When to Double Down and Split in Blackjack?

When to Double Down in Blackjack Play ?

Luckily for you, the basic strategy for blackjack have been mapped out with mathematical probability. So, you can use it to know when it’s best on the long run to double down or not. Here are some cases when you can double down without busting, and the dealer is more likely to lose the hand.

Hard 9 against a dealer’s low cards

In a case when you have a total hand of 9, double down when the dealer has a card between 2 and 6. Use the blackjack double down on any of the dealer’s card below seven except ACE. This rule only applies to when you have a hard 9, meaning you don’t have an ACE at hand. So, you can have a combination like 4-5, 3-6, or 2-7, but if you have an ACE-9 that’s a soft 9, and you shouldn’t use the. Blackjack double down on a soft-9.

Soft 16 to 18 against a dealer’s low card

In a case where you have an ACE and either a 5, 6 or 7 cards, then you have a soft hand that total between 16 to 18. If a dealer shows a low-card of 2 to 6, this would be an ideal time for you to double down on your wager. Generally, doubling on a soft hand like this gives you an upper hand to double your bet.

Hard 10 to 11 against a dealer’s low card

When you have a hard 10 or 11 card against any dealer’s low-card, you should double down. Meaning that when you have two cards that total 10 or 11 without an ACE, it’s a hard 10 or 11. It could be any of the combination 2-8, 2-9, 3-7, 3-8, 4-6, 4-7, 5-6, and so on. As long as the dealer has a lower cand than you, you should always double down.

When To Split a Pair in Blackjack Play ?

Having explained split basics in the introduction part, you also need to know when to use the option to split. You shouldn’t split all the time. The perfect time to split depends on the dealers up card.

Always split

• When you have ACES: ACES are rare in blackjack, but with so many pair of 10-value cards in the deck, it’s easier to get  21 when you have an ACE. Splitting ACES is one of the best cards you can play in blackjack. You should also re-split your ACES.
• When you have 8’s: having two 8’s would make a total of 16, however, it is more likely that the dealer can also have a 16 too. Standing on a pair of 8’s against a dealers 16 would be a push. So, it’s best you re-split your 8’s to give you a better chance of winning.

When to split against dealer’s up card

• When you have 2-2, 3-3, 7-7 against a dealer’s upcard 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• When you have 6-6 against a dealer’s upcard 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• When you have 9-9 against a dealer upcard 2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 8, 9