One of the most favorable situations when you are playing blackjack happens when there is a double down opportunity. You are permitted to double your bet after receiving your first two cards when you double down. Then, only one card can be received on your hand. On any two cards (DOA), you are allowed to double down in most casinos. However, your doubling to hands totaling ten or eleven is limited in some casinos. DOA and double after splitting (DAS) are both favorable rules to the player.
Basing on the mathematics of the game, you can decide when you should double down by using basic strategy. Doubling down is very favorable because you are allowed to double your bet at a time when your opportunity of beating the dealer is at its best. Oftentimes, this is the weakest point of the dealer. This instance occurs when the card showed up by the dealer is a possible reason for them to be busted.
The frequency that a dealer will be busted basing on their up card have been run in many computer simulation. The frequency is tabulated below:
Two through six are the worst cards for the dealer. With these cards showing, they will bust more times. Against these cards, your double down will be more successful. There are close calls such as situations where you will double down with a ten in opposition to the dealer’s nine or you have an eleven against a ten for the dealer. Even if some beginners in this game can be uncertain to do this, doing so is still the correct strategy. In these circumstances, you will win more by doubling.
Because of their fear of losing a double bet, some players are reluctant to double down. You are playing at a table where stakes are higher than you should be if you sweat thinking of the size of your bet when you double down.
As long as your original bet meets the table minimum, you will be allowed to double down for less than your original bet in most casinos. But it is foolish to do so because doubling for the maximum will work to your advantage and you only double when the situation is favorable to you.
Being a player with enough experience, double down situations are my favorite. However, you need to bear in mind that you will run into a negative streak at times. It is truly annoying to lose your double down hands. It could happen in some nights. But never give in when you are tempted to deviate from the proper strategy by not doubling down.
It is remarkably favorable to double down. When the opportunity presents itself, seize the moment and double down. You are not playing correct basic strategy and you will be increasing the house edge when you don’t double down in appropriate situations.