Splitting – When to, when not to
Splitting in blackjack means to split a pair of cards into two different hands. Usually you can split when you have two cards of the same type on your initial deal. However, they generally have to be the same face value - you can split Jacks but you can’t split a 10 and a Jack. We say “generally”, because a few casinos support “Unmatched Tens” and let you split different cards, so check before you start.
Splitting has some similarities with doubling down and sometimes one is confused with the other. When you split, tell the dealer you are splitting, because they may assume you’re doubling down if you just lay additional chips at the table. Say “Split”, and hold up two fingers so the dealer knows your intention.
What are the differences between doubling down and splitting? Doubling down will not create an additional hand. It just doubles the bet while giving you another card (usually just one card and no more). You may choose to double down instead of splitting if your initial hand is too good to break. You may also double down after splitting your cards.
Ok, here’s what you’ve been waiting for – here’s when to split:
Always split if you have a pair of aces. Due to the different 10 value cards in a deck, you have a greater chance of hitting blackjack with your next card than any other hand. Split if you have a pair of 9s or 8s. Due to the “many 10’s” value rule, you have a greater chance to draw a 19 or 18. Since many dealers must stay on a 17, you’ll win. Splitting is debatable with a pair of 6s, but split if the dealer has a 4, 5 or 6. Split on a 4 if the dealer has a 5 or 6. Split on a 3 or a 2 if the dealer’s card is a 4 – 7.
Don’t split if you have a pair of face cards or 10s. A 20 is too good of a hand to risk. Don’t split on a 7 if the dealer has an 8 or higher. The dealer has a better chance of beating you with an 18. Don’t split on 5s due to the 10 value rule. You have a good chance to get a 20.
You get all that? As you can see, in most cases, splitting is usually the better play.
Some people ask “instead of splitting, why not just play additional hands?” Well, splitting allows you to know for absolute sure which one card will be in each hand. Who wouldn’t want an ace in a hand? If the dealer has a poor hand then you want to play as many hands as possible against the house’s poor hand. You can’t do this if you are playing two separate hands from the start – you may have two lousy starting hands, and the dealer shows an ace… ugh.
Ok, we gotta split (sorry, couldn’t resist!) Good luck at the tables!
