When Can You Double in Blackjack?

In blackjack, doubling is the act of doubling your original bet after receiving your first two cards. Doubling is only allowed on the first two cards and not after hitting or taking any other action.

For example, if you bet $10 and are dealt a 9 and a 3, you can double your bet to $20. However, if you then hit and receive a 5, you cannot double again because you have already taken an action.

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PRO TIP:When you are dealt two cards of the same value at the start of a blackjack hand, you have the option to double your bet. This will give you one additional card and end your turn. This is a useful option when you have a strong starting hand, such as two 10s or two Aces, where a single card could give you a winning total.

The reason for this rule is to keep players from getting too aggressive with their betting. If players were allowed to double after every hit, they could easily get in over their heads and lose a lot of money very quickly.

So when can you double in blackjack? The answer is on the first two cards only, and only if those cards give you a total of 9, 10, or 11. Anything else and you should just take a hit.