When Can I "Split" Cards in Blackjack?
Any time you are dealt a pair in blackjack, you may "split" them into separate hands. These hands may then be played separately: hitting, standing or even doubling down.
In most cases, when playing according to Basic Strategy, splitting pairs offers the player an advantage. But sometimes splitting is "defensive," meaning you'll lose less in the long run...
Any time you are dealt a pair in blackjack, you may "split" them into separate hands. These hands may then be played separately: hitting, standing or even doubling down.
In most cases, when playing according to Basic Strategy, splitting pairs offers the player an advantage. But sometimes splitting is "defensive," meaning you'll lose less in the long run...
When to Split Pairs in Blackjack
Learning when to Split pairs in blackjack has been devised in Basic Strategy over MILLIONS of hands, run by computer simulations.
Most casinos will allow you to "double" after splitting any pair. This is referred to on many "cheat sheets" as DAS, or "Double After Split."
We'll assume the most popular casino rules of DAS when talking about when to split, or not!
Two Splitting Rules to Rule them All
The first, and most basic rule of splitting, is also the easiest, "Always Split Aces and Eights!" If you're not going to learn all the "rules" of when to split, FOLLOW THIS ADAGE of ALWAYS splitting ACES and EIGHTS!
Sometimes splitting "Eights" is painful. Like when you're splitting your 8s against 9s, 10s or Aces. This is a DEFENSIVE split. You're splitting to SAVE money over the long-haul.
Remember those millions of hands simulated by the computer to devise Basic Strategy? Yeah, it says that over the long-term, splitting this pair will SAVE you money! It's not fun, but if you're in the game for the long-run, DO IT! Your bankroll will thank you!
The second rule to ALWAYS follow is: NEVER split FIVES or TENS. Never, means NEVER! You've got the "upper hand," so don't lose it by splitting!
The Remaining Pairs to Split
In Summary, if you don't see a pair listed here, it means you NEVER split it! Remember to always split your ACES and EIGHTS if you learn nothing else!
You can also pick up your FREE Blackjack "Cheat Sheets" Here!
Learning when to Split pairs in blackjack has been devised in Basic Strategy over MILLIONS of hands, run by computer simulations.
Most casinos will allow you to "double" after splitting any pair. This is referred to on many "cheat sheets" as DAS, or "Double After Split."
We'll assume the most popular casino rules of DAS when talking about when to split, or not!
Two Splitting Rules to Rule them All
The first, and most basic rule of splitting, is also the easiest, "Always Split Aces and Eights!" If you're not going to learn all the "rules" of when to split, FOLLOW THIS ADAGE of ALWAYS splitting ACES and EIGHTS!
Sometimes splitting "Eights" is painful. Like when you're splitting your 8s against 9s, 10s or Aces. This is a DEFENSIVE split. You're splitting to SAVE money over the long-haul.
Remember those millions of hands simulated by the computer to devise Basic Strategy? Yeah, it says that over the long-term, splitting this pair will SAVE you money! It's not fun, but if you're in the game for the long-run, DO IT! Your bankroll will thank you!
The second rule to ALWAYS follow is: NEVER split FIVES or TENS. Never, means NEVER! You've got the "upper hand," so don't lose it by splitting!
The Remaining Pairs to Split
- 2/2 Split against Dealers: 2-7
- 3/3 Split against Dealers: 2-7
- 6/6 Split against Dealers: 2-6
- 7/7 Split against Dealers: 2-7
- 8/8 ALWAYS SPLIT
- 9/9 Split against Dealers: 2-6 and 8-9; NOT against Dealer 7
- A/A ALWAYS SPLIT
In Summary, if you don't see a pair listed here, it means you NEVER split it! Remember to always split your ACES and EIGHTS if you learn nothing else!
You can also pick up your FREE Blackjack "Cheat Sheets" Here!
