Splitting pairs in blackjack is a vital strategy for improving your chances of winning. By understanding when to split and when to hold, you can potentially improve your winnings. This guide covers the rules for splitting pairs and explains when it’s best to use this tactic. From always splitting Aces and Eights to avoiding tens, we’ll show you how to make the right moves.
What Does It Mean to Split in Blackjack?
Splitting your hand allows you to start two new hands with the cards you were originally dealt. It allows players to divide a pair into two separate hands. This creates two new chances to beat the dealer, though it also requires placing an additional bet equal to the original stake.
How Does Splitting Work in Blackjack?
When you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two hands. Each hand is played independently, with separate bets, giving you two opportunities to improve your outcome. Players can split any pair they are dealt, but some casinos may have different rules about doubling down on certain split pairs.
Why Do Players Split Pairs in Blackjack?
Players split pairs to maximize winning chances. Playing two hands at once increases your chance of getting a winning combination. Splitting can also let you take advantage of a weak dealer hand. This tactic also helps avoid bad starting hands like 16 and gives you better odds of hitting 21.
What Are the Rules for Splitting in Blackjack?
You can split your hand in blackjack when the dealer deals you two cards of the same value, irrespective of the suit. When you split it creates two hands, so you need to place a second bet that is equal to your original. After you split, you play each of the two cards separately and follow the standard game rules.
Are There Casino-Specific Rules for Splitting?
Yes, some casinos limit the number of times you can re-split pairs, and others may restrict doubling down after splitting. Rules for splitting Aces are often stricter, and some websites may not allow re-splitting Aces at all. These specific rules affect the house edge, which you want to keep as low as possible. See our guide on beating the house for more information.
When Should You Split Blackjack Pairs?
Knowing when to split pairs in blackjack can greatly impact your chances of winning. Here’s a breakdown of all the possible paired hands in blackjack and what you should do.
The following table has a quick overview on whether or not you shoud split your pairs. The pairs are listed on the left in the Y axis, and the dealer’s upturned card is listed along the top on the X axis.
| Player’s Pair ↓ | Dealer has 2 | Dealer has 3 | Dealer has 4 | Dealer has 5 | Dealer has 6 | Dealer has 7 | Dealer has 8 | Dealer has 9 | Dealer has 10 | Dealer has Ace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A,A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 10,10 | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| 9,9 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 8,8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 7,7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| 6,6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| 5,5 | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| 4,4 | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| 3,3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| 2,2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Why Should You Always Split Aces in Blackjack?
Aces should always be split because they give you two chances to hit a strong hand, like 21. Keeping them together results in a weak soft 12, which is one of the worst hands in blackjack.
Why Should You Always Split Eights in Blackjack?
Always split 8s because keeping them together gives you a total of 16, a weak hand that is likely to lose.
By splitting, you have two chances to build stronger hands, ideally reaching 18 or more.
When Should You Split Nines in Blackjack?
Split 9s when the dealer shows 2 through to 6, 8, or 9. Avoid splitting if the dealer has a 7, 10, or Ace, as 18 is a solid hand to hold in these situations.
Here’s why:
- Against a dealer’s 7: The dealer is likely to end up with 17, making your 18 a winning hand. Splitting could lead to two weaker hands that might not hold up.
- Against a dealer’s 10 or Ace: These are strong dealer cards, and splitting could result in two hands that both lose. Holding on to your 18 gives you a better chance to push or win, as splitting would expose you to more risk.
When Should You Split Sevens in Blackjack?
Split 7s when the dealer shows 2 through 7. If the dealer has 8 or higher, it’s better to hit and try to improve your 14, rather than risk splitting into weaker hands.
When Should You Split Sixes in Blackjack?
Split 6s when the dealer shows 2 through 6. If the dealer has a higher card, hit instead, as splitting against a strong dealer hand can lead to losing both hands.
When Should You Split Fours in Blackjack?
Only split 4s if the dealer shows a 5 through to a 6, and if doubling down after splitting is allowed. Otherwise, keep them together and hit for a stronger total.
When Should You Split Threes in Blackjack?
Split 3s when the dealer shows a 2 through to a 7. If the dealer has 8 or higher, hit and aim to improve your 6.
When Should You Split Twos in Blackjack?
Split 2s when the dealer shows a 2 through to a 7. Avoid splitting when the dealer has an 8 or higher, as your chances of improving are lower.
