There are many terms used in the world of blackjack, and one of the most confusing for the uninitiated is the concept of doubling down. Doubling down is one of the most valuable betting strategies in blackjack, giving the player the opportunity to increase the bet midway through a hand.

The classic way to increase a bet is known as doubling down. This means that the casino allows the player to make a second bet equal to the original bet. In return for the right to increase your bet in midstream, you agree to take only one more card to complete your hand. The player is allowed to double down only after he or she has looked at the first two cards. It is not permissible to take a hit and then double down.

Some casinos will allow players to double down for less than the amount of the original wager. In general this is not a winning strategy, since if the hand is worth doubling down it is worth making the full bet.

The player indicates the desire to double down by sliding a second bet next to the original bet in the betting circle. The additional bet should not be placed on top of the original bet, since the dealer may think you are trying to cheat by increasing the bet illegally. No hand signal is needed to indicate doubling down; the dealer will see your bet and give you an additional card. In most cases the dealer will place the new card horizontally across the other two cards in the hand. While it is legal to look at your new card, it is considered proper etiquette to wait until the dealer has settled all bets before exposing your hand.

If you win the bet, you will be paid even money for the two bets, and you will receive double the original bet. If you lose, both bets are lost. If the hand is a push, you will keep both bets but not be paid.