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.

• Blackjack Strategy Card
• When Can You Split In Blackjack
• When Do You Split 7s In Blackjack
• Blackjack Hands Chart
• Rules Of Blackjack

All standard blackjack games do not allow hitting split aces. This is due to the fact that it would drop the house edge by.19%. Most blackjack games have a house edge of.5% or lower. The house must have an edge that covers its overhead. If you split the 7's and assume you catch a ten, you'll have a total of 17. Not only will that beat all those totals except the 17, the dealer has a good chance of busting. On the other hand, if the dealer has an 18 or better, you're pretty much going to lose most of the time, so there is no point in putting more money in the house's pocket. Always split When you have ACES: ACES are rare in blackjack, but with so many pair of 10-value cards in the deck, it’s easier to get 21 when you have an ACE. Splitting ACES is one of the best cards you can play in blackjack. You should also re-split your ACES. Firstly, splitting in blackjack can only occur after you’ve been dealt a pair of the same value cards on your initial hand. For instance, two 8s, two 10s, two Jack’s etc. When that happens you will immediately get to split, if you want, because it’s always optional. Additionally, can you get blackjack on a split? Splitting aces gives a player two chances to hit 21. In most casinos the player is only allowed to draw one card on each split ace. As a general rule, a ten on a split ace (or vice versa) is not considered a natural blackjack and does not get any bonus. Prohibiting resplitting and redoubling is.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Blackjack Strategy Card

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?

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.

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.

Blackjack is one of the most appreciated games in any gambling establishment. Due to its ease of play and prevalence in gambling venues, blackjack is many players’ go-to game. Casinos take full advantage of this fact and find creative ways to advertise blackjack to its customers. After poker, which is the most popular card game worldwide, blackjack is the second most common form of card entertainment.

A big reason for the game’s popularity is that players can use strategies and skills to improve their chances of winning, rather than just relying on luck. Some people choose to create probability tables.

Even if they don’t win big, they can at least feel as if they have some influence over the game’s outcome. If a player is willing to take the time to learn how to count cards, they can greatly increase their probability of winning. All it takes is a little practice in blackjack split to gain an advantage over the house.

When Can You Split In Blackjack

A Bit of History

Before you learn how to split in blackjack, let’s take a step back. Nobody knows exactly when or where blackjack originated, due to the lack of relevant historical documents. Some experts have speculated that it first became popular in France. Back then, it wasn’t originally called blackjack.

Rather, its name was «Vingt et Un» which translates to «Twenty-One». Regardless of the game’s name, its goal was the same. The main purpose was to gain the right amount of points, and not to bust.

Until the 19th century, the game did not really go through any significant changes. However, when the French migrants moved to New Orleans, they took the card game with them. Twenty-One became hugely known in the US, and it underwent quite a few changes.

In the US, rather than keeping the game’s original name, players changed it to “blackjack.” This name references the best possible combination: a player can get in the game a pair of Jack of Spades and Ace of Spades.

An interesting fact is that many blackjack terms were actually taken from the world of baseball. For instance, the player sitting on the left side is on the first base, while the person on the right sits on the third base. The third base player is in a position that makes it easier to count cards. Thus, they have an advantage over the casino.

Famous Blackjack Players

Now, let’s look at the two most influential people throughout the game’s history. The first one is Don Johnson. This man raked in a huge sum of $15 million after only five months of playing blackjack regularly.

The second one is Kerry Parker. This Australian mogul and billionaire brought the MGM casino to its knees in 1997. Parker won a whopping $30 million initially and later went on to win even more.

Thankfully, Parker wasn’t selfish about his money. Whenever he would win big, he would leave up to $1 million in tips to that night’s staff. Eventually, Parker ended up becoming the owner of Crown Casino.

Perhaps you have heard of the Sports and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame. Blackjack actually has its own hall of fame as well. The Hall’s first nomination was in Winter 2002. In homage to the game’s goal and original name, 21 candidates were proposed.

Some candidates were players, and others were experts in the field. The voting took place online, and seven of the nominees ended up becoming inaugurated into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in January of 2003.

Addressing the Rules: When Can you Split in Blackjack?

One of the reasons for blackjack’s huge international success is the simplicity of its rules. If you score 21 points, and there isn’t a draw, you are guaranteed to win. You could also score less than 21 and win, as long as you have enough points to beat the dealer.

Even a complete novice can understand blackjack split rules in just a few minutes. All you have to do is remember how many points each card could bring, which just requires a simple calculation.

Players must remain attentive and vigilant in order to properly track each card. You must put in effort in order to rake in the winnings. Cards are initially distributed from six or eight decks that are contained in a blackjack shoe.

The average player won’t be able to remember these cards right off the bat. It takes some practice to be able to hold all of these numbers in your head. Yet, after practicing and learning how to memorize correctly, players can achieve great success.

Computers have given us the ability to analyze millions of matches in order to create algorithms that help us implement the best strategies. Bear in mind that the dealer can’t reflect on whether to take another card. In many venues, the house splitting rules for blackjack state that they have to draw more cards until the total value of his points is 17 or more.

