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Splitting Pairs In Blackjack: Everything You Need To Know

8 hours ago

| BY Michael Kaplan

Sometimes we get lucky on a hand of blackjack. That can be the case when dealt two cards of the same denomination.

Often, under that circumstance, players can take advantage of a blackjack option known as pair splitting. In other words, the hand splits into two independent hands with a second bet placed, equal to the original wager, to cover two hands. Each hand then receives its second card and is played on its own.

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This article explains how players 18 years of age or older can split pairs of cards dealt in blackjack. The information here is strictly for educational purposes and will not lead you to beat the dealer or boost your profits.

What Does Splitting Mean in Blackjack?

Splitting means that you have been dealt two cards of the same value and can turn those two cards into a pair of independently played hands.

It is one of the few times in a casino table game where a player can actively change the shape of the game.

The Golden Rules

Always Split Aces and Always Split 8s

Aces: By splitting these two cards, you give yourself a chance to be dealt 21, twice, rather than contending with a soft 12. Playing against a fresh deck of 52 cards, you have around a 30 percent chance of getting a 10-value card, which will add up to 21. Just remember, though, that when you split aces, you receive only one additional card per ace. You cannot hit on the two-card hand.

8s: Sixteen is the worst total in blackjack. By splitting 8s, you give yourself a fighting chance to make 18 on one or both hands. That said, there is never a guarantee that you will win.

Never Split 10s or 5s

10s: This is already a near unbeatable hand; you take a big risk for the chance to have two good hands. In this case, stand with 20 and be happy with what you were dealt.

5s: Ten is a strong hand and often worth doubling down with. Conversely, starting with a hard 5 is weak.

The Dealer-Dependent Pairs

Sometimes, whether or not you split is dictated by the dealer’s up card. Here’s how to proceed under every dealer dependent circumstance.

2s, 3s, 7s: split vs dealer 2 – 7.
6s: split vs dealer 2 – 6.
9s: split vs dealer 2 – 6 and 8 – 9; stand vs 7, 10, ace.
4s: split only vs 5 or 6 where doubling after splitting is allowed; otherwise hit.

House Rules that Matter

Here are the house rules to be aware of when splitting.

You receive one card for each ace split – This is standard in most every casino’s blackjack game.
When you get additional cards that match the denomination of your split cards, you can re-split only so many times – Usually you can create up to three or four hands; aces generally cannot be re-split.
Double after split (DAS) — When allowed, it makes more splits worthwhile (e.g. the 4s rule above).
A split ace plus a dealt 10 counts as 21, not blackjack — It pays even money, not 3:2 or 6:5.

Common Splitting Mistakes

Splitting 10s “because it’s two good hands” – Basic strategy (which, when adhered to, reduces the house edge but never eliminates it or gives the player an advantage) tells us that it is better to stay pat with a 20 than to create two independent hands.
Never splitting 8s against a dealer 10 because it “feels like throwing money away” – Yes, it can be tough to take when, say, your first split hand is dealt a 4. But, in the long run, the mathematics of blackjack favors splitting 8s under every circumstance. Please remember that it will not guarantee a win, but it will increase your chances of winning the hand.
Ignoring the dealer’s up-card when making a splitting decision – Often, the dealer’s up-card dictates whether or not splitting makes mathematical sense.