When to Split and Double Down in Blackjack?

Knowing when to double down and split in blackjack can make all the difference. These are two of the most important strategies that separate newbies from pros.

When to Split

Splitting is an option when you get a pair of the same rank. You split and create two separate hands, increasing your chances of winning. But you need to know when to split and double down in blackjack to get the most out of it.

• Always split aces and eights: Splitting aces gives you two strong hands to start with, splitting eights gives you a better chance of improving a weak hand.

• Never split tens and fives: A pair of tens already gives you 20, that’s a strong hand. Fives should be played as one hand for a better chance at getting a higher hand total.

• Split twos, threes and sevens against dealer’s weak card: When the dealer shows a weak card (2-6) split gives you an edge.

When to Double Down

Doubling down allows you to double your bet and get only one more card. Knowing when to split and double down in blackjack can help you win more.

• Double down on 11: This is the best option, you have a strong chance of getting a 10 that will give you 21.

• Double down on 10 against the dealer’s weak card: If the dealer shows 2-9, doubling down with 10 puts you in a good position.

• Double down on soft 16-18 against the dealer’s weak card: A soft hand (where one of the cards is an ace) gives you flexibility and room to take more risk.

When You Should Double Down?

Doubling down in blackjack is one of the best ways to make more money but you have to know when to do it. The best time to double down is when you have 11. In this case you have a good chance of getting a 10 value card which gives you 21 the best hand in blackjack. 

This is especially good when the dealer is showing a weak card. Another good time to double down is when you have 10 and the dealer is showing a 2-9. In this case you have good odds of getting a 10 value card and getting 20 while the dealer has a weaker hand and you are in a good position.

Another good time to double down is when you have a soft 16-18 and the dealer is showing a weak card 2-6. A soft hand which includes an ace gives you more flexibility since the ace can be counted as 1 or 11 and reduces the risk of busting if you get a lower card. 

But just as important as knowing when to double down is knowing when not to. You should not double down when the dealer is showing a strong card 9, 10 or ace since this gives the dealer a better chance of beating your hand.

Another thing to consider when deciding to double down is how it interacts with splitting. For example if you are dealt a pair of 5’s it’s better to double down than to split the hand. You may wonder when you can split in blackjack, in this case doubling down on a 10 same value hand gives you a better chance of winning than splitting into two weaker hands. By mastering these scenarios and knowing when to double down you can make more money at the blackjack table rules.

When can you split in blackjack

Knowing what is a split in blackjack is key to maxing out your winnings. Splitting occurs when you get two cards of the same value and can split them into two separate hands. But knowing what is a split in blackjack and when to use it wisely can make all the difference.

Best time to split is when you get a pair of two aces or eights. Splitting aces gives you two hands with strong potential as each ace can draw a 10-value card to get 21. Splitting eights is smart because it turns a weak hand (16) into two new hands with better chances of improvement.

On the other hand, some pairs should never be split. For example, never split tens as they give you a solid 20 which is a winning hand. Never split fives as they should be played as a whole for a better chance of improving to a higher hand total.

There are also times when it’s smart to split pairs of twos, threes or sevens but only when the dealer is showing a weak card, typically 2-6. In these cases, splitting allows you to take advantage of the dealer’s disadvantage and have more hands to win.

When Not To Double Down?

While doubling down can increase your chances of winning, you also need to know when not to double down. Doubling down is a high risk high reward move and using it in the wrong situations can lead to losses fast. So what’s the best time to double down in blackjack?

Don’t double down when the dealer is showing a strong card, 9, 10 or ace. These cards give the dealer a better chance of getting a strong hand or even blackjack and your chances of winning are slimmer. For example if you have a 10 or 11 and the dealer is showing a 10 or an ace, don’t double down because the dealer has a high chance of beating your hand.

Same with 12 or higher, don’t double down. 12 or 13 are too close to bust and doubling down can easily cost you twice your original bet if you go over 21. It’s safer to stick with your original bet in these situations and avoid the extra risk.