Check the table below to see how an open card affects the dealer’s chances of winning. Here are the chances for the opposite side to lose with these dealer’s upcards:

Blackjack Split Rules: How to Split?

Let’s put aside the vague concepts of good luck and bad luck and agree that knowledge of these basic truths is necessary for a systematic player of the game. Save the table if you can’t remember its values. Now, using this knowledge, let us turn to the strategy on the blackjack splitting cards.

When can you split in blackjack? Check the explanation in the form of a blackjack split chart below.

There are some best hands to split in blackjack. Looking at the table, consider that ace and 10 are the strongest cards or combinations, and 4, 5, and 6 are the weakest. This statement is based on complex mathematical calculations and should be accepted as an axiom.

When Do You Split 7s In Blackjack

Let’s see the explanation for when to split in blackjack:

• Against a range of 4-6 at the dealer, takes advantage of an increase in the bet due to the opponent’s weakness;
• 2s and 3s against the dealer’s weakest hand, since each of these cards, is better than a combination of 4 or 6;
• 8s, which separately are much stronger than the low-perspective 16;
• Aces: as the strongest card (with some exceptions);
• 4s, only against the weakest cards of the dealer (5 and 6), counting on his excess (in other cases, it makes no sense to deprive himself of the average strength of 8).

Can a dealer split in blackjack? For better or worse, the dealer never doubles, splits, or surrenders. As for players, it is better to learn the table and the following basic rule that must be remembered:

Blackjack Hands Chart

• Never play split fives because instead of a strong ten, you will get two very weak cards.
• Never play a split on ten-value cards — it is a ready 20 with a high probability of victory. If you stop, the mathematical probability of winning will be higher than when playing the two tens separately.

We have collected the most common splitting options that you can find in casinos, both land-based and online. We recommend that you always check the rules of the game variation you’re going to play to know in advance which splits are available and which are not.

Dozens’ Split

All face cards (i.e., queens, kings, and jacks) are worth a 10. Almost all online casinos have the option of splitting these cards when they are dealt to your first hand. But the strategy of splitting dozens statistically leads to failure. Try not to use it.

Resplit

Let’s say you fell out of two eights the first time you have got the cards. You asked to split them into two hands, and the next time the dealer gives you a card, you get a third eight. Therefore, you have the opportunity to split the hands with the pairs of eights into a third hand. So, you’ll already have three hands, which means three chances to win.

Rather than doubling your bet, you have to triple it. There can also be limits on the number of splits, so read the rules carefully so that then there is no surprise. And remember, when new hands appear, you always need to add to your initial bet.

Aces’ Resplit

It is a very rare rule. It only applies to the late rejection rule.

An Extra Card After an Ace Split

In almost all casinos, after you’ve had a pair of aces, you need to split them into two hands. In some gambling houses, this rule is not implemented, and you can continue playing without any restrictions.

Prohibition on Ace Split

That is a very rare rule but, in some gambling establishments, you still can come across it. It ends with a ban on splitting aces. We recommend that you avoid casinos that have this rule.

Split at Any Time

If the casino is using this rule, you have the option of splitting the cards into two hands even after you give them away. Let’s say you got 10 and 2 cards at the start of the game. And after the dealer gave you a third card, you got a double again. You have the right to make a split into two 2s on the second hand.

A Ban on Splitting

This rule is very rare; at the moment, it can be found in the UK casinos only.

Canceling the Split

It is a very useful option, which is presented in some casinos. Thanks to it, you have the right to cancel one of the hands that have been formed during the split.

Blackjack Splitting FAQ

You might still have some questions regarding these techniques. Let us elaborate on some of them.

Rules Of Blackjack

What Does Split Mean in Blackjack?

Do I Need to Have a Certain Amount of Money?

Is There Any Correlation Between a Set of Rules and a Minimum Bet?

Do You Have the Best Chance to Beat the Casino Compared to Other Games?

It varies case by case, but on the whole, it’s a true statement.

To Sum Up

Why do some people lose? The reasons might be:

• Not fully understanding the rules and strategy;
• Not having or maintaining the original plan at all;
• Not setting a game timeline beforehand;
• Not adequately assessing their capital.

Did you know that casinos keep 20% of the money players use to play based on statistics? That is, they take $50 or $100 euros with them, they bet 10 each time, and as soon as they lose the money, they leave. If somebody has enough money, they may continue to play even after losing 5 or 10 times in a row. So, it’s essential to manage your capital properly.

Despite being around for centuries, blackjack maintains its popularity in the world. Simplicity and efficiency make it a favorite online choice for gamblers.

If you haven’t played online blackjack yet, it is time to try your luck at Bob Casino. All you need is an online casino with blackjack, our split strategy, your talent, excitement, and a bit of luck.

Please remember, no strategy can guarantee 100% results. Manage your money wisely, so that way stress will not affect your decisions in a negative manner. We wish you good luck and the biggest winnings!

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