In blackjack you will be dealt two cards and, quite simply, if those cards are a pair of the same number (or, for example two jacks, two aces and so on) then you can split them. Splitting effectively creates two hands, so you will be required to put down the same stake again, doubling your overall bet for that round. In blackjack you will be dealt two cards and, quite simply, if those cards are a pair of the same number (or, for example two jacks, two aces and so on) then you can split them. Splitting effectively creates two hands, so you will be required to put down the same stake again, doubling your overall bet for that round.
How to recognize when to split pairs in blackjack
In most versions of Blackjack, once you are dealt a pair (two of an equivalent card), you've got the choice to separate them into two new hands. You are dealt two more cards (one for each new hand) and your bet is doubled, you can play each hand normally – you get two chances to beat the dealer (or lose). Furthermore, knowing when to split pairs in blackjack is vital for high-level play. Best of all, since there're only ten card values, it's not difficult to memorize what to do in every single situation. In addition, online casinos in Malaysia such as scr888 can be a great place for you to test out your blackjack skills.
When do you always split
Always split aces
There are a few scenarios in blackjack when it always makes sense to split, no matter what card the dealer is showing. As an example, you must always split when you get a pair of aces. Splitting provides you a much better chance to get a strong head.
- If you play your two aces as one hand, you'll begin with a value of 12 (one is played as an 11 and the other as a one). Only nine will give you 21. A number 10 or face card will force you to play the second ace with a value of one, bringing you back to 12.
- On the other hand, if you choose to split, you have four ways to get a 21 in either hand (being dealt a 10, J, Q, or K).
Always split eights
Besides aces, the other pair that just about every Blackjack expert will tell you to split on is eights. As it's difficult to get a good hand when you play your eights as one hand. Your probabilities aren't fantastic when you play them separately, but you do stand a stronger probability mathematically.
- When you play two eights as one hand it starts you at 16 (a very weak hand). Hitting at this point is a risky proposition. Furthermore, anything above 5 will cause you to bust, so you have about a 60% chance of losing the hand from the get-go.
- On the other hand, if you split, it's impossible to bust out your first hit, so you at least have a chance of getting a more favorable hand.
Always re-split aces or eights if you're dealt a second pair
Besides, when you split, the dealer gives you two cards – one for each of the new hands. If this gives you a second pair of aces or eights, treat it as its hand and split again.
- Note that it needs you to triple your original bet (splitting the first time requires you to double it).
- House rules might vary here. Most blackjack games will permit you to split a maximum of three times (to play a total of four hands)
When you should never split
Never split tens
This is a common rookie mistake in Blackjack. Splitting 10s basically sacrifice a great hand for a very slim opportunity at an even better one.
- If you play a pair of 10s, your hand will have a value of 20, which is quite good. If you split 10s, you need to get an ace to improve your stance – anything else will give a hand that has an equal or lesser value. Accurately speaking, splitting tens is most likely to give you two hands worse than the first one.
- Some card-counting specialists suggest splitting 10s in very specific situations. For example: if you're counting cards and knows that there're lots of 10s left in the shoe, it makes sense to split 10s against a dealer showing 5 or 6 (which suggests a weak hand). This way, you stand a more average chance of getting at least one 20, while the dealer will have to get lucky to match or beat you.
Never split fours
Splitting a pair of fours gives you two weak hands, so it makes no sense. Remember that when you split it requires you to double your original wager – this also means that splitting fours are usually more of a money-losing proposition.
- When you hit on a pair of fours, it's hopeless to bust out – the highest you can go is 19 if you get an ace, which is a pretty decent hand. If you split your fours, you're more likely to get left with a less-valuable hand (if you get a two or three) or a hand that's possible to bust out on if you hit (if you get an eight or higher). You need to get a five, six, or seven to be better off than what you were original.
Never split fives
Whenever you see a pair of 5s, forget that they're a pair and treat them like a single 10. Double down your bet on a 10 against anything but a dealer's nine, 10, or ace. For these three possibilities, just hit.
- Splitting a pair of fives is like splitting fours, but only worse – you give up a strong starting hand for a slim chance of getting something better. With a pair of fives, you can't bust out and you have a chance of getting 21 on the very first hit. Moreover, if you split, you'll be left a weaker hand (if you get a two, three, or four) and/or a hand that it's possible to bust out and if you decided to hit(if you get a six or above). There's no way to come out ahead by splitting fives.
When splitting it is sometimes a good idea
Split twos, threes, or sevens if the dealer gets a seven or lower
The examples in the sections above are hard and fast rules that should hardly (if ever) be broken. For other pairs, the best action usually depends on the card the dealer is showing. As an example, pairs of twos, threes, and sevens should be split when the dealer shows a relatively low card. If the dealer has an eight or better show, just take a hit.
- Some resources suggest splitting twos and threes (but not sevens) when the dealer shows an eight.
Split sixes when the dealer reveals a two through six.
If the dealer features a seven or better, just take a hit. Statistically, you're more likely to beat the weak dealer hands if you decided to split your sixes. If the dealer is probably going to possess a stronger hand, your best bet is to hit and improve your hand – you'll only bust out if you get a 10 or face card.
Hands To Split In Blackjack
Split nines at odds with two through six, eight, and nine.
If the dealer features a seven, ten, or ace showing, don't hit – instead, stand. Hitting on an 18 is borderline suicidal. Anything aside from a two or three will cause you to bust out.
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Splitting pairs is a weapon you should keep in your arsenal when playing blackjack. It grants you an extra possibility of beating the dealer and doubling your win! Splitting is a great way for you to get an advantage over the dealer but it's crucial that it is done at the right time.
Let's see how you could make the most out of splitting in blackjack.
What Is Splitting In Blackjack
What is splitting in blackjack?
Almost all the variants of online blackjack (that we tried) let you split pairs. If you're dealt a pair, you have the option to split the cards into two new hands. then, you can carry on betting on both, doubling your winning chances.
Once the cards are split, you need to place a second stake on each hand. This stake must be equal to the starting bet. A card is added to each of the split and the the round will normally resume, with the player still deciding if to hit or stand. A double down can also be made at this stage. Here, one extra bet is made for a single additional card.
So when should you split pairs?
Any pair can be split in blackjack. But should you split every time?
Definitely no. Check the guide below.
Always split when
You're dealt Aces: Pocket aces are rare in blackjack. With so many 10 value cards in the shoe, hitting 21 gets much more easy once an ace is showing. You should always re-split your aces too. Playing 2 aces as one hand is considered a bad strategical choice. Being worth 1 or 11, hitting a picture card in your second draw will give you a 12 at best. Not ideal for your next hit.
You're dealt eights: Two eights make sixteen. If the dealer is able to stand on 16, your best chances would be ending up with a tied had. It's much wiser to play your eights separately. It's better to play the two eights separately aiming for two hands with minimum 18 value.
Never split when
You're dealt nines or tens: Nine and nine, is a great hand to start with. Splitting them and hoping to hit a ten or an ace for a slightly better hand does not make any sense. Similarly, a pair of tens should never be split up too as it would be statistically very hard to improve your hand.
You're dealt fives: two fives make ten. This is a great starting hand. Double down if it's allowed at your table of choice. Splitting fives would put you at two sixteens in the best case scenario. Not worth the risk.
Time to try
Blackjack Splitting Rules
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