The only times you should double down when playing 8-deck blackjack games is when you have a total of 10 and 11. Be sure to skip doubling down if your hand total is 10 and the dealer’s open card is either a 10 (or any of the face cards) or an Ace and simply hit under this circumstance. Another good rule of thumb is to always stand with a hand total of 17. Use these two simple rules and you will be able to lower the house advantage to around 1,5% to 2%. Still a lot to go, but we are going to cover that in a second.

If surrender – or even better, late surrender – is allowed, you should surrender when the dealer’s open card is showing a 10 (or face cards) or an Ace and your hand total is 15 or 16. It is a very profitable move to make, and you will be able to save a lot of money for sure.

Aside from the circumstances we’ve discussed earlier, you can safely hit and hope for the best. You will be much more profitable this way, and it will not be difficult at all to beat the house.

One of the best rule of thumb to keep in mind is to double down whenever you have a hand of 10. Whether it is a pair of 5, 2-8, or any other hand combination totaling at 10, doubling down is always the best way to go. The only exception is when the dealer’s open card is showing a 10, any of the face cards, or an Ace.

If you have a total of 11, on the other hand, deciding to double down is simply a must. Even when the dealer’s open card is showing an Ace, you have better chances of winning the round as well as hitting blackjack. By doubling down, you are simply increasing your profitability.

You can double down when you have a hand total of 9 as long as the dealer’s card is showing a 3, 4, 5, or 6. This can be executed if the table you are playing at allows doubling down at all times. The same rule of thumb applies if you have a hand of A-7.

Use these rules of thumb to help you increase your profitability in playing blackjack. You will be winning twice as much without hassle.