When to Split or Double Down in Online Blackjack
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
By Steve Hayes
Sadly, most amateurs focus mainly on basics of hit and stand blackjack strategies and in doing so, fail to maximize at least half of their potential profits. If you’ve been in this situation, then you need to get acquainted with the two other important moves in this game: splitting and doubling down. When applied properly, splitting can recover a bad hand or even turn a good hand into two great ones. Likewise, doubling down can maximize your winnings fast and efficiently.
When to Split
Splitting can only be done when a player receives a pair and even so, it is not such a recommendable thing to do. In general, it’s best to only split with Aces and 8’s. When splitting an 8, you give yourself a chance to break a 16 hand - one of blackjack’s most dreaded hands!
Aces bears 2 hand values: 2 and 12, therefore, splitting an Ace can be a great strategic move – giving you two opportunities to hit a blackjack. On the other hand, 5’s, 10’s and face cards are solid hands and should never be split.
When to Double Down
Doubling down also requires you follow specific guidelines. The best time to double down is with a hand total of 10 or 11. Actually, some online casinos only allow for players to double down with these two hand totals.
If there are no such restrictions at the table you are playing, then you may decide to double down on hands of 17 or less, when the dealer has a hand of 15 or 16 and must hit. Evidently, you will both hit but consequently the dealer will more likely bust.
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