Blackjack is one of the "smartest" casino games. In blackjack, the game's outcome is only partly a matter of luck and mostly depends on knowledge and experience. In previous articles on Casinoz, we described various aspects of this intellectual game, and this publication continues the series.
We will take a closer look at the double in blackjack and trace how it affects the house edge.
What Is Double Down in Blackjack?
Double down or doubling down the bet is a potent weapon of a blackjack player, which he should skillfully use in the situations described in the basic strategy.
As you know, this rule allows a player to double his bet on the first two cards. After that, he will get only one more card.
Most casinos apply the rule to any first two cards, and only some allow them to double only 10 or 11.
Of course, doubling down on any cards is much better for players.
Even better if you have chosen a casino that allows doing double after a Split.
Let's see how it affects the house edge.
We will consider the game with eight decks and a shoe, where double down is allowed on any score. The rules are consistent with the classical canons of blackjack.
- In this case, the house edge is only 0.55% when playing according to the basic strategy. If the player can also do Double after Split, it goes down to 0.42%.
- If double if allowed only on 10 or 11, it rises to 0.76%. As you can see, the most profitable is blackjack in casinos, where you can do Double on any two cards.
Based on mathematical calculations, the basic strategy strictly defines situations where you should double down.
How Can You Use Double Down in Blackjack?
According to the basic strategy, you should double the bet when you have the highest chance of beating the dealer. As a rule, it is about the dealer's weakest open card, often leading to the bust.
The following table shows the dealer's chances to bust depending on the first card.
| The Dealers Upcard | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10, J, Q, or K | A |
| Odds of Busting (%) | 35 | 37 | 40 | 42 | 42 | 26 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 17 |
After examining the table, we see that the dealer's worst cards are from 2 to 6. If he reveals one of them, his chances of exceeding 21 are pretty high. Looking at the basic strategy table, you can see that you should do double quite often in such situations. However, it's a step to go under certain conditions, even when the dealer has 9 or 10, which usually raises doubts among beginners.
Remember that the basic strategy of blackjack does not guarantee winning all the time.
It should be considered the most optimal system that maximizes your chances of winning. Therefore, if the basic strategy says to do Double in a particular case, do not hesitate.
Sometimes players are confused by the possibility of losing twice more. If you have such doubts, it's time to pick a blackjack table with lower bets. Double down is one of the essential components of competent blackjack playing, and you must be financially and mentally prepared to take this step.
Varieties of the Double Down Rule
Some casinos offer rules that allow you to make an additional bet smaller than the original if it complies with the minimum bet established for this table.
You should not use this feature. Double down the total amount, as required by the basic strategy. Otherwise, there is no sense in it.
Tips on Double Down in Blackjack
Here is some helpful advice:
- Be prepared for streaks, during which almost all your doubles will lose. This is a standard deviation for each game, including blackjack.
- Do not panic, and do not deviate from the correct course.
- The best blackjack players have developed and adjusted the basic strategy over the years.
- Trust their experience, and do not be tempted to go for a compromise.
Read more about the rule on Casinoz.
Summary
If you reject the double-down option, you will raise the house edge in blackjack with your own hands and lower your chances of winning. Doing double is no accident in the basic strategy. Therefore, use this rule as soon as you have such an opportunity.
