What Does Split Mean in Blackjack?

Splitting in BLACKJACK is an important rule that allows players to maximize their winning potential when dealt a matching pair of cards. Understanding when and how to split can greatly impact your overall blackjack strategy and increase your chances of success at the table.

What Is Splitting in Blackjack?

In blackjack, splitting occurs when a player is dealt two identical cards, such as two eights or two aces. Instead of playing them as one hand, the player has the option to split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to their original wager.

Blackjack Split Rules

When splitting in blackjack, certain rules apply depending on the casino or game variation:

Players can only split when they receive two identical cards.

A second bet equal to the original wager is required to split the cards.

Some casinos allow multiple splits, while others limit it to once per hand.

Splitting aces typically results in receiving only one additional card per ace.

If a 10-value card lands on a split ace, it does not count as blackjack, just a regular 21.

How Does Splitting Work in Blackjack?

After splitting, each card becomes the starting point of a new hand. The dealer deals an additional card to both hands, and the player continues playing as usual. The advantage of splitting is that it provides a chance to improve one or both hands, potentially leading to better payouts.

When to Split in Blackjack

Knowing when to split is a crucial part of blackjack strategy. Here are some of the best situations to split:

Always split aces: Two aces equal 12, which is a weak hand, but splitting them gives a chance for two strong hands.

Always split eights: A total of 16 is a poor hand, but splitting eights can improve the chances of landing a better hand.

Never split tens: A total of 20 is already a strong hand, and splitting can reduce the chance of winning.

Split nines against weak dealer cards: Splitting against a dealer's 2-9 can be a good decision.

Don't split fives: A total of 10 has a better chance of hitting 20, which is a strong position.

Blackjack Split vs. Double Down

Splitting and doubling down are two strategies that often confuse players. While splitting creates two separate hands, doubling down involves doubling the original bet and receiving only one more card. The key difference is that doubling down is used to maximize strong hands, while splitting is a strategy to improve weak or moderate hands.

Can You Split Aces in Blackjack?

Yes, splitting aces is allowed in most blackjack variations. However, most casinos only allow one additional card per split ace. This means players cannot continue hitting to improve their hands after splitting aces.

Best Time to Split in Blackjack

The best time to split depends on the dealer’s upcard. A general rule is:

Split aces and eights always.

Split nines against a dealer’s 2-9 but not against a 7.

Split sevens when the dealer shows 2-7.

Split sixes when the dealer has 2-6.

Conclusion

Understanding blackjack split rules can give players a strategic advantage. Knowing when and how to split can improve your chances of winning and enhance the overall experience. Whether playing in a casino or online, mastering the split strategy is a key component of successful blackjack gameplay.