How Do You Double Down at a Blackjack Table?

In blackjack, doubling down is when you double your original bet after receiving your first two cards. For example, let’s say you bet $5 and are dealt a 9 and a 3.

You can then double down for $10 and receive one more card.

Most players double down on hands of 9, 10, or 11. This is because these are all good starting hands that give you a good chance of hitting 21 or getting close to it.

Some casinos allow you to double down on any two cards while others restrict it to certain hands. It’s always best to check the rules of the casino before you start playing.

When should you double down?

The general rule of thumb is that you should double down if your hand totals 10 or 11 and the dealer has a lower card showing. For example, if you’re dealt a 10 and the dealer has a 9, you should double down.

If you have an 11 and the dealer has a 6, you should also double down.

There are other factors to consider when deciding whether or not to double down. These include the number of decks being used and the house rules of the casino you’re playing at.

Generally speaking, the more decks in play, the less favorable it is to double down because there are fewer high cards left in the deck that can help you improve your hand. The same goes for casinos with strict doubling rules—if they only allow you to double down on 10 or 11, it’s not as advantageous as being able to do so on any two cards.

What happens if I lose after doubling down?

If you lose after doubling down, you will lose twice as much money as your original bet. For example, if you bet $5 and doubled down to $10, but then lost, you would owe the casino $15 total.

This is why it’s important to only double down when the odds are in your favor.

Doubling down is a great way to increase your winnings in blackjack—but only if it’s done strategically. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game and of the specific casino you’re playing at before putting any money on the table.

When done correctly, doubling down can help turn a good hand into a great one—and help boost your bottom line at the end of the night.