Strategies To Blackjack Splitting
Your approach to splitting will depend on whether it puts you in an advantageous position, if it risks wagering too much of your bankroll, the situation with the dealer’s upcard, if you’re card counting, and if you plan to double down. Your strategy will vary depending on these scenarios.
What Are the Advantages of Splitting Pairs?
The advantages of splitting are giving you the opportunity to better your existing hand that you’ve been dealt. Whether that puts you in a better winning position with an already good hand, or improves on a poor hand like a pair of 8s.
What Are the Risks Involved with Splitting?
The risk of splitting in blackjack are that you are doubling your bet. If you split when basic strategy says that you shoudln’t, you put yourself at jeapordy of losing twice as much as you originally bet. Splitting should be saved for a time when it puts you in a better position, not when you feel like having two shots at beating the dealer. Be patient and play the correct strategy to minimize the house edge.
Should You Split Based on the Dealer’s Up Card?
Yes, the dealer’s up card is an important decision as to when you should split. Splitting is recommended when the dealer shows weaker cards (2 to 6), as this increases the chances of their hand busting. For stronger dealer cards like 10 or Ace, holding a solid hand is often safer than splitting.
Should You Ever Deviate from Basic Strategy When Splitting?
You shoudl not deviate from basic strategy when splitting, as basic strategy is based on statistical outcomes and is designed to maximize your chances of winning the hand and beating the dealer. Read more about our guide to basic strategy and view our blackjack strategy card here.
What Happens If You Split Without Following Basic Strategy?
Splitting without following basic strategy can put you at a disadvantage, make you more likely to lose your hand. Following basic strategy minimizes the house edge, making blackjack more beatable. Sticking to basic strategy is important before and after splitting. For example, splitting tens or fives weakens strong hands, which can cost you a winning opportunity.
Is Card Counting an Exception for Splitting?
Yes, card counting can be an exception to the advice on when to split pairs. When the count is negative (fewer tens remain in the deck), a card counter might avoid splitting Aces because the odds of getting a 10 are lower. Similarly, if the card counter has a positive tally and thinks there are multiple tens left in the deck, he might split 8s or Aces to get close to 21 with two hands. Read more about negative and positive count in our guide to card counting here.
Should You Double Down After Splitting in Blackjack?
It is a good idea to double down after a split if you are dealt a strong hand and the dealer has a weak hand – like a 5 or a 6. Check the blackjack rules on your table, as many casinos limit your betting options after you split your hand, especially if two Aces are involved. Read our guide on doubling down where we have advice particularly on doubling down after splitting.
Can You Re-Split Pairs in Blackjack?
Some online casinos allow you to re-split pairs after a split. This means after you split your initial hand and you get another pair, you can split the new pair – potentially leaving you with three or four hands in play. Some casinos don’t have this option though, especially when you split aces.
What Are the Best Pairs to Split in Online Blackjack?
The best pairs to split in online blackjack are 8s and Aces, the same as in tradtional blackjack. Other pairs should be split when the dealer has a weak upturned card, such as 2 through to a 6.
Frequently Asked Questions About Splitting in Blackjack
Should You Split 10s in Blackjack?
No, you should never split 10s. A 20 is a strong hand, and splitting reduces your chances of winning.
What Happens If You Split Aces and Get a 10?
If you split Aces and get a 10, you have a total of 21, but most casinos don’t count this as a natural blackjack, so the payout is 1:1 instead of 3:2.
Can You Split Face Cards in Blackjack?
You should not split face cards (jacks, queens and kings) for the same reason that splitting 10s is not advised. Two 10s make 20, which is a great hand to have and gives you an excellent chance of winning. Splitting two face cards could leave you with two weaker hands, like 15s and 16 and make you lose double your original bet.
Learn More About Blackjack Strategies (Micro Context for Internal Linking)
How to Master Doubling Down in Blackjack
Master doubling down by using it when your hand totals 10 or 11, especially against a weak dealer card like 5 or 6. Read our detailed guide to doubling down in blackjack.
What Are the Best Online Blackjack Casinos?
We recommend online blackjack casinos based on their bonus offering, user experience, customer support and multiple other factors. You can see here which blackjack casino sites we determine to be the best in the industry.
Blackjack Basic Strategy: How to Lower the House Edge
Lower the house edge by following basic strategy, which includes following rules such as splitting Aces and 8s, doubling down at the right time, and never taking insurance.
