5 min read
Doubling Down When It Counts
Doubling is the single most profitable move when you use it correctly. It's also the easiest to misuse.
Doubling means: I'm so confident I'll win this hand that I'll put up another full bet to take exactly one more card.
Always double
Hard 11 against anything other than an ace (and even vs A in some H17 games). It's the most profitable double in the game.
Often double
Hard 10 vs 2–9. Hard 9 vs 3–6. Soft 17 and 18 vs 3–6. The pattern: you're strong, the dealer is weak, you're likely to win — press the bet.
Bankroll note: Don't skip doubles because the bet feels big. Skipping correct doubles is one of the most expensive long-run mistakes.