Doubling Down

Doubling down is the option to increase your bet if you are confident you have a good hand and that hand will beat the dealer's. This option is extremely useful for the player as it will decrease the house advantage considerably.

After you have been dealt your two cards you can make several decisions. One of these decisions is to double down. If you chose to double down you will have to place another wager equal in value to your initial one. But you will be dealt only one more card. Remember that if you first choose to hit you will not be able to double down. You may double down only on your initial two card sand only as your first decision.

Some casinos do not insist that your double down bet be equal to your initial bet. It may be any amount up to the same value of your initial bet. But if your hand is good enough to double down on, then why not bet as much as you can? If you have a hand that will surely win, then place the amount that will guarantee the biggest winnings.

You can signal your intentions to double down by placing a new wager next to your initial one. Remember that you must always place your chips next to your initial bet, not on top of it. If you place your double down bet on top of your original bet the dealer will think you are trying to cheat. So why take the risk of being asked to leave the casino, just play by the rules. There is no need for any other signal. The dealer will notice your bet and give you only one more card.

If you are playing a face up game, that card will be placed horizontally, on top of your two cards. If you are playing a face down game then the dealer will slide that card under your chips. You may look at it right then and there, but if you want to look like a respectable player you may want to wait until the other players at the table have finished playing their hands and the dealer has paid on their winnings or collected their chips.

When winning a double down bet you will be paid according too house ratios. You will win on both your initial wager and on your double down bet. But if you lose it goes without saying that you will lose your entire betting amount.

A real basic strategy proves its benefits when a player is able to raise his bet making a betting option of doubling down or splitting or even both. So, that’s why it is essential to know what the advantageous situations are when a player should double down. One of the main methods to reduce the house edge in this game is using the option to double down. Consult the basic strategy chart below to find put when is best to double down.

*Note: Any other situation should be handled by the rules for standing and hitting.