Blackjack Doubling Down and Splitting: The Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Guide

The option to “double down” in a game of blackjack allows the player to boost the value of their stake by as much as 100%. In exchange, after taking one more card, the player must stand. In online blackjack, doubling down is a statement of conviction in your hand and is the mathematically sound choice to make in three specific conditions.

Understanding what Doubling Down in Blackjack is

Doubling Down in the middle of a hand of blackjack, you are only dealt one additional card. It’s dangerous since you can’t take another hit if you’re given a low card, which means you stand to lose twice as many chips.

Blackjack players who don’t know when to double down are leaving money on the online casino Singapore table. Finding a happy medium between avoiding unnecessary risks and confidently seizing opportunities is key.

When to Double Down in Blackjack

There are 3 situations where you should consider a double down bet in blackjack. The first is when you have a total of 11 with your cards. The odds of getting a score as near to 21 as possible are very high, and even if you don’t manage to do so, you still have a good chance of doing so.

The second is holding a “soft” 16, 17, or 18 (a card and an ace). You should only double down if the dealer’s up card is lower than yours. With a soft 18 you may be inclined to stick with your current hand, but there’s a good possibility that drawing another card would improve it.

Finally, you can double down any time you have a hard 9 or 10, which is to say, a hand that does not contain an ace. If the dealer is presenting a low card and you get a high card, you’ll be in an excellent position to win the hand.

Instances when you should NOT Double Down

The most common-sense situation in which you shouldn’t Double Down is if the dealer is showing an ace. The odds of them getting a blackjack are simply too high to ignore. Even if they don’t have blackjack after checking, there’s a considerable possibility they’ll have a hand totaling 21 or very near to it.

Another is to never risk going bust by doubling down when your hand value is higher than 11. Hitting or standing on a low total and hoping the online casino Singapore dealer busts is the preferable strategy.

When to Split in Blackjack

Splitting in blackjack can be tricky for a beginner, but we’ll go over the basics with you. Standard practice dictates that you always split eights and aces. Splitting aces is always a safe bet because it increases your chances of winning both hands.

Since a hand of 16 cards is already weak, it is preferable to split the eights and try to make something out of each of them.

The value of hitting on four-, five-, and six-card sets is so high that it would be foolish to split them. The 2, 3, and 4 all offer good splitting potential because they can be built upon while being less likely to explode if another card is drawn.

So, separating the value of a 10-value card is a waste of time. Keep an eye on the up card the dealer is showing and evaluate the risks associated with splitting while making your decision.

Final thoughts

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s possible to double down after a split. Although doubling down after a split is prohibited at most casinos, certain online gambling sites do allow it. If doubling down after a split is an option, you should evaluate the hand just like you would any other.

The excitement of blackjack is amplified by the options of doubling down and splitting. Participant’s ability to take risks and make decisions is enhanced by these tips and guidelines. Put these strategies to good use at our recommended casino online singapore website, Solarbet, and start dominating the blackjack tables!