When and How to Split Cards When Playing Blackjack?

Knowing when and how to split cards in a game of blackjack can greatly enhance your chances of winning. Splitting cards is a strategic move that allows you to divide a pair of cards into two separate hands, doubling your chances of beating the dealer. However, it requires careful consideration and understanding of the game's rules.

In this article, we will delve into the optimal situations for splitting cards and provide valuable insights on how to make the most out of this advantageous play in blackjack.

What is Split in Blackjack?

When playing blackjack, players are usually dealt with a pair, or also known as two cards of the same value. In other words, players can get a pair of 2 to 9, a pair of Aces, or a pair of face cards counted as 10. Once you hold the two of the same card, you are able to decide to split them into two separate hands. Each of them is then treated as the first card of two new independent hands, and you are able to play them in a separate way. 

If the next card has the same value as the first one, you can split them again and play with the new third hand.

If you choose to play with both new hands, you will have to place an additional bet that has the same value as the initial bet they place when the game round starts. In other words, you have to double your original bet when opting to play with two new separate hands. In case you play with the third hand, another bet is required, which means you have to triple your initial bet.

Splitting a hand allows players to receive additional cards for each hand that they play.

Obviously, splitting a pair can give you a good chance to increase your winning odds against the dealer if you know how to take advantage of it in an efficient manner.

Read more: Basic Rules And Tips To Win in Atlantic City Blackjack

When to Split a Pair?

Apparently, when it comes to pairs of blackjack, some come with a high possibility of being split, which can dramatically benefit blackjack lovers; some can hardly enhance players’ winning odds when being split; and some need to be carefully taken into consideration before turning into two independent hands, as the dealer’s upcard primarily determines them.

Therefore, if you are still in the dark about when you should split a pair or not, get into the meat of the following part!

Always Split These Pairs of Cards

Eights

A pair of eights generates a value of 16, which is considered a relatively weak hand in blackjack, whether you decide to split them or not. It is obvious that any card that is over 5 can ruin your hand, and you will bust and automatically lose the game. 

Therefore, splitting this pair will definitely help you solve this problem. You can ask for another card for each new hand and give yourself a better chance to win against the dealer.

Aces

As cards of a value of ten, or picture cards or face cards are fully potential to result in a blackjack, splitting a pair of Aces will do you a favor. 

If you decide not to split them, one Ace is counted as 11, and the other is counted as 1, which generates a total value of 12. Thus, you will need to get another card of 9 to make your hand a “natural.”

Suppose you split the pair of Aces. There is a no-brainer that you will have more chances to win against the dealer. To be precise, when being split, both the Aces can change their values more flexibly. Even if you hit a ten-value card, your hand value can return to 12.

You can refer to the split strategy chart to get more information.

Blackjack strategy for 4-8 decks, dealer stands on 17

Do Not Split These Pair

A pair of tens

It leaves no doubt that a hand consisting of a couple of tens benefit players a lot, as the hand value is already 20, which allows players to have a good edge to win the game. Therefore, it is likely that splitting this hand is not the right decision.

A pair of fours

A pair of fours results in a total value of 8. If you choose to draw another card, you cannot bust, undoubtedly. Moreover, should you play with this pair, the highest value you can expect to get is 19, which significantly enhances your winning odds. In case you wish to split the pair, you will need a 5, 6, or 7 value card to make each of your hands a better one.

A pair of fives

If two initial cards you get are a pair of 5, your hand value is 10. Once the dealer shows that he does not have a 9, 10, or an Ace, you can choose to double down. Imagine splitting a pair of 5, your hand turns lower-value, or you can easily go bust and lose the game.

Other Pairs of Cards

This part covers pairs based on the dealer’s upcard to be split.

When the dealer’s upcard is 2-7, and you have a pair of either 2, 3, or 7

These three blackjack hands are amongst the worst hands that players are dealt. Within a couple of hits, players can easily bust with these low-value hands. Thus, players had better split these pairs into separate hands so that you can hit more other cards and boost your chance of winnings up.

When the dealer’s upcard is either 2-6 or 8-9, and you have a pair of 9

A hand value of 9 is truly a potential which generates a value of 18. However, in this situation, it is not an entirely unbeatable hand if players choose to stand. As a result, splitting the pair will fit the bill. 

Read more: What to Do and Not to Do When Playing Live Blackjack

When the dealer’s upcard is 2-6, and you hold a pair of 6

Once the dealer’s hand consists of low-value cards, players can assume that they can gain an advantage over the dealer if they split the pair. With each pair of 6, players can expect to get a ten without going bust, especially when playing with a single hand.

Improve Your Blackjack Strategies

If you want to enhance your blackjack strategies to increase your chance of defeating the dealer, read all blackjack guides to know how to win this casino game and how to play it. You can also find a lot of strategies that you can make full use of, such as when to hit and stand, when to surrender, and so much more.  

To make players’ gambling experience ever-lasting memories, we also offer a lot of free online blackjack that players can play without signing in or making any deposit. 

You can also play blackjack for real money at the top-rated online casino sites that are carefully reviewed by dedicated experts and hundreds of local testers.