Thursday, March 18, 2010

Blackjack - Part Four - Doubling Down

If you are lucky enough to be dealt a starting hand that is a likely winner based on the value of the dealer's up card, you can double down, which means that you choose to double your original bet, and if your luck holds as the hands are played out, you will end up receiving four times your original bet in winnings.

The option to double down is only available on your first two cards. Once you have taken a hit to your hand, you cannot then double.

To double down when playing online, click the DOUBLE button. Your original bet will automatically be doubled, and you will receive just one more card on your hand. When playing in a casino, indicate to the dealer that you wish to double by placing the additional chips beside your original bet.

If your first two cards don't include an ace, double with these totals:
  • 9, where the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6.
  • 10, where the dealer does not have a 10 or ace. This includes situations where your 10 consists of a pair of 5s. Don't split them! You turn a strong starting hand of 10 into two weak hands of 5 each.
  • 11, where the dealer does not have an ace.
When your first two cards do include an ace, double when the other card is:
  • 2 or 3, where the dealer has 5 or 6.
  • 4 or 5, where the dealer has 4, 5 or 6.
  • 6 or 7, where the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6.
When doubling, you are always hoping that the one additional card you will receive will make you a total of 21 (or when doubling on a hard 9, a total of 20). May the cards always fall in your favour!

Tomorrow, splitting pairs.