Blackjack Strategy - When to Split in Blackjack
In blackjack, one of the most popular casino games, splitting pairs is a strategic move that players playing blackjack have to be familiar with in order to make more money. This strategy is activated when they are dealt two cards of the identical rank, like two 7s. By turning them into two, you double your original bet and play each card as the start of a new hand.
This strategy is effective when the dealer's up card is weak, as it increases your chances of winning with two rather than with one hand.
Introduction to Blackjack Strategy of Splitting Pairs
Blackjack split is an essential part when playing blackjack, allowing blackjack player to divide a pair of identical rank cards into two. This strategy creates an opportunity for enhancing winning chances and making more money. The history of splitting pairs in blackjack dates back to the game's origins in 18th-century France.
In the early versions of the popular card game, when blackjack was known as "Vingt-et-Un," players were not allowed to split pairs. The option to split was later introduced in the United States, enhancing the game's complexity and player engagement. Today, blackjack split remains a key tactic, allowing skilled players to capitalize on favorable situations and potentially increase their winnings.
The Essence of the Split Option in Basic Strategy
The split option is a fundamental element of basic blackjack strategy. It comes into play when a player is dealt a pair of cards with the same rank, such as two 8s or two 7s. Splitting allows you to separate these cards into two distinct hands, doubling your original bet. The essence of this option lies in optimizing your chances of winning by turning one weak hand into two potentially strong ones. When the dealer's up-card is weak, splitting pairs is often advised to capitalize on the opportunity for better outcomes and ultimately increase your odds of success in the game.
What Does "Split" Mean in Blackjack?
In blackjack, "split" refers to the strategic move a player can make when they are initially dealt a pair of cards with the identical rank. This action allows the player to separate the pair into two individual hands, each with a stake in the same amount as the original wager. By doing this, the player effectively doubles their chances of winning as they now have two opportunities to beat the dealer.
However, it's important to note that not all pairs should be split; the decision depends on the specific casino rules and the dealer's up-card.
The Criteria for Splitting: Identical Card Values
In blackjack, splitting is an option available to players when they are initially dealt a pair of cards with identical values, such as two 7s or two 8s. The decision to split is influenced by several criteria, including:
Card Values - The most fundamental criterion for splitting is having cards with the equal value, as it's not feasible to split dissimilar cards.
Strategy Chart - Players often consult a strategy chart, which provides guidelines on when to split pairs based on the dealer's up-card and the player's total.
House Rules - The specific rules of the various blackjack games in different casinos, including whether resplitting is allowed and the number of decks used, can also impact the decision to split.
The Process: Creating Two Separate Hands
When playing blackjack, creating two separate bets means that the player turns one hand with cards of the equal value into two hands. Here's how it works:
Identical Rank Cards - To split, you must be dealt a pair of cards with the same rank, like two 7s.
Additional Bet - Place a second bet of equal value to your original wager on the new hand created by the split. This effectively means you will invest double the money you started with.
Separate the Cards - The dealer will physically separate the paired cards into two individual hands, with one card each.
Play Each Hand - You proceed towards playing each hand separately, making decisions such as hitting, standing, double your bet or even resplitting if you receive another pair.
Dealer's Play - After your turn, the dealer plays their hand.
This is a valuable strategy in blackjack, offering the chance to improve your odds by creating two distinct opportunities to beat the dealer.
When to Split in Blackjack: Basic Strategy
Here are some strategies that will help you decide when you should split pair:
Always Split Aces and Eights - Regardless of the dealer's up-card, a pair of Aces or a pair of Eights should always be turned into two hands. This maximizes your chances of building strong hands.
Never Split Tens - Never turn a pair of tens into two hands because they already form a strong hand with a value of 20.
Consider the Dealer's Up-Card - Pay attention to the dealer's card. It's generally recommended to split when the dealer has a weak card (2-6) and avoid it when the dealer has a strong card (7-Ace).
Pair of Sixes - Split a pair of sixes if the dealer's up-card is weak (2-6).
Pair of Nines - Split a pair of nines except when the dealer has 7, 10, face card or an Ace.
Pair of Fours or Fives - Never split a pair of fours or fives. It's better to double down when allowed (like when the dealer has a weak card).
As we see there are some pairs for which we always split and some for which there is no point to do so, while the other pairs are depending on the dealer's hand.
Always Split
In blackjack, you should always split a pair of Aces and a pair of Eights. Aces provide the opportunity to build two strong hands, each starting with an Ace. Splitting Eights is advised as a hand of 16 is weak, but by splitting, you have a chance to improve your position.
Never Split
In blackjack, splitting should be avoid for certain pairs:
Tens - There is no point in turning a pair of tens into two separate hands, as they already form a strong hand with a total value of 20.
Fours and Fives - Avoid splitting if your first two cards are fours and fives. It's generally better to double down on these totals when allowed or to hit, rather than splitting them.
Face Cards and Nines - It's generally considered unwise when player splits pairs of face cards (King, Queen, Jack) or nines, except in specific situations where strategy suggests otherwise.
