Blackjack is a super popular Live Casino game that many online gamblers enjoy. This game is simple, but every move is of strategic importance. While knowing how to play is an essential step towards victory, it is not the only thing to keep in mind. It is also important to know when to split in blackjack.

Upon the split, each hand is treated separately. You can play both independently and employ whatever tactics you deem proper at each one. When it comes to online blackjack, splitting rules might vary depending on games variants. For instance, if you split 10s and get another 10 on one hand, you can split that too; it’s known as resplitting. When correctly split, pairs can be very lucrative in the long term. Not only does pair splitting reduce the house edge of the game but it also makes blackjack all the more thrilling because the excitement increases in parallel with the action. If you are looking to improve your play and are struggling with pairs consisting of 6s, we recommend you stay with us as we tackle the optimal ways to.

What does this mean? Players may have the option to split when they obtain a hand that includes two cards of the same value, and so can ‘split’ their hand into two separate hands. When this happens, an additional card is dealt for each hand, and players can now place an additional bet on the newly created hand.

Splitting pairs can potentially be very advantageous to the player if done correctly. Don’t worry if you’re not sure when to split in blackjack, we’re here to help you get a better understanding and make better moves to improve your blackjack strategy!

Blackjack

The aim of the game is to get as close to a total card value of 21 as possible while you try to beat the dealer’s total without going bust. The cards are taken at their face value with the exception of jacks, queens and kings which are worth 10 points each. The ace card is given a value of either one or 11 — depending on your hand value.

These are the typical blackjack rules, but some variants may include additional side bets and all-new rules. Try out some of these variants at EnergyCasino by signing up and making your first deposit.

What Is Splitting In Blackjack?

Splitting in blackjack is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. If you are dealt a pair, you may have the option to ‘split’ it to form to two hands. Once you split, you will be dealt two new cards and carry on betting on both hands. So, a second wager will be placed, equal to your original bet. Let’s take the following example:

Suppose you placed a bet of €1 and you receive a six of hearts and a six of diamonds — a pair. If you decide to split, then an additional €1 must be bet to continue playing. Each hand is played separately, so you will play one hand and then the other in one round.

You could say it’s pretty simple, but there is a strategy to keep in mind here. Not every blackjack pair should be split, playing the single hand to the end might be to your advantage. That said, some pairs should almost always be split as, statistically speaking, doing so will result in losing less money over time or offers a reasonable chance of turning a losing hand into a winning one. How do you know when to split or opt for other playing decisions? Let’s find out.

When You Should Always Split

Splitting pairs in blackjack generally depends on the house rules, your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. So, you may face instances where a split is much more favourable than others. Here are a couple instances where you might want to consider splitting:

• Split Aces: Splitting a pair of aces is always an advantageous strategy due to its potentially high value. If you play with one hand, this pair will give either a two or soft 12, since an ace can take the value of either one or 11. Playing with split hands is much more beneficial with two aces, a sthe number of 10-point value cards is quite significant. However, keep in mind that many blackjack tables only allow one hit after splitting aces.
• Split Eights: Basic strategy dictates that splitting eights is almost always better than playing the hand through. Having a hand of 16 is pretty weak and is quite risky to hit — anything above a five is a bust. Splitting a pair of eights gives you much better chances of winning as it is impossible to bust on your first hit. Keep in mind that playing with an eight is still quite problematic, especially if the dealer’s upcard is an ace, but splitting this pair helps mitigate some of the damage to your bankroll in the long run.

When You Should Never Split

Knowing when you should keep your hand is just as important as knowing when to split it.

• Two tens: Splitting 10s is quite a common rookie mistake. If you get a pair of 10s, the best strategy would be to keep the hand, simply because the total is 20, which is a great start. If you decide to split and hit, it’ll be much harder to improve your hand.
• Two fives: A pair of fives yields a value of 10. With this pair it is much easier to double down than if you had to split and hit instead (if doubling down after splitting is allowed). You can’t bust with this pair, and you have a solid chance of getting 20 or 21 on the first hit. Splitting will leave you with a weaker hand and so it is never really a good idea to split a pair of fives.
• Two fours: The same logic of splitting fives can be applied here. If you are dealt a pair of fours and split, you run a greater risk of building two weak hands. Playing with an eight-point hand is much more advantageous and harder to go bust.

Doubling After A Split or No Doubling After A Split?

