Learn When to Split in Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most well-known casino games of all time. It’s a blend of strategy, luck, and sometimes intuition. One of the key strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning is splitting pairs.

But when should you split, and when should you hold off? Let’s dive into the world of blackjack splitting, making sure you know exactly what to do the next time you’re dealt a pair.

What is Blackjack Splitting?

In blackjack, splitting is an option that becomes available when you’re dealt a pair of cards of the same rank. For example, if you receive two 8s, you have the choice to split them into two separate hands. To do this, you must place an additional bet equal to your original wager. Each of the split cards then becomes the first card in a new hand, and you’ll receive a second card for each from the dealer.

The goal of splitting is to create two potentially winning hands from one, giving you a better chance to beat the dealer. However, knowing when to split and when to stick with your original hand can significantly affect your overall success at the blackjack table.

When to Split?

Splitting is not always the right choice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of scenarios where splitting can work to your advantage.

Pair of Aces

Always split aces. Aces are the most powerful cards in blackjack since each can count as either 1 or 11. By splitting aces, you give yourself two chances to hit a blackjack (a total of 21) or at least end up with two strong hands.

For example, if you split a pair of aces and receive a 10 on one and a 9 on the other, you now have a 21 and a 20, respectively – two excellent hands that are highly likely to beat the dealer.

A Bust Card

A bust card refers to a card that increases the dealer’s chances of busting (going over 21). These are typically 4, 5, and 6. If the dealer’s upcard (the card you can see) is one of these, it’s advantageous to split pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s.

With a pair of 7s against a dealer’s 6, splitting your 7s gives you two shots at hitting a strong hand while the dealer has a high chance of busting, for example.

Split Your King and Queen, or Your 10 and Jack

Never split tens or face cards. A pair of 10s or face cards (Jack, Queen, King) totals 20, which is already a very strong hand. Splitting them would be counterproductive since you’re likely to end up with weaker hands.After all, you’ve already got a 20. That’s a very hard hand to beat.

A Pair of 9s

The rules for splitting 9s get a bit more complicated. It all depends on the dealer’s cards. Split 9s when the dealer shows 2 through 6 or 8 and 9. This scenario works because 18 is a strong hand, but splitting and getting a 10 on one or both 9s gives you an even better chance of making two strong hands.

For example, if you split 9s and get a 10 on one and an Ace on the other, you now have hands totaling 19 and 20.

A Pair of 8s

Always split 8s. A pair of 8s totals 16, which is one of the weakest hands in blackjack because it often leads to a bust if you hit. Yet, you don’t often gain an advantage if you stand. By splitting, you give yourself a chance to improve both hands.

Consider getting a 3 and a 10 on your split 8s. You end up with an 11 (a strong starting point to hit) and an 18, which is a much better position than a hard 16.

2s, 3s, 7s Versus Dealer’s 7 or Lower

Split 2s, 3s, and 7s when the dealer shows a 7 or lower. The idea is that the dealer has a higher chance of busting with a low card, giving you an advantage.

For example, if you split a pair of 3s against a dealer’s 6, you might end up with two hands that can be improved significantly with a good hit.

You've uploaded another image of a blackjack table. In this image, it appears that the player is placing chips on their cards, which is a common action in blackjack, often signaling that the player is doubling down or potentially standing on their hand.

A Pair of 6s or 4s

Split 6s if the dealer shows 2 through 6. A pair of 6s totals 12, which is a tricky hand because hitting often leads to a bust. Splitting can give you a better chance at making a stronger hand.

Similarly, split 4s if the dealer shows 5 or 6. Two 4s give you 8, and splitting them allows you to aim for a better hand without much risk.

A Pair of 5s

Never split 5s. Instead, consider doubling down if the dealer shows 2 through 9. A pair of 5s gives you 10, a strong starting point to double down and hit a high card for a strong total.

For example, doubling down on a pair of 5s and getting a 10 gives you a total of 20, which is a powerful hand.

9s Versus Dealer’s 2 to 6 and 8, 9

Split 9s when the dealer shows 2 through 6 and 8, 9. Similar to before, this strategy gives you a better chance to capitalize on the dealer’s potential weak hand or match strength.

