Splitting is an option in blackjack that becomes available when a player holds specific hands. Other players may not know the other hands they can split.
This article will discuss the blackjack hands that can be split and whether it is an excellent strategy to choose this option.
Splitting Non-Pairs
According to official blackjack rules, splitting a hand is possible when you have a pair. This action allows you to play two new blackjack hands from the two separate pair cards. You play with these hands as with the regular hand, where you can hit, stand, or double.
Going back to the question on splitting non-pairs in blackjack. You can split any combination of , jacks, queens, and kings. Every face card in the game is treated as , making them fit the splitting rules in blackjack. If you have , for example, you can treat them as pairs to split them.
While on the topic of other rules about splitting that few people are aware of, there are limits to how many times you can re-split your hand. Let us say you got a pair of sevens and split them. By some luck, you got another seven on your first split hand. According to the rules, you can split the new pair of seven again. You could split it further if you got another seven on your second hand.
If by some luck, you get a fifth seven on one of your hands, your actions depend on the casino's rules. Most US online casinos limit each player to three re-splitting per game. Others allow you to split your hand up to four times.
Other rules in splitting to be aware of are with ace pairs. Most US and UK online casinos only allow you to split aces once. In addition, you can only hit once or double down. The limitations to what you can do after splitting aces come from the advantages of the card. Aces are crucial to forming a natural blackjack hand, which allows the player to automatically win their hand and get a 3:2 payout on their bet.
Splitting & Blackjack Strategy
Splitting is an integral part of a blackjack basic strategy since it allows players to take advantage of specific scenarios. Like doubling down, splitting involves doubling your stake since you are playing another hand with one of your cards.
An excellent example of a scenario that every blackjack strategy chart will suggest has ace pair. Splitting aces will guarantee two soft hands, which are advantageous since there are no risks of going bust when hitting or doubling down. Consistently splitting and doubling down at the right time is how you can make money from online or physical blackjack.
Remember that splitting at the wrong time can quickly drain your bankroll since you are doubling your stake. Be wary of splitting other non-ace pairs while the dealer has a seven or higher card. You can check out the blackjack chart generator if you need help on what pairs to split and when to do so.
Avoid Splitting 10s
Now that you know you can split and other face cards, we suggest you ignore this rule and stand when you get this hand. Splitting jacks and kings or even splitting queens and kings is a bad idea where the rules that allow this option is a beginner's trap.
You will likely get a card valued from two to eight, which grants you a disadvantageous hand. Players who get a pair of 10 think they can get better hands with such as 19, 20, or even a natural 21. However, your blackjack odds of getting either a nine, ten or even an ace are low.
Another reason why a rule to split any 10 cards is allowed and a likely beginner trap is the formation of two hard hands. Hard hands are cards with ten cards, which are difficult hands to play. Your odds of going bust are significantly higher while having hard hands. Even if you have a 12, drawing a ten is a significant risk. Players with hard hands tend to lose.
Your best option is always to stand and ignore the rules about splitting non-pair blackjack hands. You have a 20 with a pair of , giving you a better advantage against the dealer no matter what their revealed card is.
You can split non-pair hands or face cards, and tens since these have the same value. However, spitting these hands is not recommended according to any blackjack strategy charts.
This article was published on November 15, 2022, and last updated on November 10, 2022.