Knowing when not to double down is just as important as knowing when to double down in blackjack. By recognizing these high risk situations you can avoid unnecessary losses and make better decisions during the game.

Blackjack Double Down Tips

Doubling down in blackjack can really pay off but you must use it wisely. Knowing when you should double in blackjack is a skill that separates the pros from the newbies. One of the best times when to double down or split is when you have a hand total of 10 or 11 and the dealer is showing a weak card (2-9). 

In this scenario doubling down gives you a high chance of getting a 10 value card and going to 20 or 21. This is one of the clearest answers to when to double down or split, as doubling down is the best option when you have a good chance of getting a winning hand.

Another blackjack double down tip is to double down when you have a soft hand, like 16-18 (a hand that includes an ace which can count as 1 or 11). When the dealer shows a weak card, doubling down in this situation gives you flexibility and reduces the risk of busting.

But equally important is knowing when not to double down. Don’t double down when the dealer has a strong hand, like 9, 10 or ace, as the odds are in their favor. In these cases stick to your original bet.

Also remember when you have to choose between doubling down or splitting. For example with a pair of fives you should double down because splitting fives gives you two weaker hands. But with two aces or eights you should split over doubling down.

By knowing when to double down or split and when to double in blackjack you can apply the double down blackjack strategy and win more and get the most out of every hand.

FAQ

In this FAQ, you can learn how to double down in blackjack and can find answers to other crucial questions.

When should you split fours in blackjack?

Splitting fours is not recommended in blackjack. But there are some situations where you can. The most common scenario for splitting fours is when the dealer shows a 5 or 6. In this case splitting fours gives you two strong hands while the dealer is in a weaker position.

But if the dealer shows any other card it’s better to play the hand as it is and not split. In most cases it’s better to hit or when to double down in blackjack if you have a good opportunity rather than splitting fours.

When should you split or double down in blackjack?

In blackjack you should split your cards when you have pairs of aces or eights. Always split two aces, you get to start two new hands with strong potential. Split eights as well, it improves a weak starting hand. You can also split twos, threes or sevens but only if the dealer is showing a weak card (2-6).

As for doubling down, the best time to do so is when you have a total of 10 or 11, especially if the dealer is showing a weak card (2-9). Doubling down in these situations gives you a chance to get a 10-value card and get a strong hand of 20 or 21. 

You should also double down when you have a soft hand, like a soft 16-18 (an ace and a low card), especially if the dealer shows a weak card. This gives you flexibility without the risk of busting.

Understanding when to double in blackjack and when to split your face cards can significantly improve your strategy and increase your chances of winning.

How do you know when to split in blackjack?

Split when you have a pair of aces or eights, you have more chance to improve your hands. Split pairs of twos, threes or sevens if the dealer shows a weak card (2-6). Don’t split tens and fives. Knowing blackjack when to split and double down is also important as doubling is another strategy to win big alongside splitting.

How to know when to double down in blackjack?

Double down with 10 or 11 especially if the dealer shows 2-9. Double down with soft 16-18 if the dealer shows a weak hand. Knowing what is double blackjack means — doubling your bet for one card, helps you take advantage of these opportunities.

Should I always double down on 11?

Yes, you should almost always double 11 in blackjack as it’s one of the best hands to double on. When you have 11 you will get a 10 value card most of the time and that will give you 21. This works best when the dealer has a weak card. Knowing when should you double down in blackjack will improve your chances and doubling 11 is one of the best moves you can make.

Do you double a 9 against a 7?

Don’t double down on a 9 against a 7. 9 is a good hand but the 7 is a strong card and doubling down increases your risk. Just hit and try to improve your hand. Knowing when to double down in blackjack helps you avoid doubling down against a strong dealer hand.

When should you always split in blackjack?

Always split aces and eights. Splitting two aces gives you two chances to win, since each ace can draw a 10-value card and give you 21. Splitting eights is a must since a pair of eights gives you 16 and splitting lets you improve both hands and not get stuck with a bad hand. These are the times to always split.