In blackjack there come points in time during the game when the player can go on the offensive—when their hand is stronger than the dealer’s. But how do you know when to go on the offensive? When you are dealt a starting total of 9, 10 or 11 is when you take your blackjack strategy to the offensive side.
The best play to make when you find your starting hand total to be one of those three is to double down. Doubling down sends a message to the dealer that you are confident and that your hand is strong—that you have a better chance of out-drawing the dealer and that you are going to do so with one card.
Granted, we not always win when we double down, but it is a fun play to make.
Doubling down is when you double your original bet and only receive one more card. Many players are a bit intimidated by only receiving one more card, but when you consider that you are already starting with a 10 or 11, you already have half of what you need to total 21. And if you are starting with 9 you are already halfway to having 20—another strong hand.
And by having the potential of creating a strong hand and winning with that hand, you have the chance of doubling your winnings since your bet was doubled.
Having a starting total of 11 is the strongest of the three. It offers you the most opportunities to double down. If you have a starting total of 11 and the dealer’s up card is a 2 through 10, double down. The only time you do not double down is when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
In regards to having a starting total of 10, you will want to double down when the dealer’s up card is a 2 through 9.
And when you have a starting total of 9, you need to double down when the dealer’s up card is a 3 through 6.