When to Split in Blackjack: Learn How to Split Like a Pro Here

Welcome back, young grasshopper! Sensei Joe here with another instalment in my blackjack series. As you know, blackjack is a game that’s pretty straightforward, but when it comes to the finer details of the game it can get quite complex. Knowing when to split in blackjack is an important part of the game. It’s also a great way to double your money – which we can all agree is what we want.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to playing blackjack is to be aggressive when the dealer seems to be on their heels. Here we’ll take a look at how you can capitalise on splits, and your Gamble Sensei will even throw in a “when to split in blackjack chart”. So, join me on this journey to discover everything that there is to know about how to split in blackjack.

What Does it Mean to Split in Blackjack?

If you’re dealt a pair of cards of the same worth, you have the option of splitting them and receiving another card over each. You’re now going to play two hands, and your original bet must be matched for the fresh, second hand.

The main benefit of splitting is you’ll have double the amount of money on the table, which is ideal if the dealer appears to be vulnerable. If the dealer ends up going bust, you’ll now win double the amount of money as you might have otherwise in online blackjack.

The majority of online and live dealer blackjack games today don’t enable you to play beyond that with your divided hands. Meaning that you must stand regardless of your total. Knowing when to split and double down in blackjack is a fundamental aspect of finding success with this action.

When to Split in Blackjack

Don’t get too excited about splitting. Keep in mind that splitting costs more money, so only do it when the likelihood is in your favour. This is why you should know when to split cards in blackjack.

I’ve already demonstrated that’s when the dealer appears to be vulnerable, even in that case, you shouldn’t split if handed a pair of tens. The reason for this is that you already possess 20 and are highly probable to win the round, so why take the chance of losing out twice? It’s a lot like knowing when to stand in blackjack.

Since you have an elevated chance of forming 21, you can also split aces. Furthermore, no matter what the dealer ends up showing, split eights since beginning with an 8 could indeed lead to a great finishing sum.

If the dealer reveals 3-7, split 2s.
Only split 3s if the dealer reveals 4-7.
Don’t split 4s.
If the dealer reveals a 9 or less, do not split the 5s, but rather double down.
If the dealer reveals a 6 or less, split the 6s.
If the dealer reveals a 7 or less, split the 7s.

However, as the magnitude of the pair decreases, your splitting possibilities for other pairs decrease. By using this blackjack strategic plan, you’ll be playing at your best.

SH = Split if double after the split has been allowed, if not then hit.
S = Stand
H = Hit
P = Split
UP = Surrender if you can, if you can’t, then split.

If the dealer stands on 17:

Split	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
2-2	SH	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
3-3	SH	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
4-4	H	H	H	SH	SH	H	H	H	H	H
6-6	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
7-7	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
8-8	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
9-9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S
A-A	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P

If the dealer hits on 17:

Split	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
2-2	SH	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
3-3	SH	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
4-4	H	H	H	SH	SH	H	H	H	H	H
6-6	SH	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
7-7	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
8-8	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	UP
9-9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S
A-A	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P

The Downside

It’s one thing to know when to split in blackjack, but knowing when not to split in blackjack is just as important. When splitting blackjack cards, you should weigh the risk against the reward, just like any other form of gambling. Whereas splitting allows you to walk away with twice the amount in a hand. Logic would determine that you could indeed end up losing double the amount if it goes south.

I don’t suggest splitting each pair all the time because of the threat. Pick your moment carefully. If you’re not sure, then don’t split; no one will pass judgement on you for it.

You should also start understanding that even if you play properly and pony up to split your hand under the right conditions, the dealer still can come out on top. This is a component of this casino game, and you must accept that your choice was correct in the long run.

While it’s easy to know when to split aces in blackjack along with other figures, you should do so carefully.

Conclusion

Understanding when to split in blackjack is a great way to add to your current arsenal of tactics. The right approach to getting used to trying to split in blackjack is to practice. You could do this with no risk at various online casinos. Just make sure that the games are free and stay clear of the live dealer section. Play a few rounds and see how you do with the splitting strategic approach when you get your hand on pairs.

FAQs

When is the best time to split in blackjack, and will I win if I do?

If you look at the tables that I’ve provided, you’ll find that there are good times to split and bad. However, even if you choose the right time to split, there’s never a guarantee that you’ll win. There’s no strategy that will prevent you from losing, so always keep that in mind.

What does it mean to split in blackjack, and can I do it all the time?

When you split you’re taking two of the same card to create two hands while doubling your bet. Knowing when to split pairs in blackjack is a useful skill, however, you should understand that it’s not a guaranteed path to victory.

Other Online Blackjack Guides

As I can see you have read till the end. There is only one thing I can do to feed your hunger for knowledge. Here are more guides for you to master your skills: