Double Up Blackjack Rules, Odds, and Best Strategies

The game includes an additional “double up” space beside the player’s hand.

Like the classic blackjack double rules, the player will not receive more cards after choosing this option. So, if your hand is strong and projected to improve, you might be in a good position, but it’s not a good time to double up. However, if you land a score you’re happy to stand on, it’s worth considering a double-up.

Double Up Blackjack Rules and Payouts

Some sources suggest that a natural blackjack pays 3:1 in Double Up Blackjack. If true, it would make this one of—if not the—highest-paying games in the industry. But it’s not true, and while there may be some payout variation, it’s nearly always 3:2.

Here are some other Double Up Blackjack rules to keep in mind:

• Standard 52-card decks are used, with most games preferring six decks.
• Conventional blackjack scoring rules apply.
• There is no surrender option.
• Splits and re-splits are allowed, but you can’t re-split aces.
• Double-ups are permitted after the player receives two cards. They can also double up after a split.
• An additional wager is needed for a double-up.
• The dealer often draws to a soft or hard 16, but some variants call for the dealer to draw to a soft 17.
• If the dealer hits 16, all hands (except for totals of 21) end as a push.
• Double-ups lose if hands are tied.
• You can’t double up on a natural blackjack.

Double Up Blackjack Strategy

Double Up Blackjack seems very beatable, as the double-up option allows you to get more chips into the pot when you have a strong hand and the dealer is up against it.

The downside is that all hands except 21 result in a push if the dealer stands on 16, so there’s no guarantee even if you double up on a 19 or a 20. Typically, if the dealer finishes on 16, the player is in a powerful position, but in this game, they can force a push and reset.

Still, basic blackjack strategy applies, and card counting should also be successful. Get plenty of card-counting practice if that’s the route you’re taking, and remember that while a 16 can force a push, it’s still a good idea to double up on big hands.

You may also have better luck in a game where blackjack pays 2 to 1.

Side Bets in Double Up Blackjack

Most versions of Double Up Blackjack offer a side bet known as Bonus 16. As with the double-up option, it’s an optional wager. This wager pays if the dealer hits a 16 (soft or hard), typically resulting in a push.

It’s a good option, as it means your hand is guaranteed a big payout (anywhere up to 500x the bet) on a hand that would otherwise result in a tie. However, as with all side bets, the house edge significantly increases.

The standard house edge is usually very low, around 0.3%. With the side bet added, this edge jumps to just under 7%. This means the casino has much more of an edge over the player, and if this side bet is placed for every game, the player can expect to lose more over an extended session.

Conclusion: Double Up in a Game of Blackjack

Double Up Blackjack is more balanced than it may seem initially, as dealer 16 rules offset most of the benefits of a double up. But it’s still a great variation and worth checking out.

Read our guide on blackjack hand signals if you’re playing offline, and browse our casino for top blackjack variations if not.