Blackjack Split Rules

1. Blackjack Rules Split Face Cards
2. When To Split In Blackjack
3. Vegas Blackjack Splitting Rules
4. Can You Split Anything In Blackjack

How Splitting in Blackjack Works?

What splitting in blackjack means is that when your hand consists of two cards with similar value, you can split them by placing additional bet, creating two hands that will be played separately. The option to split is of enormous value; if it’s used wisely of course.

Most variants of online blackjack let you split pairs. If you get dealt two cards the same (a pair) you have the option to split the cards and form two new hands. You then carry on betting on both hands. When the cards are split, you place a second stake on each hand, equal to the starting bet. The standard split rule states that if the player is dealt a pair of identical cards (a pair), then the player can split them into two separate hands and receive a new second card on each, while being required to place a full initial bet alongside each split hand. There are three reasons to split a pair.

The basic idea behind splitting cards, besides the obvious goal of increasing your winnings, is twofold. First, to improve weak hands, splitting 8s are a clear example for that. Second, to increase possible winnings on stronger hands, for example splitting Aces.

Doubling down is an exciting move to make in blackjack – and profitable if you get it right. This is when you double your bet in the middle of a hand, after which you only receive one more card. Resplit - This very common rule allows splitting pairs in one hand, usually, up to three times. Splitting a pair, on the other hand, gives you the power beat the dealer and double your win. When dealt two cards that are the same, you have the option to split into two new blackjack hand. Knowing the basic strategy of when to use blackjack double down and splitting a pair would give you a significant advantage against the dealer.

As with every blackjack rule, things are very simple and yet complicated in the same time. Using this option when not needed, which is probably the most common mistake when it comes to splitting in blackjack, can cost you a lot of money. The good news is that the splitting strategy is rather straight forward and easy to remember, especially if you have a favorite blackjack game which you come back to. Otherwise, it varies according to the specific splitting rules which we will review below.

Last thing before we continue, many new players not sure or shy to request to split, double and so forth. Don’t be. You don’t need to know any secret signs or terminology. Just tell the dealer that you wish to split and place additional bet. That’s it. Of course if you play blackjack online things are much easier and all you have to do is press the split button.

Common Blackjack Split Rules

• Allowed to split twice (up to three hands).
• You can split non identical 10 value cards.
• Splits Aces cannot be re-split.
• Split Aces receive only one card.
• You can hit and double down split hands.

Let’s take basic basic Vegas Strip hole card blackjack rulesand see how different splitting rules influence the house edge. So additional rules we use: 8 decks, dealer checks for blackjack and stands on soft 17; double down on any 2 cards; blackjack pays 3:2. Under the splitting rules we used above the expected payout is 99.56% (or house edge of 0.44%).

Below you can see how each change influence the odds (+ means increases players’ odds, minus – lowers players’ odds):

• Only 1 split allowed: -0.045%
• Allowed to split to 4 hands: 0.01%
• No double after split: -0.14%
• Player can re-split Aces: 0.06%
• You can hit split Aces: 0.19%

When to Split in Blackjack – Basic Strategy

We will try to make it simple to remember. Here we won’t explain the mathematics behind each decision, but you can find it in additional articles.

Most crucial ones:

Blackjack Rules Split Face Cards

• Never Split 5s and 10 value cards. (Double on 5s as you would on any hard 10).
• Always split Aces and 8s.

The easy ones to remember:

• 2s, 3s, 7s – split when dealer shows 2-7
• 6s – split on dealer’s 2-6.

And the unique ones:

• 4s – are not a perfect hand for splitting, so you should split them only when the dealer shows 5 or 6 and only when you can double after split. If the casino doesn’t allow to double on split hands – never split 4s.
• 9s – split on dealer’s 2-6 and 8,9.

Best Casinos to Play

How to Play a Pair of 4's in Blackjack

When To Split In Blackjack

Should You Split Fours?

Almost never. The only time you'll split 4's is when the dealer upcard is a 5 or a 6.

Reasoning

A pair of 4's is a hard total of 8, which gives you a good chance of catching an 18 for your finishing total, which is a reasonable hand.

Vegas Blackjack Splitting Rules

If the dealer has a 5 or a 6, she has a great chance of busting. You're hoping to catch a couple of totals of 14 when you split, which will win if the dealer busts.

Can You Split Anything In Blackjack