Splitting pairs is a common dilemma among blackjack players since this action can be hard to understand for those new to blackjack or who have never tried using it.
Is there an advantage to knowing how to split? We answer that questions by providing an in-depth look at the rules on splitting.
Blackjack Rules On Splitting
Splitting in blackjack is an option that lets you play two hands with the cards you split. After splitting your hands, you will play two hands within your turn, getting a new card for each of the split cards. This option is only available if you hold or .
Nearly every option is available for you while you play the new split hands, such as stay, hit, and double down. If you happen to get the same card to form another pair, it is possible for you to re-split your hand to get a third hand. Note that there is a limit to how many times you can re-split your hand.
So far, these are the basic rules of splitting in blackjack. Most people do not get the additional rules or limitations imposed by casinos. One example is the limit in splitting aces, where you can only stand or hit your hand. This limitation is significant to anyone following the blackjack basic strategy since aces create soft hands, allowing you to double down without the risk of going over 21.
Another rule that most players are unaware of is the option to split face cards and even if they do not have them as pairs. Some casinos let you split or since all face cards have the same value. However, keen or professional blackjack players avoid splitting , which we will explain below.
Reasons To Split In Blackjack
Winning in blackjack is not about winning most of your hands but getting higher payouts and fewer losses. Blackjack splitting is one of the methods of taking advantage of a situation when there is a minimum blackjack odds of losing.
One of these situations is determined by the dealer’s up cards or revealed cards. If they have a six or below, chances are high that they will have a 16 or below and are likely to bust since they need to hit until they get a 17. Opportunities like these where the dealer is likely to lose are the moneymakers for any player. Because you stand to win, you will want to double your stakes during this time by doubling down or splitting a pair. When the dealer loses, you double your winnings instead of just getting a payout equal to your stake. Good blackjack players take advantage of these scenarios to win the game.
Another situation to consider splitting is when you are likely to win. This opportunity occurs when you have pocket rockets or a pair of aces. Splitting aces will always get you “two” soft hands that grant you an advantage over the dealer no matter what their revealed cards are. You can find all the scenarios where splitting will grant you an advantage on any blackjack strategy chart.
Reasons Not To Split In Blackjack
Splitting and doubling down at the wrong time are the significant reasons why dealers tend to win in the long run. While splitting in blackjack lets you earn twice your winnings, you are also at risk of losing twice as much. Players who split the wrong hands or during the worst situations too often are likely to exhaust their entire bankroll.
The pairs you should never split are or any face cards since this will give you two hard hands. Hard hands are incredibly risky to play since they have higher chances of going bust than other hands. Even with a hand value of 12, you risk drawing a ten or face card and getting a 22.
Splitting is the option to play with two hands using the pair of cards you are holding. Online casinos have additional rules regarding re-splitting your hand or what you can do after splitting aces. It pays to check on the rules of the table or online blackjack game to know your options.
This article was published on October 6, 2022, and last updated on October 5, 2022.
