When to Double Down or Take Insurance

If you have been playing blackjack for awhile you know that it is a very popular game and is generally considered a relatively easy game to play.  There are a couple areas of this game that are not very well understood and that is when to double down and when to take insurance. 

These are issues that even those who have been playing blackjack for awhile struggle with.  You’ll always have to make the decision to double down given the specific set of circumstances, but understanding your options better will help you know when to make that choice. Try out your blackjack skills now with a limited time Blackjack Bonus. Get 100% up to $500, win or lose on your first 10 deposits. Click here to claim it now.

Doubling Down

Doubling down is basically a side bet that allows for you to double your original bet after you have received your first two cards.  When you double down you match your bet that you have out there already, but then you are allowed just one more card.  You can choose to double down for any amount that you would like, up to the original bet amount.  So, you could choose to double down for a lesser amount, if you would like. 

It’s important to remember when you choose to double down that you can only draw one more card.   You should always  double down when you have an 11 no matter what card the dealer is showin. When you choose to double down you should always double for the full amount of the original bet.  If you remember these simple rules you’ll find that you can double down with relative ease and perhaps even a high level of success.

Insurance

Knowing when to take insurance is more difficult for most players than knowing when to double down.  Insurance is offered any time the dealer is showing an ace.  The idea behind the insurance bet, which is basically a side bet, is that you will place half the size of your original bet in the insurance spot.  If the dealer does have blackjack you will receive 2:1 on your insurance bet.  This allows for you to win your original bet back when the dealer has Blackjack, so you don’t net any money on the hand, but you don’t lose any either.

When should you take insurance?  The simple answer is never.  Most blackjack pros will tell you that taking insurance is taking a sucker bet.  Why?  Because the statistics of the game say it is not a good idea.  When you consider that there are nine cards in the deck that will not allow for a dealer blackjack and just four cards that will, it doesn’t make sense. 

You will continue to lose money over time if you continue to take insurance.  Overall, it just isn’t a good bet so you should avoid the insurance bet.  There may be times when you want to take an even money bet, but the insurance is never a great option no matter the specifics.

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More Great Blackjack Articles and 21 Tips :

1. How To Play Blackjack : Quick Guide on how to play blackjack. basic blackjack strategy and information.
2. Tips For New Blackjack Players  : Some tips that every backjack players should know. Tips for both live blackjack games and online 21 games.
3. Tips for Advanced Blackjack Players - Advanced blackjack tips will help you bring your game to the next level when you have mastered the basics.
4. Beating Blackjack - Many people love to play because they dream of actually beating blackjack. How do you go about beating blackjack
5. Blackjack Bankroll Management - The fast pace of blackjack has gotten countless people in a financial bind. You go to the casino expecting to have fun and win big and then leave.
6. When to Double Down or Take Insurance - There are a couple areas of this game that are not very well understood and that is when to double down and when to take insurance.
7. Playing Blackjack on the Internet - If you love the game of blackjack but you just don’t get to the casino all that often, you might want to think about playing blackjack on the internet.
8. Online vs. Live Blackjack - Today you can choose to play blackjack online your can play it live in the casino. Both options will provide hours of entertainment and fun, so which is the right option for you
9. Online Blackjack Card Counting - Card counting has been used for ages to help players determine when they should hit or when they should stand in the game of blackjack.
10. Is Backjack Rigged - Many people who play blackjack online wonder if it is rigged. It can be frustrating when you experience loss after loss or when things just don’t seem quite right.

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