When deciding when to split, it is important to consider the type of table you play at. Blackjack tables that allow players to double down after splitting are much more beneficial to the player. Playing at a table where doubling after a split is not allowed does alter your blackjack strategy. Let’s take a look at a few tactics you may want to consider, depending on the table you play at. Remember that splitting also depends on the dealer’s upcard, which plays a huge factor regardless of the type of table you play at.

Double After Split Tables:

• With a pair of twos/threes/sevens — When the dealer’s upcard ranges between two and seven.
• With a pair of fours — When the dealer’s upcard has a value of five or six.
• With a pair of fives/tens — Splitting is not favourable in this case.
• With a pair of sixes — Only when the dealer’s upcard ranges between two and six.
• Two eights — Always, except when the dealer holds an ace upcard on an H17.
• Two nines — When the dealer holds cards two through six, eight or nine.
• Two aces — Split pairs.

No Double After Split Tables (H17 — dealer hits on a soft 17):

• Pair of twos/threes — When the dealer’s cards include anything between a four and seven.
• Pair of fours/fives/tens — Never.
• Pair of sixes — When the dealer holds cards three to six.
• Pair of sevens — When the dealer holds cards two to seven.
• Pair of eights — Always, unless the dealer’s upcard is an ace and you can surrender.
• Pair of nines — When the dealer holds cards two through six, eight or nine.
• Pair of aces — Always.

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FAQ

⭐What is splitting in blackjack?

A split in blackjack is the act of splitting a hand into two for a chance of forming better hands.

⭐When should I split?

Deciding when to split a pair depends on the value of your hand as well as the rules of the game, the number of decks used and the upcard of the dealer. Whether the blackjack table allows players to double down after splitting or not is also a factor to consider.

How To Split In Blackjack Rdr2

⭐Are there instances where splitting is not favourable?

Yes. When obtaining two cards, like two fours, splitting might not be a good idea as all you run the risk of ending up with two weak hands that won’t beat the dealer. There are other instances where this could happen, so it will be helpful to do a little research before you play!

⭐Where can I play blackjack?

At EnergyCasino, of course! While we have loads of blackjack variants available, we also host tons of other Live Casino games. If these aren’t really up your ally, you could always try some of the thousands of amazing slot games in our selection. Enjoy fantastic gameplay while gaining bonuses, participating in tournaments and benefiting from our fantastic loyalty program!

Splitting in Blackjack is one more solution available for Blackjack players. It can be used in combination with the double down or surrender option – the main thing for the players to consider is how to combine these solutions to get a better result. In this article, we are going to disclose the situations when this move has to and shouldn’t be used. Along with that, we will disclose a proper approach to this solution.

What Does a Split in Blackjack Mean?

A split solution means that you play two hands instead of one after getting the initial hand. Each hand is played solely, which means that you can lose with one hand and win with the second. This solution can be a good choice, if the cards in your initial hand, can bring you more chances to win, if distributed into two hands, instead of being used in just one.

Some players ignore this move, leaving no chance to double their winnings or decrease their chances of losing. The thing is that this solution can only be used for your benefit if you are familiar with card counting and know the essence of this move.

How to Split in Blackjack: Rules

The only condition when splitting is available is when you have a pair in the initial hand. You cannot split after a hit or any other move. Thus, if you get 6-6, and then another 6, you cannot split your hand. However, there are some casinos that impose restrictions on splitting:

• Splitting is allowed only once.
• After splitting, you cannot get a natural Blackjack even if you have 10-Ace; it is valued as an ordinary 21.
• Some pairs cannot be split (Ace, 10, etc.).
• No double down after splitting allowed.

Generally, you can split as many times as you want. For example, if you get a pair of 6’s, you can split. Then you get two hands with one 6 in each one.

How Do You Split In Blackjack

If in one of the hands, you get another 6, you can split that hand as well. Thus, you will get 3 hands with 6 cards. Though, some of the casinos only allow you to split once.

You also can split Aces, as well, in some of the casinos. That means that once you have an Ace-Ace, you can split and get two hands with one Ace card in each of them. Make it clear in the casino, whether you can split Aces, as some of the houses forbid that.

Double down is a move that allows you to increase your bet per hand and limits the number of cards you can get afterwards. After splitting, you can make a double down for one hand and use any other move for another hand. The outcomes for each hand won’t affect the outcome of the other hand. Though, some of the casinos do not allow you to double down after splitting.

