One of the attractions of blackjack is the ability to increase your bets in mid-hand if you feel you have a good opportunity to win. This is the main reason that blackjack can be played nearly even. When you have the chance to make these bets, you should take advantage of them.
One of the circumstances in which you may increase your bet is called doubling down. This means the casino will allow you to make a second bet equal in size to your first bet. In return for this right. you agree to accept only one more card for your hand. You can double down only after looking at your first two cards. You cannot take a hit and double down. Some casinos allow vou to double down for less than the amount of your original bet. This should be avoided because if the situation is worth doubling down, it is worth betting as much as you can, which is the amount of your original bet.
To tell the dealer you want to double down, you slide a second bet next to your original bet in the betting circle. Do not place the additional bet on top of the original wager because the dealer may think you are trying to cheat by increasing your bet illegally.
No hand signal is necessary. The dealer will see your double-down bet and give you one card, generally placed horizontally across the first two cards. In the hand-held game, the dealer will place the card under your chips in the betting circle. You may pick up the card to see what you’ve been given, but you’ll get more respect if you wait until the dealer settles all bets to expose your hand.
If you win your bet, you’ll be paid even money for the two bets, and receive double your original wager. If you lose, of course, both bets are taken away. In the event of a tie, you keep both stakes, but are not paid.