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When to Double Down in Online Casino Blackjack for Maximum Wins
Doubling down is one of the ultimate high-risk, high-reward moves in blackjack but in some circumstances the math supports making the move
Blackjack is a game of chance, but because the game at online casinos contains a finite set of possible outcomes, there are fixed odds with established probabilities. There are certain instances in which the math supports doubling down if you're playing on apps like Caesars Palace Online Casino.
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Playing the probabilities with doubling down in blackjack
Because of the randomness of the deal in live dealer blackjack or the use of random number generators in digital versions of online casino games, it's possible to lose your bet even when the math says the probability favors your hand. Doubling down in blackjack means to double the value of your wager.
It's a move that players should make when they have utmost confidence that their hand will best the dealer's. Because the stake is doubled, so is the return if their luck holds.
There are some hands for which the probability dictates that doubling down is essentially a must, as the likelihood of the dealer getting closer to 21 without busting are comparatively slim. A couple of situations also just as strongly dictate that doubling down is the last thing you should do.
Being familiar with these situations will allow you to strike while the iron is hot, should you be lucky enough to find yourself in these circumstances. You can also avoid costly mistakes with this knowledge.
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When doubling down is a must
Millions of hands of blackjack played on apps like Fanatics Casino have verified the math behind doubling down in these situations:
- When your first two cards total 9, 10, or 11 and neither of them is an ace
- When your first two cards total 16, 17, or 18 and one of them is an ace
However, you need to consider the dealer's hand as well as yours in these circumstances. There is one situation in which these normal rules of thumb for blackjack doubling down don't apply.
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When to avoid doubling down
The rules in this regard are quite simple. To begin, you should never double down when the dealer's up card (the card that is showing face up) is an ace.
Even if you have a hard 11 or a soft 18, the dealer holding an ace completely changes the math. Doubling down in this instance isn't worth the risk.
The other recommendation is to never double down when you have a hard total above 11. The probabilities dictate that the risk outweighs the potential reward.
If you're uncertain, the smart play is to stick with your original bet and hope the cards fall your way. Whether you're playing with real money or online casino bonuses, playing the probabilities gives you the best chance of winning in blackjack.