Thus, along with knowing how to use the decision to split correctly, you also should find out the rules of eligibility for this move, in the specified casino. These rules can have a great effect on the results of the game.

Why Do You Need to Split Cards in Blackjack?

Many players do not really know when splitting is a good decision. In this article, we have disclosed situations when splitting can improve your results, and here we will answer the question, why do you need to split your cards at all.

There are three main reasons to use this move:

• Splitting can maximize your profits
• It can minimize your losses
• It can improve your initial hand

How can splitting maximize your profits? If the dealer has a weak hand, splitting your hand means you play two hands instead of the dealer’s weak hand. This means that you have more chances to win, so you use this move as much as possible, depending on the situation, when the dealer gets a weak hand in a specified game.

How can splitting minimize your losses? If the dealer has a strong hand or a moderate hand, depending on your hand and the Blackjack game rules you play, you can surrender (if possible), split, or hit.

For some of the card combinations (which are pointed out in this article), the best decision would be to split. You get the chance to have at least one strong hand against the dealer’s hand. Thus, you can minimize your losses.

How can splitting improve your hand? If you have 2 cards that can make a good combination in separate hands but make a bad combination in one hand, it may be better for you to make a splitting decision than to hit, double down or surrender. Thus, choosing this option gives you the chance of a stronger combination.

Splitting Strategy: When You Should Always Split Cards in Blackjack

Unlike the other solutions, for a split, there are situations when splitting is always a good option, no matter what the card combination is in the dealer’s hand. This is true for a pair of Aces and a pair of eights.

The main reason for the pair of aces to get split is that an Ace in the initial hand is always a good card. When you get 10 with an Ace, it is a natural Blackjack, and moreover, an Ace can be valued both like 1 or 11. Consider the fact that for your initial hand with two Aces, you get a sum of 12, and the only way to get a Blackjack comes when you get 9. Whereas, when you split, you get far more winning combinations.

When it comes to the eights, there is another reason for splitting – a hard 16 is a weak hand. It is not enough to stand, as the majority of dealers stand or hit with a soft 17. It is risky to hit with this combination, as any value that is higher than a 5 will bust your hand. You get much better options if you split, and get an eight in two hands.

What Pairs Do You Split In Blackjack

You should also resplit in case you get Aces or eights in hand after the first split. The reasons for the resplit are the same as for the first split. The only reason you couldn’t use split for Aces or resplit for Aces and eights, is the situation when this move is restricted by the casino. Below you can see some examples of hands with eights and Aces that would be valuable to consider for your gaming strategy.

Split Aces

Your hand: Ace-Ace

Dealer’s up card: Any

No matter what up card the dealer has, you should split. Even if the dealer has an Ace as well, which increases the chances of him having a natural Blackjack or another strong combination.

When you split, you get two potentially strong hands, instead of one that has a value of 12. After you split, you have more options to double down or hit until you get the best value.

Split Eights

What Hands Do You Split In Blackjack

Your hand: 8-8

Dealer’s up card: Any

Hard 16 is a weak combination, as you have a 60% chance to go bust with it. Moreover, the majority of dealers stop on soft 17, so even standing on hard 16 isn’t the best option. Normally, if you get a hard 16, it is better to consider the surrender option. However, if you get pairs with an opportunity to split, you should use it, as there many chances to get a strong combination with an eight in your hand.

What cards not to split?

There are cards that you shouldn’t split under any circumstances:

• A pair of fives
• Pair of fours
• Pair of tens

The thing is that splitting these cards, no matter what card is in the dealer’s hand, will decrease your chances of winning dramatically. Below we will provide you with a detailed disclosure on each combination.

Don’t Split Tens

How Do You Split In Blackjack

A pair of tens gives you 20. This is one of the best combinations to stand when playing Blackjack, as you are likely to win. Splitting will be a very risky move.

The thing is that the majority of dealers stop at soft 17, which means that you need to get 7 or more after the split to win. Based on this calculation, you have more chances to win the round if you stand on 20. Example

Your hand: 10-10

Dealer’s up card: 8

With the dealer’s eight or any other card in the game, a casino has a very low chance of winning, as it should collect 21. On the other hand, your 20 is a great value to stand at.

Never Split Fives

Splitting fives is a bad idea, as you have a better option of doubling down depending on the dealer’s up card. Most players choose the split option in this situation, basing their decision on the fact that 5 in hand gives you a great number of options for the second card and future moves. However, it is proven mathematically, that you get more chances to win if you double down or hit in this position.

