The Rules of Blackjack! Check them out now:
In the blackjack game, the decision to split a pair of cards depends on the casino rules you are playing at and your strategy. However, some general guidelines can help you make informed decisions about when to split:
Always Split Aces and Eights: This is a fundamental rule in blackjack strategy. You should always split a pair of Aces and a pair of Eights, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. Splitting Aces gives you a chance to get two hands with a value of 11 while splitting Eights is a strategy to avoid a bad hand with a total of 16.
Consider Splitting Nines: Splitting Nines is usually recommended when the dealer’s upcard is weak (2 to 6) or middle (7 to 9). This is because 18 is reasonably strong, but you can make two stronger hands if you split.
Don’t Split Tens: Tens are already a strong hand with a total value of 20. Splitting them is generally not advised, as it’s unlikely that you’ll improve either of your new hands.
Split Fours, Fives, and Sixes against Weak Dealer Upcards: If the dealer has a weak upcard (2 to 6), you can consider splitting pairs of Fours, Fives, or Sixes. Splitting these pairs can give you a chance to make two stronger hands.
Avoid Splitting Twos and Threes: Pairs of Twos and Threes are generally not split because you can quickly improve these hands by hitting and potentially reaching a better total.
Be Cautious with Sevens: Splitting Sevens is a bit more situational. Some players choose to split Sevens when the dealer has a weak upcard (2 to 7) and not split when the dealer has a strong upcard (8 to Ace). It’s not as clear-cut as Aces and Eights.
Never Split Face Cards or Tens: Pairs of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or any combination (e.g., Q-K) should never be split. These are strong hands with a total value of 20.
Remember that the blackjack strategy also considers the dealer’s upcard and the specific rules of the game you’re playing, such as whether doubling after splitting is allowed or how many times you can split a hand. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the casino or blackjack variation you’re playing and consider using a basic strategy chart for more detailed guidance on when to split pairs in different situations.