Never Split Against the Dealer's Ace - Turning you hand into two hands when dealer has an ace showing is considered extremely unwise so the only thing you can do in that situation is to hit.
Conditional Splitting Based on Dealer's Up-Card
Consider splitting other pairs based on the card of the dealer. For example:
- There are three blackjack hands that are extremely weak and those are 2s, 3s and 7s. Player splits twos, threes, and sevens when the dealer has a weak card (2-7).
- Don't split when the dealer has a strong card (8-11) for these pairs.
- Split sixes when the dealer has a weak card (2-6).
- Split nines when the dealer has a weak card (2-6, 8, 9).
- Don't split nines when the dealer has a strong card.
These conditional split decisions are based on maximizing your odds against the dealer's hand, and of course can't guarantee you a win.
Split Aces
Splitting Aces in blackjack is a fundamental and beneficial strategy. When you receive a pair of Aces, it's advisable to split them into two Aces. Each hand starts with an Ace, which is valued at 11, providing a strong foundation. This tactic maximizes your chances of achieving a blackjack, the most desirable hand, worth 21. Additionally, this offers a greater possibility of drawing favorable cards, further enhancing your winning potential.
However, it's important to note that most casinos typically allow only one additional card to be dealt to one split Ace, so always become familiar with casino rules before playing and employing this or any other splitting strategies.
Advanced Considerations for Splitting Pairs
Advanced considerations for splitting cards in blackjack involve a deeper understanding of the game and the specific circumstances at hand.
Splitting depends on many advanced factors that you have to weigh in:
Deck Composition - Consider card counting and the composition of the remaining deck. If many low cards have been played, splitting small pairs like twos and threes may be less favorable.
Doubling After Split - Sometimes casino will permit doubling down after a split, which can influence your decision. For instance, you might split eights and double down on one or both resulting hands.
Surrender Rules - If surrender is allowed, it can affect your split decisions. In some cases, it might be better to surrender rather than split certain pairs.
Progressive Betting Systems - Advanced players might incorporate progressive betting strategies into their split decisions, adapting the bet size based on their results.
Game Variants - The rules of specific blackjack variants can influence split decisions. For example, in European Blackjack, it's not common to split 10s since the dealer only receives one face-up card.
Table Dynamics - Pay attention to the dynamics at your table, such as other players' strategies and their impact on the deck composition.
Risk Tolerance - Advanced players may assess their risk tolerance and adjust their split decisions accordingly. This can involve more aggressive splitting in pursuit of higher returns.
FAQ
Do you split 6s against a 2 in blackjack?
Any experienced player will recommend against splitting 6s against a dealer's 2. It's often better to hit and potentially improve your hand without the risk of creating two weaker hands. Splitting 6s in this situation is generally considered a less favorable choice as it may increase your overall risk, so we advise you to hit in order to improve your odds.
Do You Split 6s Against 8?
General advice is to avoid splitting 6s against a dealer's 8. Instead, it makes sense to just hit your 12, as splitting in this situation can lead to two weaker hands and potentially increase your overall risk without substantially improving your odds of winning.
Should You Ever Split Tens?
Splitting a pair of 10s in blackjack is highly unconventional and not recommended by any of the blackjack experts. The reason is that when you split 10s, you're breaking up a great hand with a total value of 20, which is very likely to win the round. By splitting, you're taking on unnecessary risk, and it's statistically disadvantageous. In most circumstances, it's best to keep the 20 and stand. Splitting 10s is considered a high-risk, low-reward move, and it's generally discouraged unless you are counting cards and aware of a high amount of 10s remaining in the shoe. In that case it may be a good idea to consider splitting a pair of 10s but only when the dealer reveals a 5 or 6, because his second card have low chances to bring him a win. So we suggest not to play recklessly but only to split strong hands when you have data to back that decision up.
Do You Split 3s Against a 5?
In a standard game of blackjack, you typically do not split a pair of 3s against a dealer's 5. Instead, the recommended strategy is to hit, with the intention of improving your hand without the risk of creating two weaker hands. Statistically speaking hitting is generally the more favorable option in this scenario, as splitting 3s could lead to less advantageous hands and increase your overall risk. Basic strategy provides guidelines for making decisions that maximize your odds of success, and it's important to follow these recommendations for optimal play in most blackjack games.
Is it Better to Split 4s or 8?
In blackjack, whether to split 4s or 8s depends on basic strategy:
Splitting 4s - Basic strategy typically forbid to split fours, as it would create two weak hands. Hitting is generally a better option, hoping for a favorable card without the risk of weakening your position. Only split 4s if you are allowed to double on split hands. However, you have to be aware that after the first split, doubling down and further splitting of hands may be limited.
Splitting 8s - Basic strategy strongly recommends splitting two eights. A pair of 8s equals a total of 16, which is one of the worst hands in blackjack. By splitting 8s, you have a chance to improve each hand, which is usually a more favorable choice than keeping the 16 and hoping for the best.
