Splitting inblackjack is a move whereby players can separate their initial two-card hand when dealt a pair (two cards of equal rank). Placing an additional bet identical to the original one, you are dealt a second card for each hand. Essentially, you’ll have two separate hands that are independent of each other.
Splitting is applicable whenever you receive a two-card pair, but not every pair needs to be split every time. There are three factors that affect when you should make this move, including the rank of your pair, your bet size, and the dealer’s hand.
An additional factor that we can’t leave unspoken is luck. This is a familiar concept and a recurring topic at casino review sites like Top 10 Slot. Although blackjack involves a lot of skill, wit, and sound reasoning, it’s a casino game nonetheless. So luck plays a substantial part in the outcomes of each hand.
The Pros Advice on Splitting
To make it easy, the pros have devised strategies on when you should ‘always’ split, when you should ‘never’ split, and when you should split based on the dealer’s upcard.
- Always Split Aces and Eights
Blackjack has a handful of rules and game strategies. One popular one is splitting aces and eights.
Generally, aces are valued at either 1 or 11. By splitting them, you can have an 11 value card on each hand. There are statistically more chances of landing a ten-value card (10, J, Q, and K)which allows you ways to land a perfect blackjack (21) on either hand.
A pair of 8s totals 16. Not only is this a weak hand, but there’s also a high risk of going bust if you get a third card higher than 5. Hence, splitting is the optimal choice. You avoid going bust, and there’s the opportunity to land a stronger hand that’s closer to 21.
- Never Split Tens, Fours, or Fives
These strategies are pretty intuitive. A pair of 10s totals 20, which is an excellent hand, second only to perfect blackjack. As such, it makes no sense to risk it.
Splitting 4s is also strongly advised against because having two separate 4s sets you up for two weak hands. Instead, you should keep the hand and hit. Hopefully, landing an ace will get you as high as 19.
Finally, you should absolutely never split 5s. Instead, consider the pair as a ten and go for another card. You could land a perfect blackjack if you’re dealt an ace.
- Split Based on the Dealer’s Up Card
Here are some systematic tips for splitting depending on what card the dealer is showing:
- Split when the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, and you have a pair of 2s, 3s, or 7s.
- Split when the dealer’s upcard is an 8 or 9, and you have a pair of 9s.
- Split when the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and you have a pair of 6s.
A Handy Move with Plenty of Benefits
Splitting, when done right, can turn a bad hand into a good one. It helps reduce the risk of going bust, especially when your initial hand has two high-value numbers. Furthermore, it increases your chances of winning since you’ll have not one, but two weapons against the dealer. Even if you lost one hand, a win on the other would recuperate your bets plus a bit of extra change.
