Blackjack Split: Splitting Strategy for Newbies 2022
One of the most popular casino games – no matter if on an actual blackjack table or virtually in online casinos – is Blackjack. As the Blackjack game starts both the dealer’s hand and also the player’s hand are dealt. Initially, both parties receive two cards whereas the Blackjack hands have one major difference. The player’s cards are both face-up and therefore visible. The dealer’s upcard is only including 1 out of 2 cards though. The second face-down card is not revealed in other words.
Now among all the options which a player is having among the playing decisions (hit, stand, double down), there is one especially standing out from the rest: the Blackjack split. Seen from the standpoint of an extremely crucial aspect of Blackjack strategy, the so-called split in Blackjack games cannot be underestimated. It makes sense therefore to elaborate more on this best move of creating separate hands during Blackjack. Let us accordingly tell you more about the Blackjack split!
Blackjack Split Strategy
The game begins with making an original wager during single-deck games or multiple-deck Blackjack. This is to say that there are diverging prerequisites for playing either of those game versions. As the dealer’s up-card is visible to the player, the following decisions account for winning or losing. First of all, it is important to note that a player cannot always split. In order to split hands, the player’s hand must include two cards of the same rank and/or value among the first two dealt cards.
This means that a player’s initial hand can boast two eights, two ten-value cards (10, Jack, Queen, and King), two aces, or other pairs in the very same fashion. If after the shuffle, you are dealt a pair you are about to make the decision if splitting pairs is your personal way to go.
You also need to consider that the process of pair splitting does not remain with the original bet in terms of stakes. As soon as you create two separate hands, you bet twice as much money since you establish the other hand. In the long run, you always have to make an estimation if this Blackjack split is worth the effect on your bankroll.
Which Blackjack Hands to Split (and which not)
Since there are no specific “house rules” when it is due to split pairs with the same value, you will either need to confide in your own judgment or follow a set of classic recommendations. GuruCasinoBonus wants to summarize this Blackjack strategy for you:
Blackjack Splitting Aces – YES
It is always a recommended act to split aces. Creating two new hands with an ace (value 11) as the first card is promising in light of the existence of quite a few ten-value cards. Hitting the next card after splitting a pair of aces can therefore easily lead to a 21 Blackjack. The issue with a pair of aces is that one would be counted as 1 and the other one as 11 in case no Blackjack split is happening. With an overall hand value of 12, it would need a 9 after you hit in order to win Blackjack. With a double ace showing, it makes perfect sense to split into two hands accordingly.
Blackjack Splits of Eights – YES
Two Eights are never a strong hand. The next hit would require no more than a 4 because otherwise the player busts. It is almost a no-brainer in this case to split pairs of 8s. After you split a pair of Eights, you will be at a point where you can actually hit and form a great hand thereby. And all that only at the cost of another bet congruent with the original one.
Blackjack: Do you split 10s – NO
Splitting 10s when competing against the dealer is definitely not a good choice. With an overall value of 20, it would be a mistake to give away this strong hand. Mostly it does not take anything else but to stand on this one hand and you will have high chances to win right away.
Splitting Fives – NO
As you play Blackjack and come to have a pair of Fives, you should refrain from splitting them. An overall value of 10 is under many circumstances a good starting point from where you can either double down or hit an additional card.
Splitting Fours – NO
Splitting pairs of 4s is also not the optimal way to go since there is no way to bust after you hit a further card. Together with a high-value ace, you can not cross the threshold 19. Which is a pretty decent player’s hand.
Depending on the Dealer’s Upcard…
There are other scenarios, where the tides are not that benevolent. The dealer showing a specific dealer’s up-card for example will have different strategies applied. Let’s go through these by having a look at a simple single-deck setup where the dealer stands at soft 17.
Blackjack Split 9s
In most cases, it is clever to make a split in Blackjack when it comes to a pair of Nines. Nevertheless, there are others such as dealer’s up-card 7, 10, or Ace when you should rather stand.
Blackjack Split 2s
Concerning one hand with 2s dealt, it is best to split whenever the dealer shows 2-7 as the up-card. Contrarily, it is better to hit instead of splitting if the dealer shows Eight to Ace.
Splitting Threes
If the dealer shows an upcard 4-7, it is recommended to split 3s. If he shows 9 to Ace, on the other hand, you should hit.
Blackjack Split 6s
It is a pretty good call to split a pair of Sixes whenever the dealer shows 2-6. Otherwise and in cases where the up-card is above this value, hitting is never a bad idea.
7s Split in Blackjack
If the dealer shows an upcard ranging from 2-7, 7s in a player’s hand should definitely be split. Splitting on dealer’s upcard 9 or Ace is not the proper idea though. Hitting can make for a great hand under those circumstances.
Concluding Remarks
Whenever you play Blackjack, the procedure of splitting pairs can be the winning formula. This strategy is ideal for some scenarios, while for others it is simply more advisable to stand, hit or double down. After all, you are using twice as much money by splitting. Meaning that it can hurt you twice as much also, in case you lose the money.
We gave you some guidelines on when to split while playing. Splitting Aces and Eights is going by the motto “Always split!”. 10s, 4s, and 5s are not getting a positive boost towards a win under the context of splitting them. Then again other hands really depend on the dealer and his or her upcard. Obviously, you will want to go for the win and not the bust or draw (neither dealer nor player wins). Using strategy charts is highly recommended here. For a basic blackjack strategy in general, you should also read the following article.
Ultimately, we need to add that most casinos can have different game rules for Blackjack. Not only does the Blackjack split rely on the number of decks. But also the possibility of re-splits, the availability of doubling down after a split, the boundary of only splitting ten-cards with the same rank (Jack and Jack for example), and other contextualizations. Always make sure to check the applicable rules before playing, therefore!
Test your Acquired Skills
Now it is about time to test your freshly acquired skills from our article in one or some of the following Blackjack games. You can either play for free or follow the given link towards the real money gambling option:
- Blackjack Classic by OneTouch
- Blackjack Royal Pairs by iSoftBet
- Classic Blackjack by Microgaming
Also, play among one of the following casinos in order to reap your new customer welcome bonus and have fun while enjoying this beloved table game:
Blackjack Split FAQ
How does Blackjack split work?
Splitting in Blackjack is only available if you have two pairs with the same value and sometimes also furthermore from the same rank perspective within your initial hand. Instead of one hand with two cards, you will have two hands with one card as the resulting effort. This also doubles the amount of money you stake by the way.
Can the dealer split in Blackjack?
No. The casino dealer is not having the opportunity to split hands. This is to the player’s advantage.
Can you split twice in Blackjack?
This depends on the game rules of a given online casino. Sometimes you are allowed to split multiple times, while on other occasions not. It could be for example that you cannot split aces yet another time after you did so beforehand.
Should you split 10s?
While you play, you should not split two 10s. The chance that a dealer has a better hand than your overall value of 20 is relatively low. So it is for the best to stand. Further hitting would obviously also be blatant nonsense.
Can you split face cards in Blackjack?
This also depends on the game’s rulebook. While you are able to split different face cards (ten-value cards) here and there, you might also come upon scenarios where you can only split cards of equal rank. Meaning only two Queens for instance but not one Queen and one King. Keep an open eye on the rules accordingly!
