Slots

When should you double in online slots?

Written by Morgan Burton

Introduction

Doubling is one of the most awaited moments in online slots like agen idn. It offers the player an option to double their wager in the middle of a hand in exchange for receiving just one card following receipt of their original two cards. Players then get dealt one and only one additional card. Then it’s them versus the dealer to decide who wins. It’s a risky bet as it usually ends their betting they can’t hit again even if they receive a particularly low second card.

A player doubles because the situation looks positive, so they risk more to win more, hopefully. As they can control when to double, this is a powerful tool for the player to spot the perfect opportunity. This can lead to more apprehensive players avoiding the double bet and more adventurous players making it far too often. It’s important to strike a balance between sensible, safe play, such as using a statistical strategy and risky double downs in order to maximize their potential winnings. 

When to double

Doubling on less than strong hands often ends in tears for the punter. The basic strategy suggests that the best time to double is when the first two cards total to a hard nine, 10, or 11 and a soft 16 to 18.

  • Hard nine – When players hand amount to a hard nine, it is recommended to compare the dealer’s revealed card. If they are holding 21 cards three, four, five, or six, then it is recommended to double, while a two sees the chart advising players to hit instead. This is based on the common variations, which are played with four to eight decks.
  • Hard 10 or 11 – When players have a hand that amounts to 10, they are advised to double if the dealer has an upcard of anything from two to nine, but players should hit if dealers have a ten or an Ace. Perhaps the best time to double is when a player has a hand totaling 11. For the variation, which features the rule that the dealer has to stand of a soft 17, players are recommended to double on any up card a dealer may have except for an Ace. If the dealer is allowed to peek to see if they have blackjack, it can be a good sign they don’t have 21 if they have an Ace as their up card, and the game continues. This will also help decide if players want to double when they have an Ace despite the chart.
  • Soft 16 To 18  – If players have an Ace and either a 5, 6, or 7 giving a total of 16 to 18, and the dealer shows a card from 2 to 6, this is a great time to double their bet. With an Ace and a lower card, it is better to just hit as they are less liable to finish with a high hand.

When not to double

It is equally crucial for players to know when they shouldn’t double, as doubling may seem appealing and won’t realize their spending. Learning when to never double players, is ensured that they won’t lose more than they were initially prepared to lose.

Players should never double when:

  • There’s no pair except two fives. For this pair, players should double rather than splitting them even if the dealer is showing a bust card. However, players shouldn‘t double on the pair of five if the dealer is showing a ten or an Ace.
  • A soft 19 or 20 is seen.
  • A hand that can hit 21 with just one additional card

Conclusion

Players need to look for the casino’s rules when doubling. Many casinos only allow players to double when they’re showing cards totaling 10 or 11. If they have any other value hand, they’ll only be able to continue as normal unless they have the chance to split. Also, players should pay particular attention to the value that the dealer must hit up too. This impacts their chances to go over 21. Most games make the dealer hit up to 17; in some games, the dealer only hits up to 16, which lowers their chances of exceeding 21. The more dealers’ chances to go over 21, the more players should think about making a double bet.

Finally, players must learn whether the dealer peeks for blackjack when they’re dealt an ace or a ten value card. If they do check, and the game continues, they don’t have blackjack. This makes the chances of winning when placing a double bet much higher.

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