Now you know when to split in blackjack, are you ready to put your new-found card splitting knowledge to the test? Play blackjack online with Mr Green and see how you stack up against the dealer. Good luck!
When can I split in blackjack?
Whenever a player’s first two cards are of the same value, whether that be a pair of aces or a pair of 5s, they have the option to split those two cards into two separate hands. Players will then need to put up an extra bet to cover the newly created second hand.
When you should always split in blackjack
While there are no hard and fast blackjack split rules per say, there are scenarios where it can only benefit your chances of winning to do so, regardless of the dealer’s cards.
If you are dealt a pair of aces, for example, you should always separate those cards into two hands. That’s because splitting aces turns one mediocre hand (a soft 12 or a low 2) into two powerful hands (two 11s), which can hit 21 perfectly by being dealt a 10 or a face card (jack, queen or king) on your next hit.
You should also split 8s, if the opportunity arises. This is the defensive alternative to the more aggressive strategy of splitting aces as it limits any potential losses. Keeping the pair of 8s together for a value of 16 would typically not be enough to win and would also most likely result in going bust if you were to hit on that number.
When you should never split in blackjack
Some hands should never be separated from each other, as they have a higher chance of winning when played as one hand.
Splitting 10s in blackjack, for instance, is a big no-no. Whether you have a pair of 10s, jacks, queens or kings, always keep those two cards together as it means the dealer would have to hit 21 to win – and the odds heavily favour you in this scenario.
A pair of 5s should also be kept together for similar reasons. Instead of regarding them as two 5s, think of them a single 10, so you would be sacrificing a strong hand for two significantly weaker ones.
The same goes for splitting 4s in blackjack: you would be giving yourself two weaker hands and also have to double your original wager. Your best chance to minimise your losses is to stick with the original 8, as it gives you a better foundation to build towards 21 than two 4s would.
When you should sometimes split in blackjack
Now we’ve got the black and white scenarios out of the way, it’s time to look at the not-so-obvious occasions when you should split in blackjack – and it all depends on what cards the dealer is holding. See the ‘sometimes’ scenarios, below, for when to split in blackjack.
- If you have a pair of 2s, 3s or 7s: You should split in blackjack if you have any of these pairs and the dealer is showing a 7 or lower. If the dealer has an 8 or higher then you should hit with a single hand.
- If you have a pair of 6s: Split 6s in blackjack when the dealer is showing a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Two hands in this scenario offer a better chance at victory when the dealer has such a weak hand themselves.
- If you have a pair of 9s: Split 9s in blackjack if the dealer is showing one of the following: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9. However, if the dealer has a 7, 10 or ace card then do not hit either – stick on the strong 18.
