Double Down Blackjack Explained
Blackjack is one of the most popular games you can play at any crypto casino. Part of it is owed to the fact that you can use multiple strategies to enhance your gambling adventure – and maybe even your possible wins.
As such, if you want to secure big wins, one commonly used blackjack strategy is called Double Down. You can make a double down bet with any hand you have, but there are some useful tips and strategies when it is the most optimal time to do so. Let’s take a look at how you can double down blackjack to boost your possible profits.
What Is Double Down in Blackjack?
Before we dive into the tips on using the strategy while playing with crypto, you need to know what is double down in blackjack.
The logic of doubling down is quite straightforward – you can double your bet and get one more card after you are dealt your first two cards by the dealer. Note that after you choose to double down, you will receive one more card and you won’t be able to hit.
When to Double Down in Blackjack?
The double down blackjack rules state that the double down bet in the blackjack game is only available after you receive your first two cards.
Of course, before you even think about using this strategy, you need to ensure you understand the blackjack’s odds table – both for the dealer and the player, as well as whether your bankroll can support it.
Things to Look for When Doubling Down in Blackjack
There are several instances where the double down blackjack strategy is best-optimized, but there are some overlooked factors you need to pay close attention to.
Blackjack's RTP
You will be happy to know that you will find tons of blackjack variants at your favorite crypto casino, but not all have the same RTP. Therefore, to fully optimize your chances of making a successful blackjack double down bet, we suggest you do a bit of research on the games first.
Memorize Card Rankings
Well, this one should be obvious, but knowing the blackjack card rankings is the bare minimum you should do before you wager in this game. Thankfully, this game has pretty straightforward rules and rankings, so even novices won’t struggle to grasp them.
Play for Free
Blackjack games feature demo versions that we suggest you try out before you wager your own money. By playing for free, you can learn the rules and test your double down strategy – without spending a dime of your real-money balance.
Be on the Lookout for Bonuses
Each reliable online casino offers a plethora of ongoing promotions you can use when playing blackjack. As such, don’t forget to constantly check the promo section of the operator and see whether there is an offer to use on online blackjack.
Cashback bonuses and reload offers are just some of the packages you can encounter which can boost your bankroll for playing blackjack.
What Are the Most Profitable Hard Hands to Double Down?
Let’s now get to the real deal – when to use the double down strategy to win twice as much money from your bet? We can start with the hard hands based by the optimal double down blackjack chart.
Hard 11 Against Any Card by the Dealer
This is arguably the easiest rule to understand when doubling down your original bet – having a hard 11. A hard 11 means you don’t have an Ace, with examples of such hands being 5-6, 9-2, or 7-4.
Therefore, regardless of what the dealer shows, a hand like this gives you a great chance you can receive a 10-value card next, so double down your initial bet and optimize your potential payouts!
Hard 9 or 10 Against a Dealer’s Low-Value Card
Moving on, we have hard 9 and 10 cards that allow you to follow the same double down strategy. Whenever you receive such a hand, check what is the dealer’s upcard. If it is lower than seven, go ahead and make a bet equal to the double size of your initial wager.
Furthermore, if you have a hard 10, you have a wider spectrum of possibilities, as you can double down if the dealer shows a 7, 8, or a 9.
The logic behind these moves is very simple – you are very likely to draw a 10-value card, but the dealer can only go up to 19.
What Are Most Profitable Soft Hands to Double Down?
Your options are a bit slimmer for soft hands, but you can still double down on them and have every chance of hitting blackjack or having a higher-value hand than the dealer.
Soft 16 Against a Low Card by the Dealer
This is one of the most complicated strategies, so we suggest you practice it at online casinos before you integrate it into your gameplay. A soft hand is one that has an Ace – but the Ace can have a 1 or 11-point value in blackjack.
As such, with a soft 16, you can take a bit of risk and draw another hand. If it is a low one, then great, you can even hit blackjack and secure a winning hand instantly.
Another scenario is for a high third card, for which the Ace turns into 1, so now you have a 15-point worth hand.
At first glance, this strategy may seem a bit sketchy, but it has the potential to pay off in the long term if the dealer shows a low card. They will have to draw cards to 17, so they have every chance of busting, even if they start with a very low card.
When Not to Double Down?
Just because doubling down on your blackjack hand is one of the better strategies to use, it doesn’t mean you should overdo it. There are certain scenarios and key spots when you are best advised to avoid doubling down:
- The Dealer Shows an Ace – If the dealer has an Ace, then they have a very good chance of hitting blackjack, so never double your bet in this scenario. In some blackjack variants, the dealer’s blackjack is stronger than the player’s, so keep your initial bet and wait for the next round.
- You Have a Hard 12 or Higher – If you double down on a Hard 12, you risk receiving a 10-value card and bust. Therefore, play safe and go with your initial bet only.
As a side note in this section, we strongly urge you to avoid the doubling down in blackjack rule if you are on a losing streak. Never chase losses and think that by doubling down your wager, you can amortize your losses. Know when to walk away – there is always tomorrow for using the blackjack double down strategy!
How to Signal Double Down In Blackjack
Now that you know the optimal way in which you can double down in this game, it is time to understand the technicalities of how you can make that move when you play online blackjack with Bitcoin and Crypto.
Choose a Variant Carefully
You don’t want any unpleasant surprises, so before you think about the double down blackjack strategy, we suggest you browse through the game library and check out the blackjack variants. Some of them may only allow you to double down for 9, 10, or 11-valued hands, while others will allow you to use this betting option for any total.
Place an Equal Bet on the Original
Now, if you want to signal that you want to double down your bet, you will need to place a bet that is equal to the original stake right next to it. Note that this is a common option for playing live dealer blackjack at crypto casinos, with a separate set of rules applying for virtual blackjack games.
Click the Double Down Option
If you are more fond of playing virtual blackjack games with crypto, then the process of doubling down is even more simple. There might be some small variations in the display or the rules, but you will usually just need to click a double down button and increase your stack of chips for the table.
Repeat & Enjoy
As you can see, doubling down in blackjack is a very straightforward process, so whenever you have one of the above-mentioned hands, don’t hesitate to utilize it! Of course, pay close attention to your budget and gamble responsibly!
Test Your Double Down Blackjack Strategy Now
So, now that you are armed with all the betting double down knowledge, it is time to put it to the ultimate test!
Using the blackjack double down strategy is now more simple and better than ever thanks to Cryptorush! As a world-class crypto-friendly operator, Cryptorush allows you to instantly withdraw your winnings from your double down bet, and make near-anonymous payments with the lowest fees in the market.
All that stands in your way now is a short registration process, so sign up, choose your blackjack variant and double your wins!
FAQs
Is splitting and doubling down in blackjack the same?
No, splitting in blackjack will see you make two separate hands with one additional card on top of your existing ones of the same rank. Doubling down is simply adding another bet on your current one and requesting an additional card from the dealer.
Can I double down after hitting?
Most crypto blackjack games won’t allow you to double down after hitting. Usually, you will be able to do so only after you receive your first two cards.
Should I always double down with 11?
Yes, the optimal strategy for blackjack says that doubling down when you have 11 with your first two cards is a great move. Chances are that you will receive a 10-valued card and hit blackjack.
Can I play blackjack with crypto?
Of course, you can! Doubling down and making bets with cryptocurrencies at Cryptorush means that you get to enjoy fast transactions and anonymous gameplay!