When To Split in Blackjack?

What Is Splitting In Blackjack?

Splitting in blackjack is a rule that allows you to divide your single blackjack hand into two. This move becomes an option if you’re dealt two cards of the same rank, such as two 7’s. By choosing to split, you’re creating two separate bets, each equivalent to your original bet amount. Following the split, every hand is then played individually, with each card being the first card of a new hand.

Is It Always Beneficial To Split In Blackjack?

While splitting gives you two hands to play with, it doesn’t always result in a favorable outcome. Understanding when to split in blackjack can indeed make a substantial difference to your winning odds.

What is the Signal to Split in Blackjack?

To signal a split in blackjack, place an additional pile of chips adjacent to your original bet and hold up two fingers.

When to Split in Blackjack?

You Have A Pair Of Aces

Split if you get a pair of Aces as your first two cards. By splitting Aces, you open up the possibility of hitting a blackjack with each Ace, doubling your chances for a strong total of 21.

The Dealer Has A Bust Card

If the dealer’s upcard is a 4,5 or 6 – also known as “bust cards,” consider splitting. The dealer holds a high probability of going bust with these cards, allowing you to maximize your bet with a split.

You Have A Pair of 8s

Positively choose to split a pair of 8s. Why? A hard 16 is a weak hand for you, but by splitting, you turn it into an opportunity for two hands with a starting point of 8 each – a much better position.

2s, 3s, 7s Versus Dealer’s 7 or Lower

If you hold pairs of 2s, 3s, or 7s, and the dealer’s upcard is 7 or less, go for a split. It’s typically a solid strategy, banking on the dealer potentially going bust while increasing your possibilities of getting decent hands.

6s Versus Dealer’s 2 to 6

When you get a pair of 6s and the dealer reveals anywhere from a 2 to a 6, go for a split. The likelihood of the dealer going bust is high, giving you a good chance to maximize on your pair of 6s.

9s Versus Dealer’s 2 to 6 and 8, 9

Have a pair of 9s handed to you? Opt for a split if the dealer’s upcard is a 2 through 6, an 8, or a 9. This strategic move optimizes your potential of achieving high hands and capitalizes if the dealer struggles.

When The Table Is Hot

Trust your instincts and split when you perceive the table to be “hot.” If you’re on a winning streak, splitting can help capitalize on the positive momentum. But remember, gambling always involves risk. Temper your judgments with wisdom.

When Not To Split In Blackjack?

Medium Pairs

Don’t split when you get medium pairs, defined as pairs of 4s, 5s, and 6s.

For example, with a pair of 4s, you get an aggregate value of 8. Splitting turns these into two separate hands with values of 4. The chances of getting a desirable total with either hand remain significantly low. Hence, it’s smart not to split.

Similarly, 5s give you a total of 10. It’s a strong hand, offering the possibility of drawing a 10-value card to attain 20, a compelling hand in blackjack. Splitting it into two 5s would decrease your winning odds.

Lastly, having a pair of 6s totals to 12. While it’s not the most advantageous hand, splitting it leads to two hands of 6, increases the risk of busting. Thus, keeping them together constitutes a safer bet.

The Dealer Has An Ace

Do not split when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This pivotal rule springs from the fact that the dealer, with an Ace, holds a considerable advantage even before the player makes a move.

For example, if you’ve been dealt a pair of 8s and contemplate splitting, weigh the likelihood of the dealer’s Ace rivaling your potential split. With the Ace, the dealer stands a strong chance of achieving a high hand, potentially diminishing your divided 8s’ power.

Jacksonville University’s survey on blackjack strategies, backed by computer simulation involving over 1 billion blackjack hands, demonstrates that the dealer’s Ace’s potential power overwhelmingly supports the “don’t split” rule.

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on the Blackjack Split Chart in a table format. The information will be presented in markdown, suitable for documentation or web content.

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

Additional Tips

• Doubling Down: When you have a pair of fives, it’s often more advantageous to double down rather than split.
• House Rules: Always be aware of the specific blackjack house rules regarding splitting and doubling down, as they can vary.
• Strategy Cards: Many casinos allow players to use strategy cards at the table, which can help in making split decisions.

Should you Split 10s in Blackjack?

You should never split 10s. Because, 

It Reduces your Odds of Winning by 14%

Statistical data reveals that a player who split 10s has a 64% winning chance and a 36% probability of a loss when playing against a dealer’s up-card of 6. That means your net gain is 28% when you split 10s versus a dealer 6, or 56% for both split hands.

On the other hand, if you stand on a pat 20 (10-10), you will win 85% of the time and risk a loss probability of just 15%. In other words, your expected gain is 70% when you stand on a pair of tens against the dealer’s 6.

When you compare the two figures, you can see that splitting 10s reduces your profit margin or odds of winning by a significant 14%.

It Reduces the Amount of Money You Can Potentially Make

When you split 10s, you can expect to win $56 for every $100 wagered against the dealer’s up-card of 6. However, if you stay with your pair, your choice will result in a win of $70 for every $100 wagered. So, you stand to win $14 more money when you stand on a pair of tens than splitting against the dealer’s 6-upcard.

