of the most thrilling moves in blackjack. It allows you to double your bet in the middle of a hand in exchange for receiving just one card. It’s a risky gamble, as it usually ends your betting – you can’t hit again even if you receive a particularly low second card This can lead to more timid players avoiding the double bet, and more adventurous players making it far too often. It's important to try and strike a balance between sensible safe play, such as using a statistical strategy, and risky double downs in order to maximize your potential winnings. We strongly recommending bookmarking this page and using it as a handy reference when playing online at any one of the in your state.

When to Double Down

Fortunately, basic strategies for blackjack have been meticulously mapped using mathematical probability, designed to tell you exactly when is best (in the long run) to double down. There are three situations when it’s best to double down, explained below. In all of these situations you can’t go bust and are in the most likely position to finish with a high hand, while statistics indicate that the dealer is in the most likely position to lose the hand.

Hard 9 Against the Dealer’s Low Cards

When you are dealt a total of 9, double down when the dealer shows a card between 2 and 6 (any card below 7, not including the Ace). This must be a hard 9; meaning there is no Ace in your hand – so the combinations could be 2-7, 3-6 or 4-5. If you have A-8 (a soft 9), it’s best to stand, regardless of what the dealer shows.

Soft 16 To 18 Against the Dealer’s Low Cards

If you have an Ace and either a 5, 6 or 7 giving you a “soft” total of 16 to 18 and the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, this is a great time to double your bet. With an Ace and a lower card (2 to 4) it is better to just hit, as you are less likely to end with a high hand.

Hard 10 Or 11 Against Any Lower Dealer Card

Can betting apps ban you?
Can betting apps ban you?

Getting barred from an online sportsbook isn't something new. It can happen when a sportsbook identifies you as a winning punter or bonus abuser as...

Read More »
What is Iron Condor strategy?
What is Iron Condor strategy?

Definition: Iron Condor is a non-directional option strategy, whereby an option trader combines a Bull Put spread and Bear Call spread to generate...

Read More »

A hard 10 or 11 puts you in a powerful position – that is, with any two cards, not including an ace, that make 10 or 11 (2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6). If the dealer has a lower total, it's time to double down.

Pay Attention to the Rules

In almost every Blackjack game this strategy should stay true. However, be aware that the rules of Blackjack do vary between casinos, which can affect your decision making. If it’s possible to double with 3 or more cards, then you may find additional hands when you could double down, so pay attention to your total. On the other hand, you might find situations where the rules say you can’t double when the strategy says you should – such as on soft hands (those with an Ace). If you can’t double down when you'd like, be sure to hit instead. To try this double down strategy out in a cash game before hitting a real-life casino, check out the and !

CHECK OUT:

FAQs – Doubling Down in Blackjack 101

Doubling down in Blackjack allows the player an option to double their wager following receipt of their original two cards. You then get dealt one – and only one – additional card. Then it’s you versus the dealer to decide who wins. A player doubles down because the situation looks positive so they risk more to hopefully win more. As you can control when to double down, this is a powerful tool for the player who can spot the perfect opportunity. Here are a few specific instances where it pays to know where you stand.

Can you Double Down after Hitting?

A player cannot hit and then choose to double down, the double down option occurs only after the initial two cards are dealt by the dealer and the player must then decide whether to go for the double down at that moment or not. The opportunity to double down is limited to this point in a hand.

Can you Split and Double Down?

What are bookies called in UK?
What are bookies called in UK?

bookmaker In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, a betting shop is a shop away from a racecourse ("off-course") where one can...

Read More »
At what age should I let my daughter date?
At what age should I let my daughter date?

age sixteen As a general guideline, Dr. Eagar advises not allowing single dating before age sixteen. “There's an enormous difference between a...

Read More »

It is important the player understands the optimal situations to split and double down. The player can split their cards if they are dealt a matching pair e.g. 5-5, 7-7, J-J. The player must cover the second hand with the bet size of their first bet and the dealer deals a second card to complete both hands. A further double down is not usually permitted. Always check the casino rules whether playing live or online as there are often incentives hidden within the rules designed to encourage players to play.

MORE STRATEGY:

Should you Always Double Down on 11?

As the player and dealer aim to get as close to 21 as possible in order to win the hand, the player is in a strong position when holding 11 after two cards are dealt. If the dealer is showing a lower card than a 10, it is good strategy to double down. If the casino rules dictate the dealer must hit soft 17, you should always double down on 11 no matter what the dealers up card. Now that you know the basics of when to double down when playing blackjack, enter your state below to find the top online casinos in your state as well as the best bonus offers available!

What do most hackers use to hack?
What do most hackers use to hack?

Besides social engineering and malvertising, common hacking techniques include: Botnets. Browser hijacks. Denial of service (DDoS) attacks....

Read More »
What does +4 mean in point spread?
What does +4 mean in point spread?

Cincinnati was a 4 point underdog. This appeared as Bengals +4. That means the Bengals would have needed to win the game outright or not lose the...

Read More »
Is lottery a gamble?
Is lottery a gamble?

A lottery is a form of gambling that involves the drawing of numbers at random for a prize. Some governments outlaw lotteries, while others endorse...

Read More »
What is the 50 rule in rugby?
What is the 50 rule in rugby?

Among those laws cemented are the 50:22—rewarding the attacking team with a line-out if they kick from their own half into the enemy 22' (with at...

Read More »