Three Reasons Not to Double Down When Playing Blackjack
The game of blackjack is said to have French origins. Originally called 21 or black jack, the goal of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand. To win, the player must get closer to 21 than the dealer, or at least close enough to get a 21 without going over. If the dealer comes closest to 21, the player loses. For further information on blackjack strategy, read our article on Blackjack: Basic Strategy
Double down
Do you often play blackjack? If you do, you probably have heard the term “double down,” meaning to raise the stakes or force an issue. It is a good idea to double down on good hands, but when are you better off not doing so? Learn to determine when to double down before you decide to take the risk. Here are some examples. To understand why you should double down, you should first understand the rules and odds of blackjack.
Insurance
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that gives players the perception that they are protected in case the dealer has an ace, but the casino does not actually tell you to take insurance. Blackjack insurance should therefore be avoided. In the event that the dealer does not have a blackjack, the player will lose his entire bet, including the insurance wager. However, many players are convinced that they are protected when they win and take insurance anyway. In reality, though, insurance is not a necessary part of a blackjack strategy.
Basic strategy
When you want to win at blackjack, you must master the basic blackjack strategy, which is an effective guide that helps you play the game flawlessly. While basic strategy will not give you an edge over the house, it will ensure you lose the least amount of money. In other words, it will allow you to maximize your Return To Player (RTP), meaning your bankroll will last longer and you will get more bang for your buck. Here are three factors to consider before starting your blackjack strategy.
Splitting
If you’ve played blackjack before, you’ve probably heard of the concept of splitting a pair of cards. The basic idea behind splitting is to give yourself an extra chance of beating the dealer. Splitting pairs of cards is only appropriate for pairs of the same value, like an Ace and a nine. However, if you have a pair of 10s or 5s, you should stay away from splitting pairs. While splitting pairs can be fun, you must remember that it is an optional move.
Insurance bets
When you bet on blackjack, insurance bets come into play when the dealer has an Ace as their up card. In some cases, the dealer will turn over a ten-value card to check if he has blackjack. If he does, you win the insurance bet. In this case, you lose your initial bet, but win the insurance bet. You win 2:1 on your bet of $25.