Free Blackjack / When to double down in blackjack
When to double down in blackjack
Doubling down means doubling your bet on your first two cards and taking exactly one more card. Do it on 11 against 2 to 10, on 10 against 2 to 9, on 9 against 3 to 6, and on some soft hands against a dealer 3 to 6.
How it works
After your first two cards, put out a second bet equal to the first. You get one card and your turn ends. You can double after splitting at most tables, and at freeblackjack.fun you can also double for less when you are short.
When to double
| Your hand | Double when the dealer shows | Otherwise |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 to 10 | Hit against an ace |
| 10 | 2 to 9 | Hit |
| 9 | 3 to 6 | Hit |
| Soft 17 or 18 (ace, 6 / ace, 7) | 3 to 6 | Soft 17 hits; soft 18 stands on 2, 7, 8 and hits 9 to ace |
| Soft 15 or 16 (ace, 4 / ace, 5) | 4 to 6 | Hit |
| Soft 13 or 14 (ace, 2 / ace, 3) | 5 or 6 | Hit |
For 6 decks, dealer stands on all 17s. Where the dealer hits soft 17, also double 11 against an ace.
Why these hands
Almost a third of the cards are worth 10. On 10 or 11, one card often gives you 20 or 21, and against a weak dealer card you want more money out when you have the edge.
Never double
- A hard 12 or more. One card is too likely to bust it.
- Soft 19 or more. You already have a strong hand.
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Questions
What does double down mean in blackjack?
You double your bet after your first two cards and take exactly one more card.
Should you always double down on 11?
Against a dealer 2 to 10, yes. Against an ace, hit in a game where the dealer stands on soft 17.
Can you double down after splitting?
At most casinos, yes. At freeblackjack.fun, yes.
Can you double down for less?
Many casinos let you double for less than your bet. It is legal, but doubling the full amount is better when you have the money.
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