What is double down in blackjack?
The first thing to note is that double down is a very popular but completely optional decision.
However, in doing so, you agree to stand after receiving the extra card.
In other words, it is an all-or-nothing option.
The way it works is that your bet is placed in the betting box next to your original bet.
What are the rules?
When it comes to doubling down, the rules are pretty simple.
But, in the majority of cases, the player can double down after receiving their first two cards.
In exchange, they will get an additional card.
Again, to know for sure, ask your dealer.
How to double down?
As mentioned before, it is typically done after you assess that you are in a favorable situation.
When dealt to the split cards, the doubling situation becomes significantly stronger.
To make this even simpler, lets say that you are dealt a pair of 7s.
Meanwhile, the house has a 4.
This approach provides you with a fair chance to find yourself in a more desirable and advantageous situation.
Doubling down and card counting
Finally, the last situation to discuss is card counting.
Contrary to popular opinion, card counting is, in fact, not illegal.
For example, lets say that your original two cards brought you a total of 11.
However, this will not happen if the deck is weak and all the high-value cards are already out.
Can You Play Free Blackjack?
Yes, all of the casinos that we recommend offer the option to play blackjack for free.
you could then practice playing until you are ready to play for real money.
What Are These Blackjack Terms: Hit, Stand, Split, Double?
The dealer must keep playing until they either beat the player or go bust (going over 21).
The player must then continue to play both hands with regular blackjack rules.
To learn when to double read our guide onWhen to Double Down in Blackjack.
What Are the Best Starting Hands?
This is an automatic win for the player.
Hard 20- This is any two 10 value cards (10, jack, queen, or king).
It is unlikely that the player will receive an ace next, and the player should always stand.
Splitting is also not recommended.
Soft 18- This is a combination of an ace and a 7 card.
This combination of cards offers the player different strategy options depending on what cards the dealer is dealt.
What Is Single-Deck Blackjack?
As the name implies this is blackjack that is played with only one deck of 52 cards.
What Is Multi-Hand Blackjack?
What Are the Differences Between American Blackjack & European Blackjack?
The key difference between American and European blackjack is the hole card.
In other words, European blackjack has no hole card.
What Is Atlantic City Blackjack?
The game is always played with 8 regular decks, this means anticipating the next card is more difficult.
The other major difference is players have the option to play a “late surrender”.
With a surrender the player loses half their bet.
In Atlantic City blackjack players can split twice, up to three hands.
Aces however, can only be split once.
The dealer must stand on all 17 hands, including soft 17.
Blackjack pays 3 to 2, and and insurance pays 2 to 1.
What Is Vegas Strip Blackjack?
As the name implies this is the most popular version of blackjack in Las Vegas.
4 to 8 standard decks of cards are used, and the dealer must stand on soft 17.
Similar to other types of American blackjack, the dealer receives two cards, one face-up.
Players have the option to play a “late surrender”.
What Is Double Exposure Blackjack?
In other words there is no hole card.
Another key difference is that the dealer has the option to hit or stand on soft 17.
House Edge:
0.67%
What Is Spanish 21?
This is a version of blackjack that is played with 6 to 8 Spanish decks.
The Spanish deck of cards has four suits and contains 40 or 48 cards, depending on the game.
The cards are numbered from 1 to 9.
Due to the lack of 10 card it is more difficult for a player to hit blackjack.
0.4%
What Is an Insurance Bet?
This is an optional side bet that is offered to a player if the dealers up-card is an ace.
If the dealer has a blackjack then the player is paid 2 to 1 on the insurance bet.
If both the player and the dealer hit blackjack, then the payout is 3 to 2.
An insurance bet is often called a “suckers bet” as the odds are in the houses favor.
5.8% to 7.5% - The house edge varies based on the previous card history.
What Is Blackjack Surrender?
In American blackjack players are given the option to surrender at any time.
This should only be done if the player believes they have an extremely bad hand.
If the player chooses this than the bank return half of the initial bet.
(For example, a $10 bet has $5 returned).
In some version of blackjack such as Atlantic City blackjack only a late surrender is enabled.
In this case, a player can only surrender after the dealer has checked his hand for blackjack.
To learn more visit our in-depth guide onWhen to Surrender in Blackjack.
Everything you should probably Know
