Sometimes with splits and double after splits,\nwe may find that we have four or five times our average bet riding on one round\nof cards, so it’s important to know what you should do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\nIs Splitting In Blackjack?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen you have two of the same cards, like a pair of 4s or 8s, you are allowed to split the pair and play them like two separate hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Split](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/split_blackjack.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen splitting, you can only split for the\nsame amount as your original wager, unlike double downs, where you can bet\nless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will go into greater detail about the\nproper playing of each pair below but if you don\u2019t wish to learn the entire\nbasic strategy, the simplest way to play is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Always split Aces and 8s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never split 10s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only split 4s if you are allowed\nto double on split hands. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Splitting\nBasics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOnly players can split, never the dealer. You must have two of the same value cards<\/a>. You must split for the same amount of money as your original wager. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTo signal a split, you can point at your bet\nwith two fingers, or simply push out an equal amount of chips to your first\nwager. The dealer will know your intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Signalling](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/signal_split_blackjack.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlackjack\nBasic Strategy For Splitting<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nFortunately, the basic strategy for splits is simple\nand straightforward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some house rules that we will discuss a little later that slightly alter our decisions, but for most blackjack<\/a> games, you should follow these basic rules when dealt pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n10s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFun fact, in blackjack, all 10-value cards are\nsplittable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means you don’t need to wait to be dealt\na Jack and another Jack. You could, in theory, split your King and Queen, or\nyour 10 and Jack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You shouldn’t, but you could. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
20 is a great hand. Yes, several more 20s\nmight also be great, and if the dealer has a 5 or 6 up, perhaps you might be\ntempted to get more money on the layout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the math is clear. Stick with the bird in\nyour hand, don\u2019t go gunning for the one in the bush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should you decide to split your 10s, you may\nhear – over the groans of your fellow players – the dealer calling out\n“splitting 10s.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because card counters<\/a> know that a deck rich in 10s does mean that you should split 10s. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBlackjack dealers<\/a> call this out to their floor people for management to determine if you are a complete novice or someone they need to watch closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPair of 9s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBasic strategy says split 9s against any\ndealer upcard, except for 7s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is easily remembered by the fact that you\ndon\u2019t want to give up your 18 against a possible dealer 17. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it hard to split 9s against a dealer 10 or Ace?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but again, we have to trust the math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of Aces or 8s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThese two pairs are often heard together, as\nwe will always split Aces or 8s no matter what the dealer turns up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s important to note that Aces are usually\nonly allowed one card each, and a 10 card dealt to a split Ace is 21, not blackjack.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All other pairs can be split up to four hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 7s, 3s or 2s<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you have any of these pairs, you\u2019ll want to\nsplit if the dealer has 2 through 7 for an upcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, just hit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPair of 6s or 4s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you have either pair, you will want to\nsplit if the dealer has a 2 through 6 as an upcard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 5s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith a total of 10, it is much better to\ndouble a pair of 5s than split. You should double this pair against 2 through 9;\notherwise, just hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that’s it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the basic strategy for splitting pairs\nin four through eight decks, where you can double after split. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These rules should work on over 90% of the\ngames you come across. Most of the other rules don’t change the strategy much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What To Do When You Encounter A No\nDouble After Split Rule<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome casinos have tweaked the rules so that\nyou aren’t allowed to double after splitting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this adds 14% to blackjack’s house edge<\/a>, it can cost them business. And because of that, it’s not a rule change that you see all that often. <\/p>\n\n\n\nShould you come across this rule, it might be\nbest just to find another casino. But if it’s the only one around for 100\nmiles, then you will want to make a couple of changes on pair splitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 2s and 3s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith either of these pairs, you should now only\nsplit on 4 through 7. Just hit against a dealer\u2019s 2 or 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 4s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t double after split with your pair\nof 4s, only split against 2 through 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hit against a dealer\u2019s 5 or higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 6s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith a pair of 6s, we will hit against a dealer’s\n2 and split against 3 through 6, then hit again against any dealer’s up card\nhigher than 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Double Deck<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re only playing against two decks and\nnot against a shoe, you only have a couple of changes to strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should now split against a dealer’s 2\nthrough 7 upcard with a pair of 6s. And if you have a pair of 7s, be a bit\nbolder and split against a dealer’s 2 through 8. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suppose this game doesn’t allow double after\nsplits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In that case, use the same rules as we just\nwent over for no double after splits and forgetting about splitting 6s against\na 7 or splitting 7s against a dealer’s 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surrender <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhile not a common rule, it can still be found\nin some places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just for the sake of completeness, we will cover the one slight basic strategy deviation when surrender<\/a> is offered. