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Doubling Down



When the player has the opportunity to increase their bet, by doubling down or splitting
this is when the advantages of basic strategy kick in. The main method for the player to
reduce the house edge is through doubling down. This means that it is important to know the
double-down situations in which the player has the advantage. Three rules govern this
play for hard hands and three different rules for softhands:

For Hard Hands
Double Down when the player's cards total 11 and the dealer shows a Ten or less.
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Double Down

Double down when the player's cards total nine and the dealer shows a Four, Five or Six
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Double Down

Double down when the player's cards total 10 and the dealer show a Nine or less.
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Always Double, Never Split

For Soft Hands, three rules also are essential
Players double down with a soft 13 and soft 14 when the dealer shows a Five or Six.
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Double Down

Players double down with a soft 15 and soft 16 when the dealer shows a Four, Five or Six.
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Double Down

Players double down with a soft 17 and soft 18 when the dealer shows a Three through Six
Player's Cards
Dealer's Upcard
Double Down


Resources: Double Down Chart | Hit and Stand Chart | Splitting Pairs Chart