Your hand: 5-5

Dealer’s up card: 4

If you split now, you have to take the risk of getting a weak combination against the dealer’s 4 with another card in hand. If doubling down, you will have more chances to acquire a stronger value than the dealer.

Never Split Fours

Having fours gives a higher chance to get more than a soft 17 than if you split this hand. Here you get even more chances to get a weak hand than with fives. You will ultimately get weak initial hands instead of a stronger one. Based on the mathematical calculations, hitting is better than splitting here.

Your hand: 4-4

Dealer’s up card: 9

In this situation, you will have fewer chances to get a strong initial hand, as if the second card in the dealer’s hand is of high value, you will have to hit numerous times, for both hands with totally unpredictable results. More chances to win remain if you hit with 4-4 giving you an 8 and a higher chance to beat a soft 17.

Splitting Other Cards in Blackjack

Along with the combinations that leave only one option on whether or not to split, there are also other combinations that can leave you with options depending on the dealer’s up card.

When to Split Twos, Threes, or Sevens

Twos, threes, and sevens should be split if the dealer shows a card with a value of 7 or less. The reason is that twos and threes give you 4 and 6, which is a naturally weak initial hand to move on, and if you split this pair, you will get far more chances to get a strong combination to hit. You should also split sevens, as you have more chances to get a strong combination by hitting two cards afterwards, than with a hard 14.

Your hand: 2-2

Dealer’s up card: 4

As you can see in this situation, you have a value of four, while the dealer has 4 as an upcard only. It is less, so you can easily split your cards, and then hit as many times as you need to. With such a combination split, you have more chances to get a high value, than with a four against four and the second card in the dealer’s hand.

When to Split Sixes

Split a pair of sixes when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Based on the mathematical calculations, your hard 12 can give you a better result, when the dealer has 7 or more, and your six in hand can result in a stronger combination when the dealer has less than 7.

Your hand:6-6

Dealer’s up card: 8

Here, you have a hard 12 against the dealer’s 8. You only can go bust if you get a 10, while you do not yet know the dealer’s situation. Any other card added will only improve the value of your hand, thus hitting is a better option than splitting, when you get two weak six combinations, against the dealer’s 8.

Splitting Nines

Splitting nines is a good idea against the dealer’s 2-6, 8, and 9. When you split against 2-6, 8, you get a better combination without the risk of getting busted on the next hit. With the 9 up card, you have the same chances on the new hand. Seven is excluded from here as mathematically, the dealer has greater chances of getting a strong combination.

Your hand: 9-9

Dealer: 5

If you split now, you will get two hands with nines in each, against the dealer’s 5 card. This gives you better chances to win twice. Standing here would be a good option as well, and still, you can increase your profits if you split.

Blackjack Splitting Chart

To make it clearer for players when or not to split, we have prepared a chart showing the best combinations for a specified move.

Here you can get acquainted with the main topics that are being discussed about the split move. Continue reading below to get answers on the most frequently asked questions.

Splitting in Blackjack FAQ

How many times can you split in Blackjack?

What DAS means?

What does NDAS mean?

Splitting Cards Blackjack

What NRSA means?

Other Blackjack Strategies

Along with splitting, you can also make other moves that can be combined with splitting or used solely depending on the game rules and situation. Knowing how to use these moves can improve your results dramatically, otherwise, they can be useless. Thus, there is double down, hit & stand, and surrender.

Double Down

Double downis a move that considers increasing your initial hand. It is only available for the initial hand, and after using this move, you can only get one card in hand. Sometimes double down is available after splitting, sometimes not – it depends on the rules. Double down can increase your winnings and is valuable for those who use long-run strategies.

What Numbers Do You Split In Blackjack

Hit & Stand

Hit is a basic solution available for all blackjack games. It means that you take an additional card to improve your hand. This move is available only until you get a value of 21 or get busted. The stand solution is about no longer taking any more cards. It is used when you believe the combination you have is the best you can get in that hand. Hit & Standshould be used in combination with other moves.

Surrender

Surrenderis an option that is not presented in the majority of Blackjack games. Thus, when it is available, you can use it to decrease your loses. The surrender solution can only be used upon receiving the initial hand and means that you stop the hand, and receive 50% of your original wager.