Splitting In Blackjack – How And When To Make This Move?

There are many occasions at the blackjack table when the cards don’t fall in your favor. Depending on the cards you receive, as well as the dealer’s up card, you can still make the best of a bad situation by splitting your initial hand. This allows you the chance to formulate two stronger hands, with each having a chance of winning. But it’s important to consider the fact that you’ll have to double your initial wager as well. So keep in mind, that a failure from splitting will cost you both bets.

Splitting In Blackjack & How To Do It 

If you receive a lousy hand at the blackjack table then splitting might be one method to redeem yourself. It can be a game-changer if you have the proper knowledge and under the right circumstances. So what is splitting in blackjack? Simply put, it allows you to break a pair of cards into two separate new hands. But keep in mind that by doing so, you’ll have to double your original bet. This means that knowing exactly when to split is going to be crucial. Splitting has the potential to either make or break your blackjack game. As such it requires both situational awareness and a sharp mind.

Nevertheless, we suggest that you don’t let blackjack splitting intimidates you. Today at Blackjackchamp.com we thought we’d try and give you a better understanding of the rules of spitting as well as when you should split. If you’re used to playing with perfect blackjack strategies then adding blackjack spitting to your arsenal is going to be a dynamic move. If you head over to 22Bet Casino, you can find some of the best online blackjack games. Also, you can even practice your gameplay completely for free. Only once you have confidence in your strategies, should you start to bet with real money.

What Is Splitting In Blackjack? 

Providing you receive two cards of the same value then you’re able to split them after the initial deal. As previously mentioned, the rules of splitting in blackjack say that you must place a second wager which is equal to your original bet.

Now once the dealer has given you a new card for both hands you’re able to play them as if you would play separate hands. The idea here is that if you were to have a single losing hand, then splitting in blackjack allows you to turn them into a couple of possible winners. Of course, you’re able to incorporate different strategies for each of your split hands. 

Hopefully, everything will go well and you’ll be able to double your profits. But do keep in mind that if luck doesn’t favor your split hands, then you’re going to lose twice your wager amount. So knowing the exact time to split is going to be crucial to the health of your blackjack bankroll.

When Should You Split In Blackjack? 

Okay, let’s suppose the dealer has given you your first two cards and you notice they are a pair. Your first thought is whether you should split or not. Below we’ve listed some card combinations which mathematically advantage all of the hands to be split. Please don’t take these results as gospel. That’s because, though we might state the percentages or odds of winning, there’s still an element of luck involved.

Best Hands For Splitting In Blackjack

A Pair Of Aces

Without a doubt, aces are the most respected cards in blackjack. That’s because they can represent either a one or an 11. If you received them as a pair then that automatically counts one of them as 1 or 11 respectively. Now if you didn’t split them, you would need a 9 on your next card to win. But let’s say your next card is worth 10 points.

In this way, you would need to count each ace as a 1, which would leave you stuck at 12. However, if you were to split them, then you’ll find that this marks a significant increase in the possibility of you reaching 21. By having two cards, they’re adaptable to the next hit. And your winning chances can only go up. To that end, we suggest that if you receive two aces, you always split them.

Pair Of Eights

If the dealer gives you a pair of 8s, then in truth, you’ve received a pretty undesirable hand. After all, the total equals 16, which drastically increases your probability of going bust. But by splitting the 8s, then you’re able to turn two fairly rubbish hands into two better ones. By receiving a 10, then you have a good chance of reaching 18. This is because in most blackjack games the dealer must stand on 17.

When You Should Never Split

Pair Of Tens

If you receive a hand of two 10s then equals 20. There’s probably nothing more you can do to receive a more powerful hand. If you’re thinking of splitting in blackjack with such a pair then keep in mind that you might create two much weaker hands. So, if you receive two 10s, then stick with them.

Pair Of Fives

A pair of 5s equals 10. This is an ideal position to be in for your next hit. We suggest it’s a great time to double down. If you were to split a pair of 5s, then you will be dividing your hand into much smaller and equally awkward hands.

Pair Of Fours

Because a pair of 4s equals 8, then it’s going to be difficult to go bust in the next round. Mind you, with this pair, if you were to be splitting in blackjack, then you can only improve your situation by having a 5, 6, or a 7.

To that end, here at Blackjackchamp.com, we think that it’s wisest not to split a pair of 4s.

Splitting In Blackjack Depending On The Dealer’s Up Card

One variable that will affect your decision to split will be the dealers up card. So below you’ll find some scenarios that will change your spitting decisions thanks to the card the dealer is showing.

The Dealer’s Up Card is Between 2-6, and You Have 6s

He will probably go bust in this situation. As the 10 card is the most common value in blackjack, by splitting your 6s, you increase your probability of receiving one.

Dealer’s Up Card is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9, and You Have 9s

In this situation, we suggest that you split your 9s. That’s because there’s a good chance you may receive a 10 with your next hit. You should not split your 9s if you notice the dealer has a 7. That’s because they also have a good chance of getting a 10. Which then puts them at 17. As you know, they must stand. This gives you the advantage of having an 18.

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Dealer’s Up Card is Between 2-7, and You Have 2s, 3s, or 7s

There’s a good chance that you will go bust within one or two hands if you choose to play a pair of 2s, 3s, or 7s. We suggest that you split these. And then pray to receive a superior card. Or that the dealer’s hand remains weak.

Blackjack Splitting Strategy Cards

Many players assume that it’s necessary to memorize all these options. But in truth, there’s no need to do so. Simply have an online blackjack strategy chart at your elbow and use it as a cheat sheet when you’re playing online blackjack.

Rules For Splitting In Blackjack

You should have a comprehensive understanding of the rules of blackjack before you begin any game. Remember that the game is full of different variations. And you may find many of these at online live dealer casinos. Keep in mind that some of the game plays can significantly. This can in turn affect your playing strategies. Below we’ve listed just a few examples of these many different rules:

• Unlimited re-splitting is allowed at some tables. But others have a limit on how many times your can split.
• Some games will allow you to double down after splitting a hand that allows multiple hits.
• You can only receive ONE card to complete your new hands after splitting a pair of Aces.
• Certain variations don’t allow you to split face cards that aren’t of the same rank. 
• Tables only pay 1:1 for split hands valued at 21. This is because they don’t consider them to be true blackjacks.

How To Signal Splitting in Blackjack 

If you want to both look and feel like a professional blackjack player, then it’s important to use hand signals. The basic way to signal a split to the dealer is to place an equal amount of chips next to your initial starting wager. Remember, never put these chips on top of the others.

Once you’re done, put your pointer and middle finger on the felt in the shape of a letter V. If you’re learning how to play blackjack online, at a casino like 22Bet Casino, then life is even easier. There’s a split button available. This allows you to separate the first two cards. And it also automatically doubles your wager for you.