International 
Argentina 
Australia 
Austria 
Belgium 
Brazil 
Canada 
Chile 
Czechia 
Denmark 
Estonia 
Finland 
France 
Germany 
Greece 
Hungary 
India 
Indonesia 
Ireland 
Israel 
Italy 
Japan 
Netherlands 
New Zealand 
Nigeria 
Norway 
Malaysia 
Mexico 
Peru 
Philippines 
Poland 
Qatar 
Romania 
Russia 
Slovakia 
Slovenia 
South Africa 
South Korea 
Spain 
Sweden 
Switzerland 
Thailand 
Turkey 
Vietnam 
UAE 
United Kingdom 
USA 
Glossary Term
DAS
DAS
Used In: Blackjack
Introduction
Double After Split (DAS) is a rule that lets players double their bet after splitting a pair. Normally, when you're dealt two cards of the same value—like two 8s—you can split them into two hands. If DAS is allowed, and you then get a strong card like a 3 or an Ace, you have the option to double your bet on that new hand and receive just one more card.
This rule gives the player more control and flexibility. It can be especially useful in hands where a split leads to a strong double-down opportunity. For example, if you split two 8s and get a 3 on one of them, you now have 11—one of the best hands to double. DAS lets you take advantage of this without missing the chance to increase your bet when the odds are in your favor.
Not all blackjack tables offer DAS. Whether it's allowed or not can affect your strategy and the overall house edge. In games where DAS is permitted, the odds improve slightly for the player. So before you sit down at a table, it’s smart to check if the DAS rule is in play.
Definition and In Depth Look
Double After Split (DAS) is a blackjack rule that allows players to double down after splitting a pair. When you're dealt two cards of the same rank—such as two 6s or two Aces—you can split them into two separate hands. If DAS is allowed, and you receive a favorable card on either of the new hands, you can double your original bet on that hand and receive one more card. This rule gives players more options in situations where the odds of improving a hand are strong.
DAS slightly reduces the house edge and gives skilled players more chances to take advantage of favorable situations. It’s especially useful when a split leads to a total of 9, 10, or 11—hands that are traditionally strong for doubling down. Not all blackjack games offer this rule, so players should always check the table rules before playing. Including DAS in your game strategy can lead to better long-term results if applied correctly.
Key Points:
- DAS allows you to double down on a hand after splitting a pair.
- It increases flexibility and can improve expected outcomes on certain hands.
- Not all casinos allow DAS, and it’s important to check the rules before playing.
Mechanics
When you’re dealt two cards of the same rank in blackjack—like two 8s—you have the option to split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original wager. This creates two new hands, each starting with one of the split cards. Normally, after splitting, you continue playing each hand one at a time, hitting or standing based on the new cards you’re dealt.
With Double After Split (DAS), once you split your pair and receive the second card for either hand, you can choose to double down. That means you place another bet equal to your original and receive just one more card for that hand. For example, if you split two 6s and then draw a 5 on one hand (giving you a total of 11), DAS lets you double your bet on that hand and draw one final card. Without DAS, you’d be limited to hitting or standing after the split, missing a strong opportunity to press your advantage.
DAS applies separately to each split hand. So if you split a pair and both resulting hands get good totals for doubling (like 9, 10, or 11), you can choose to double on one, both, or neither. You make that decision one hand at a time, based on the cards you receive and the dealer's upcard. This added layer of choice gives experienced players more control and opens the door to better long-term returns when used with sound strategy.
Advantages of DAS in Blackjack
Advantages:
The main advantage of Double After Split (DAS) is increased flexibility. It lets players double their bet in situations where the odds are strong—usually when a split hand totals 9, 10, or 11. This can lead to higher potential payouts and allows for better use of basic strategy. DAS also slightly lowers the house edge, giving players a small but meaningful improvement in long-term odds when used correctly.
Disadvantages:
The downside of DAS is that it encourages higher risk. Doubling after a split means you’re increasing your bet more often, which can lead to larger losses during cold streaks. It also requires a solid understanding of when doubling is mathematically sound. Players who use DAS without a clear strategy may end up making poor decisions that hurt their overall chances.
Illustrated Example
Imagine you’re dealt two 8s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 6. According to basic strategy, you should split the 8s. You now have two separate hands. On the first hand, you draw a 3, giving you a total of 11. Because DAS is allowed, you choose to double down. You place an additional bet equal to your original wager and receive one more card—a King. That hand is now 21.
On your second hand, you draw a 2, making a total of 10. Again, you use DAS to double down. You place another bet and draw a 9, making a total of 19. The dealer then reveals a 10 and busts with a total of 26. You win both double-down bets, earning four times your original wager instead of just two.
| Hand | Initial Cards | Drawn Card | Final Total | Action Taken | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Hand | 8 + 3 | King | 21 | Double After Split | Win |
| Second Hand | 8 + 2 | 9 | 19 | Double After Split | Win |
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception about Double After Split (DAS) is that it always guarantees bigger wins. While DAS does give players more opportunities to increase their bets, it doesn’t change the fundamental odds of the game. Players still need to use the correct strategy to decide when doubling down after a split makes sense. Simply doubling every time after a split without considering the hand or dealer’s card can lead to bigger losses.
Another misunderstanding is that DAS applies automatically whenever you split. In reality, it’s an optional move that the player must choose based on the situation. Some players think they must double after splitting, but it’s always up to the player to decide. Also, not all casinos allow DAS, so assuming it’s always available can cause confusion and poor decisions at the table. Checking the specific rules before playing is essential.
Conclusion
Double After Split (DAS) is a valuable rule that can improve your chances in blackjack by giving you more betting options after splitting pairs. When used correctly, it allows you to increase your bets in favorable situations and can reduce the house edge slightly. However, it requires careful decision-making and an understanding of when doubling down makes sense. Always check the table rules to see if DAS is allowed, and use this option as part of a well-planned strategy to get the most benefit.
The Top Online Casinos for Blackjack Gambling
For avid blackjack enthusiasts seeking the top online casinos, a combination of factors sets certain platforms apart. These leading online casinos offer a diverse selection of blackjack variants, seamless gameplay experiences, generous bonuses tailored to blackjack players, and stringent security measures to ensure fair and safe gaming environments.
Rated 99.46/100%welcome bonus
360%/$220,000
60x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Rated 99.27/100%welcome bonus
100%/1BTC
40x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Rated 99.05/100%welcome bonus
175%/3 BTC + 325 Free Spins
40x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Rated 98.33/100%welcome bonus
400%/$10,000 + 300 Free Spins
40x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Rated 95.87/100%welcome bonus
100%/1BTC + 100 Free Spins
40x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Rated 94.08/100%welcome bonus
125%/$1000
35x wagering (Deposit & Bonus)
Author
Branimir Ivanov | Senior News Contributor