When to Double Down in Blackjack?

Doubling down in Blackjack is a tactical choice that can enhance your potential earnings in some situations. The basic approach is to double down when your hand is strong enough to win. Basic strategy charts, which exist for various forms of this online casino game, can assist you in determining the right moments to double down based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

Last updated on: 2025-12-22

What is Doubling Down in Blackjack?

Doubling down in Blackjack is a wagering choice that allows you to double your initial bet to receive just one additional card. It is a tactical decision that can boost your profits when you are confident about your hand.

When to Double Down?

Understanding when to double down your bet in Blackjack is crucial for enhancing your chances of winning. Here is when to double down:

If your card value is 11, Always double down
Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 9 or lower and you have a value of 10
If your hand is soft 16, 17, or 18, you should double down, considering the dealer’s upcard is 4, 5, or 6
If your total hand is 9 and the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, you should double down.

If Your Cards Total 11

Holding a total of 11 puts you in a strong position since you are only one card away from achieving 21, which is the highest hand. The likelihood of drawing a 10 or a face card to reach 21 is quite good. Always opt to double down when your total is 11, no matter what the dealer shows. This is considered one of the most advantageous strategies in Blackjack.

If Your Hand Is a Soft 16, 17, or 18

A “soft” hand contains an Ace which can be valued as either 1 or 11. Since you can modify the value of the Ace, there is a reduced chance of going bust, allowing you to safely draw another card in hopes of improving your hand. You should consider doubling down on a soft 16, 17, or 18 if the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6 (considered weak cards). The likelihood of the dealer going bust is higher with these cards.

If You Have a Hard 9 or 10

You should double down on a hard 9 when the dealer’s upcard is a 3, 4, 5, or 6. These cards are viewed as “dealer bust cards” since the chances of the dealer busting increase with these weak cards in play. A hard 9 represents a solid hand, and by doubling down, you can take advantage of the dealer’s vulnerable situation.

The dealer’s upcard is weak, and you can enhance your hand with an additional card. Your goal is to exploit the dealer’s increased probability of busting while maintaining a strong position for yourself to achieve a better hand.

When Not to Double Down?

Canadians playing Blackjack at Casino Days often wonder when not to double down. In certain situations, doubling down is not the best choice because the risk outweighs the potential reward. Here is when NOT to double down:

Hard 12 or higher: The risk of busting is too high, especially for a hard 12 or above.
Dealer’s upcard is 10 or Ace: The dealer has a strong chance of getting a hand that beats yours, so doubling down is too risky.
Soft 13-15: Soft hands with 13, 14, or 15 are too weak for doubling down. You should hit instead.
If the dealer’s upcard is 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, it is better to avoid doubling down.

If The Dealer Has an Ace

When the dealer has an Ace showing, it creates a situation where they might have a powerful hand. This is because the Ace can be valued as either 1 or 11, allowing the dealer to create a hand with greater versatility (such as a 21 or a strong total). Additionally, this increases the likelihood of the dealer achieving a blackjack (an Ace paired with a 10-value card), so it is crucial to modify your strategy accordingly.

If Your Card Total Is Higher Than 11

If your total card value exceeds 11, you should cautiously evaluate whether to hit, stand, double down, or split. The choice primarily depends on your total and the dealer’s visible card.

If You’re Unsure

When in doubt about how to play Blackjack, the most reliable option is to use basic strategy. This mathematically validated method indicates the optimal move depending on your hand and the dealer’s visible card. If you are a frequent player, it is beneficial to print a basic strategy chart made for the specific rules of the version of the game that you are playing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Doubling Down

Doubling down can be a powerful tool in your strategy. However, like all bets, it has both advantages and disadvantages.

1.Advantages

Maximizes winnings when you have a favourable position;
Capitalizes on weak dealer hands (3-6), increasing your chances of winning;
Increases potential for strong hands (e.g., hard 9, 10, or 11) to become even stronger;
Psychological advantage by putting pressure on the dealer.

2.Disadvantages

Higher risk of losing more because you double your bet;
Limited to one card, which can be restrictive if the card you draw does not help;
Not always the best option against strong dealer upcards (7-Ace);
It can be confusing for beginners, especially if you do not know the right situations to double down.

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Licensing & Legality in Canada

Canada’s online gambling regulations vary by province, and our casino operates in full compliance with these requirements. For players in British Columbia, Alberta, Québec, and other provinces, Casino Days is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. All gameplay and financial transactions are protected with SSL encryption, and games are supplied by licensed providers using certified RNGs to ensure fair and reliable outcomes.

And for our Ontario players, Casino Days operates a separate, provincially regulated platform approved by iGaming Ontario (iGO) and licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Responsible Gambling

At Casino Days, we promote responsible gambling and provide players with the tools they need to stay in control. While playing at our casino, players can set deposit, loss, and session limits directly in their account settings at any time. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist players with questions or concerns about responsible play. In case you need more support, resources are available through organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous and GamCare for anyone who feels their gambling may become a problem for them.

Blackjack Double Down FAQ

Can I Double Down After Splitting?

Yes, you can double down in most blackjack games after splitting a pair. However, there are some important things you should know. If you split Aces, you usually can only draw one card for each Ace (no further doubling). You should also know that not all casinos allow doubling down after splitting, so you should check the house rules.

What Is the Maximum Bet When Doubling Down?

Typically, the maximum bet allowed when doubling down is the same as the table limit. Some casinos may restrict the maximum doubling bet, but generally, it is up to the house rules and table limits.

Should I Always Double Down?

No, you should not always double down. It is a high-risk move that should only be used when the odds are in your favour. Use basic strategy to guide you, and only double down on hands where the total is 9, 10, or 11, or when the dealer has a weak upcard (2-6).

What Happens After You Double Down?

After you double down in blackjack, you place an additional bet equal to your original wager and receive exactly one more card. Once that card is dealt, your turn automatically ends, you can not hit, stand, or take any further actions. The dealer then completes their hand, and the outcome is determined by the final totals.

Do You Get Only One Card When You Double Down?

Yes. When you double down, you are only allowed one additional card. This rule applies in both online and live dealer blackjack games. Because you cannot take any more cards afterward, doubling down should only be used when the odds strongly favor improving your hand with a single draw.

Is Doubling Down Risky in Blackjack?

Doubling down increases short-term risk because you are doubling your bet and committing to just one card. However, when used correctly in statistically favorable situations (such as holding 10 or 11), doubling down reduces the house edge and improves long-term expected value. The risk comes mainly from using it in the wrong scenarios.

Is It Better to Hit or Double Down?

It depends on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Doubling down is usually better than hitting when you have a strong starting total (like 9, 10, or 11) and the dealer shows a weak card. In weaker or uncertain situations, hitting is often the safer option. Basic blackjack strategy charts help determine the best choice.