Do you Split 4s in Blackjack?

It depends on the dealer’s upcard, the rules of the blackjack game, and your playing style. Conservative players may prefer to avoid splitting 4s altogether, opting to play it safe by hitting or standing. Aggressive players, however, might see splitting as an opportunity to maximize potential gains, especially when the dealer is vulnerable.

When to Split 4s?

Dealer Shows a 5 or 6

The dealer is more likely to bust with these cards, giving you an opportunity to capitalize. Splitting allows you to double down on both hands, potentially increasing your winnings. In this situation, splitting 4s can turn a weak hand into a winning one by giving you two chances to hit a strong hand against a vulnerable dealer.

Doubling Down After Splitting (DAS) Allowed

When the game allows DAS, splitting 4s against a dealer’s 5 or 6 becomes even more advantageous. The ability to double down on each hand after the split maximizes your chances of securing a win. Without DAS, splitting 4s in this scenario may still be beneficial, but the potential upside decreases.

When Not to Split 4s?

Dealer Shows a 2, 3, 7, or Higher

If the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, 7, or any card higher than 6, splitting 4s becomes a poor choice. In these scenarios, sticking with your pair of 4s is a better strategy. A total of 8 is more likely to result in a decent hand, particularly when the dealer shows a strong upcard. Splitting in these situations exposes you to greater risk, often resulting in a weaker hand or a potential loss.

Dealer Shows a 4

When the dealer has a 4 showing, most experts recommend against splitting 4s. While the dealer is at risk of busting, your best move here is to hit and aim for a stronger hand.

Should you Split 7s in Blackjack?

Splitting pairs in blackjack impacts your winning odds. When it comes to a pair of 7s, understanding the strategy behind whether to split them or not is essential for any serious player.

Always Split 7s Against a Dealer’s Weak Card

When you’re dealt a pair of 7s, the basic blackjack strategy dictates that you should always split them if the dealer shows a card between 2 and 7. Here’s why:

• Mathematical Advantage: The dealer’s weak cards (2 through 7) give you a higher probability of the dealer busting. By splitting 7s, you create two separate hands, each starting with a 7. This allows you to take advantage of the dealer’s potential to go over 21.
• Potential to Improve: When you split 7s, you could draw a card like a 10 or a face card, turning your hand into a 17—an acceptable total to stand on. This is much better than the original 14 (7+7), which is a weak hand that often results in a loss if you hit.

Don’t Split 7s Against a Dealer’s Strong Card

When the dealer shows an 8, 9, 10, or Ace, you should not split your 7s. Instead, hitting is generally the best move. Here’s why:

• Dealer’s Strong Position: When the dealer has a high-value card, they have a good chance of reaching a strong total, like 18, 19, or 20. Splitting 7s in this scenario puts you at a disadvantage because you’re likely to end up with two weak hands that will struggle to beat the dealer’s total.
• Mitigating Losses: By hitting on your 14, you aim to improve your hand without increasing your exposure to risk. You still have a chance to draw a card that helps you reach a better total, potentially even pushing or beating the dealer.

Option to Double Down After Splitting 7s

Sometimes, splitting 7s gives you the chance to double down after splitting, depending on the casino’s rules. Here’s when doubling down makes sense:

• Dealer Shows a 5 or 6: These are the weakest cards for the dealer. After splitting your 7s and drawing a favorable card (such as a 3, 4, or 5), doubling down becomes an excellent option. The dealer is in a vulnerable position to bust, and doubling down maximizes your potential return.
• High Probability of Winning: If the dealer has a weak card and you end up with a total of 9, 10, or 11 after splitting, doubling down is a smart move. This strategy capitalizes on the dealer’s disadvantage, allowing you to increase your bet with a high likelihood of success.

The Impact of Multi-Deck vs. Single-Deck Games

The number of decks used in blackjack can influence your strategy and the decision to split 7s:

Single-Deck Games: In a single-deck game, the chances of getting a favorable card after splitting are slightly better. Therefore, splitting 7s against a wider range of dealer upcards might be advisable.

Multi-Deck Games: With more decks in play, the odds of drawing a 10-value card increase. This makes the standard basic strategy of splitting 7s against dealer cards 2 through 7 more reliable, as it’s based on the higher likelihood of completing a strong hand.

More on Blackjack Splitting

Can the dealer Split in Blackjack?

No. Splitting is an option available only to players. The dealer follows a fixed set of rules and does not have the option to split their hand.

Can you Split Face cards in Blackjack?

Yes, but there are some specifics to consider. Face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are all worth 10 points, but they must be identical in rank to split them. For example, you can split a pair of queens, but you cannot split a hand with a jack and a queen since they are not the same rank.

Should you Split two 5s in Blackjack?

Generally, when holding two 5s in Blackjack, splitting them isn’t advised. The best strategy is to see them as a hard 10 and adjust your play accordingly.

Should you Hit or Stay on 16?

The blackjack strategy suggests hitting on a hard 16 (with no Ace) if the dealer’s upcard is a 7 or higher. This may feel risky, but data and statistics back it.