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRegardless of the number of decks, and only in games where the dealer hits soft 17<\/a>, you should surrender your pair of 8s against a dealer’s Ace.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis should cover all the likely blackjack\nrules you are likely to encounter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen splitting, you can only split for the\nsame amount as your original wager, unlike double downs, where you can bet\nless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will go into greater detail about the\nproper playing of each pair below but if you don\u2019t wish to learn the entire\nbasic strategy, the simplest way to play is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Only players can split, never the dealer. You must have two of the same value cards<\/a>. You must split for the same amount of money as your original wager. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To signal a split, you can point at your bet\nwith two fingers, or simply push out an equal amount of chips to your first\nwager. The dealer will know your intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, the basic strategy for splits is simple\nand straightforward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some house rules that we will discuss a little later that slightly alter our decisions, but for most blackjack<\/a> games, you should follow these basic rules when dealt pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun fact, in blackjack, all 10-value cards are\nsplittable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This means you don’t need to wait to be dealt\na Jack and another Jack. You could, in theory, split your King and Queen, or\nyour 10 and Jack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You shouldn’t, but you could. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 20 is a great hand. Yes, several more 20s\nmight also be great, and if the dealer has a 5 or 6 up, perhaps you might be\ntempted to get more money on the layout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the math is clear. Stick with the bird in\nyour hand, don\u2019t go gunning for the one in the bush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you decide to split your 10s, you may\nhear – over the groans of your fellow players – the dealer calling out\n“splitting 10s.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because card counters<\/a> know that a deck rich in 10s does mean that you should split 10s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Blackjack dealers<\/a> call this out to their floor people for management to determine if you are a complete novice or someone they need to watch closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic strategy says split 9s against any\ndealer upcard, except for 7s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is easily remembered by the fact that you\ndon\u2019t want to give up your 18 against a possible dealer 17. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it hard to split 9s against a dealer 10 or Ace?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, but again, we have to trust the math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These two pairs are often heard together, as\nwe will always split Aces or 8s no matter what the dealer turns up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to note that Aces are usually\nonly allowed one card each, and a 10 card dealt to a split Ace is 21, not blackjack.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n All other pairs can be split up to four hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any of these pairs, you\u2019ll want to\nsplit if the dealer has 2 through 7 for an upcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, just hit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have either pair, you will want to\nsplit if the dealer has a 2 through 6 as an upcard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a total of 10, it is much better to\ndouble a pair of 5s than split. You should double this pair against 2 through 9;\notherwise, just hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that’s it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s the basic strategy for splitting pairs\nin four through eight decks, where you can double after split. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These rules should work on over 90% of the\ngames you come across. Most of the other rules don’t change the strategy much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some casinos have tweaked the rules so that\nyou aren’t allowed to double after splitting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While this adds 14% to blackjack’s house edge<\/a>, it can cost them business. And because of that, it’s not a rule change that you see all that often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you come across this rule, it might be\nbest just to find another casino. But if it’s the only one around for 100\nmiles, then you will want to make a couple of changes on pair splitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With either of these pairs, you should now only\nsplit on 4 through 7. Just hit against a dealer\u2019s 2 or 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t double after split with your pair\nof 4s, only split against 2 through 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hit against a dealer\u2019s 5 or higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a pair of 6s, we will hit against a dealer’s\n2 and split against 3 through 6, then hit again against any dealer’s up card\nhigher than 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re only playing against two decks and\nnot against a shoe, you only have a couple of changes to strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should now split against a dealer’s 2\nthrough 7 upcard with a pair of 6s. And if you have a pair of 7s, be a bit\nbolder and split against a dealer’s 2 through 8. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Suppose this game doesn’t allow double after\nsplits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In that case, use the same rules as we just\nwent over for no double after splits and forgetting about splitting 6s against\na 7 or splitting 7s against a dealer’s 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While not a common rule, it can still be found\nin some places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just for the sake of completeness, we will cover the one slight basic strategy deviation when surrender<\/a> is offered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the number of decks, and only in games where the dealer hits soft 17<\/a>, you should surrender your pair of 8s against a dealer’s Ace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This should cover all the likely blackjack\nrules you are likely to encounter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Splitting\nBasics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlackjack\nBasic Strategy For Splitting<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 9s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of Aces or 8s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 7s, 3s or 2s<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 6s or 4s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 5s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What To Do When You Encounter A No\nDouble After Split Rule<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 2s and 3s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 4s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pair of 6s<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Double Deck<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Surrender <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n