Splitting in blackjack can improve your chances of winning by turning one hand into two. However, because it also requires doubling your bet, it’s a decision that should be made strategically. Check out our top-rated casino reviews and bonuses if you’re looking for the best online casinos to play blackjack.
This guide covers:
• What splitting means and how it works
• Key rules to keep in mind
• The best and worst times to split
• How different blackjack variations affect your decisions
• A quick-reference chart to simplify your choices
Mastering these strategies will help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your overall results at the table.
Understanding Blackjack Splitting
Splitting happens when you are dealt two cards of the same value—like a pair of 8s or 10s—and decide to separate them into two hands. You must place a second bet equal to your original wager to do this. Each split hand is then played individually. Before deciding when to split, it’s essential to understand the rules of blackjack and how they impact your choices.
How Often Do You Get the Chance to Split?
Since splitting opportunities are rare, understanding Blackjack odds and payouts will help you make the most profitable decisions.
• The probability of receiving a pair (Aces through 9s) is about 0.5% per hand.
• Drawing two 10-value cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings) happens about 9.4% of the time.
Because splitting chances are infrequent, understanding the best moves is key.
How to Signal a Blackjack Split
Most casinos use a simple hand signal for splitting. Place an additional stack of chips next to your original bet to indicate a split, and hold up two fingers. Dealers everywhere recognize this sign, ensuring quick and clear communication. Before choosing where to play, please look at our trusted casino reviews to find the best blackjack tables online.
Best Hands to Split in Blackjack
Splitting is just one key decision in the game. To improve your overall strategy, check out our full Blackjack Strategy Guide. Splitting is most effective in these situations:
• Aces (A-A) – Splitting Aces increases your chances of hitting blackjack.
• 8s (8-8) – Splitting 8s removes a weak total of 16, one of the worst hands in blackjack.
Situational Splits (Based on Dealer’s Card)
• 2s, 3s, and 7s – Split against a dealer’s 2-7 since these upcards increase the chances of a dealer bust.
• 6s – Split against a dealer’s 2-6 to improve your odds rather than standing on 12.
• 9s – Split against a dealer’s 2-6, 8, or 9, but stand against 7, 10, or Ace to maintain a strong 18.
Always Split
• Aces (A-A) – Splitting Aces increases your chances of hitting blackjack.
• 8s (8-8) – Splitting 8s removes a weak total of 16, one of the worst hands in blackjack.
Should You Split 10s in Blackjack?
Never split 10s. A total of 20 is one of the strongest hands in blackjack, with an 85% win rate when standing.
Why Splitting 10s Reduces Your Odds of Winning
• If you split 10s, you reduce your expected win percentage. Against a dealer’s 6-up card, your win rate drops from 85% to just 64%.
• Your net profit on the hand also drops:
• Splitting 10s results in an expected gain of 28% per hand (56% for both split hands).
• Standing on 20 gives you a 70% expected gain—a 14% higher profit margin than splitting.
Why Splitting 10s Reduces Your Potential Winnings
• If you wager $100 and split 10s, your expected winnings are $56 per split hand, for $112.
• However, if you keep your 20, you win $70 per $100 wagered, earning $14 more than if you split.
Simply put, splitting 10s weakens your hand and costs you money in the long run.
Why Splitting 10s Reduces Your Odds of Winning
• If you split 10s, you reduce your expected win percentage. Against a dealer’s 6-up card, your win rate drops from 85% to just 64%.
• Your net profit, on the hand, also drops:
• Splitting 10s results in an expected gain of 28% per hand (56% for both split hands).
• Standing on 20 gives you a 70% expected gain—a 14% higher profit margin than splitting.
Why Splitting 10s Reduces Your Potential Winnings
• If you wager $100 and split 10s, your expected winnings are $56 per split hand, for $112.
• However, if you keep your 20, you win $70 per $100 wagered, earning $14 more than if you split.
Splitting 10s weakens your hand and costs you money in the long run.
When Not to Split in Blackjack
Some hands should never be split because doing so lowers your chances of winning, In some cases, doubling down is a better move than splitting. Learn when to double down in blackjack instead.
• Never split 10s or face cards (J-Q-K) – A total of 20 is already a strong hand. Standing on 10-10 has an 85% win rate while splitting drops your advantage to 70%.
• Never split 5s (5-5) – A total of 10 is a solid starting hand. Instead, double down if the casino allows it.
• Avoid splitting when the dealer has an Ace – The dealer has an 87% chance of forming a strong hand with an Ace, so splitting is not worth the risk.
Psychological Factors: The “Hot Table” Mindset
Some players split more often when they feel they’re on a winning streak, believing in a “hot table.” While confidence can affect decision-making, blackjack is all about probability. Sticking to a basic strategy is the best way to ensure long-term success.
Casino Rule Variations That Affect Splitting
Different casinos have their own rules that can impact your strategy.
• No Double After Split (DAS) – Some splits lose value if DAS is not allowed.
• Single-Deck vs. Multi-Deck Games – In single-deck blackjack, splitting is often more beneficial due to higher chances of drawing favorable cards.
Quick-Reference Blackjack Splitting Guide
For quick decision-making, use this basic strategy chart:
Always Split:
• Aces (A-A) and 8s (8-8)
Never Split:
• 10s (10-10) or face cards (J-Q-K)
• 5s (5-5) – Instead, double down if allowed
| Your Pair | Split If Dealer Shows | Do Not Split If Dealer Shows |
| 9-9 | 2-6, 8-9 | 7, 10, A |
| 7-7 | 2-7 | 8, 9, 10, A |
| 6-6 | 2-6 | 7, 8, 9, 10, A |
| 4-4 | 5-6 (if DAS is allowed) | 2-4, 7-10, A |
| 3-3, 2-2 | 2-7 |
This chart simplifies decision-making, helping you act quickly without second-guessing.
Blackjack Split Chart
| Player’s Pair | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
| Aces (A, A) | 2-10, A | Always Split |
| Eights (8, 8) | 2-10, A | Always Split |
| Nines (9, 9) | 2-6, 8, 9 | Split |
| Nines (9, 9) | 7, 10, A | Do Not Split |
| Sevens (7, 7) | 2-7 | Split |
| Sevens (7, 7) | 8-10, A | Do Not Split |
| Sixes (6, 6) | 2-6 | Split |
| Sixes (6, 6) | 7-10, A | Do Not Split |
| Fives (5, 5) | Any | Do Not Split (Double Down if allowed) |
| Fours (4, 4) | 5-6 | Split |
| Fours (4, 4) | 2-4, 7-10, A | Do Not Split |
| Threes (3, 3) | 2-7 | Split |
| Threes (3, 3) | 8-10, A | Do Not Split |
| Twos (2, 2) | 2-7 | Split |
| Twos (2, 2) | 8-10, A | Do Not Split |
| Tens (10, 10) | Any | Do Not Split |