For example, splitting 9s against a dealer’s 9 and receiving a 10 on one of your hands gives you a 19, a solid total to stand on.

When to NOT Split?

Splitting isn’t always the best move. There are specific situations where it’s better to keep your original hand intact. Here are the key scenarios:

Never split tens or face cards. As mentioned earlier, a pair of 10s or face cards total 20, which is an excellent hand to beat the dealer.
Don’t split 5s. Instead, consider doubling down if the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 9.
Avoid splitting 4s unless the dealer’s upcard is 5 or 6. Even then, it’s often better to hit.
Don’t split pairs of 6s if the dealer shows a 7 or higher. In this case, it’s safer to hit or stand depending on the dealer’s upcard and your own cards.

For example, if you have a pair of 5s and the dealer shows a 10, splitting your 5s would leave you with two weak starting hands against a strong dealer hand. In this scenario, it’s much better to double down or hit.

Blackjack Strategies and Soft 17 Rule

The strategies you employ can vary based on the number of decks in play and specific house rules, such as the Soft 17 rule. Let’s explore some common blackjack strategies and how to adjust your play.

Soft 17 Rule

A “Soft 17” is a hand that totals 17 but includes an Ace counted as 11 (e.g., Ace-6). Some casinos require the dealer to hit on a Soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand. The rule can affect your decision to split, double down, or hit.

For example, if the dealer hits on Soft 17, it’s generally advantageous to be more aggressive with your splits and doubles because the dealer has a higher chance of improving their hand.

Double- and Multi-Deck Basic Strategy

In games with multiple decks, basic strategy charts can guide you on when to split, hit, or stand. These charts are based on the statistical probabilities of winning in different scenarios. You can learn more about this in Instant Casino’s blackjack strategy chart guide.

For instance, in a double-deck game:

Always split aces and 8s.
Split 2s, 3s, and 7s against a dealer’s 2 through 7.
Split 6s against a dealer’s 2 through 6.
Split 9s against a dealer’s 2 through 6 and 8, 9.

This latest image you uploaded also depicts a blackjack table with players in action. The player is holding a card, likely contemplating their next move, such as whether to hit, stand, or possibly split their hand if they have a pair. The setting suggests a moment in the game where decisions are critical, as the players evaluate their cards against the dealer's visible card.

Single-Deck Basic Strategy

Single-deck games have slightly different strategies due to the lower number of cards, which can change the odds.

For example, in a single-deck game:

Split 2s and 3s against a dealer’s 4 through 7.
Split 4s against a dealer’s 5 and 6.
Split 6s against a dealer’s 2 through 6.
Split 7s against a dealer’s 2 through 7.

Double Deck

In double-deck blackjack, the basic strategy is similar to multi-deck but with some adjustments for the lower deck count. Here, you can be more precise with your splitting decisions due to the slightly altered odds.

For instance:

Split 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s against a dealer’s 3 through 6.
Split 4s against a dealer’s 4 through 6.
Split 9s against a dealer’s 2 through 6 and 8, 9.

After reading this article, you are now better equipped to play online blackjack at Instant Casino. Give it a try from the comfort of your home.

FAQ

What does it mean to split in blackjack?

Splitting in blackjack is an option that allows you to divide a pair of identical cards into two separate hands, requiring an additional bet equal to the original bet.

When should you always split pairs in blackjack?

Always split 8s and Aces. Aces give you a chance to hit a blackjack, and splitting 8s turns a weak 16 into potentially stronger hands.

Why shouldn’t you split 10s or face cards?

A pair of 10s or face cards totals 20, which is a very strong hand. Splitting them could result in weaker hands and reduce your chances of winning.

What is the Soft 17 rule, and how does it affect splitting?

The Soft 17 rule determines whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17 (Ace-6). If the dealer hits on Soft 17, it can influence your strategy to be more aggressive with splits and doubles.

How does the number of decks affect splitting strategy?

The number of decks can alter the probabilities and therefore the basic strategy for splitting. Single-deck games tend to have slightly different optimal strategies compared to multi-deck games.