Best & Worst Cards To Split In Blackjack Revealed

Understanding when to split your cards in blackjack may make a big difference in your game. This 666Casino blog will guide you through the best and worst cards to split according to basic strategy. Remember, blackjack is a game of chance, so while these tips can help improve your odds, they can’t guarantee winnings. Stay informed, have fun, and gamble safely.

What Does Split Mean In Blackjack?

When you “split” in blackjack, it means you’re taking a pair of cards that are identical in rank and turning them into two separate hands.

For this, you’ll need to place an additional bet equal to your original bet. Each new hand will then be dealt an extra card, allowing you to play two hands simultaneously.

Splitting can provide more opportunities to try and win, but remember, it also doubles your chances of losing. It’s a strategic move that can either work well in your favour or not, depending on the cards you receive.

Best Cards To Split In Blackjack

According to basic strategy, some pairs are considered better candidates for splitting. Understanding these can help you make more informed decisions during your game.

Aces

One of the best pairs to split is a pair of Aces. When you split Aces, you have the potential to get two strong hands. Since each Ace can draw high cards and potentially reach 21, this move can help increase your chances of having more favourable outcomes.

Eights

Splitting a pair of Eights is generally advisable. An 8 as a starting card provides a solid base for your hand. If you keep them as a pair, you end up with a total of 16, which is considered a weak hand in blackjack.

In Other Cases

Other pairs, such as twos and threes, can be decent for splitting, depending on the dealer’s upcard. It’s often better to split these if the dealer has a lower upcard, like a 4, 5 or 6. This way, you have a better chance of potentially improving your hand while the dealer is at risk of busting.

By learning some of these basic strategies, you can make more effective decisions in your blackjack game. Remember, it’s all part of the experience, and enjoyment should be your priority.

Worst Cards To Split In Blackjack

Tens

Splitting tens is generally not a good idea. A pair of tens gives you a strong hand of 20, which is likely to win unless the dealer has a very favourable hand. Splitting them turns a strong position into two uncertain hands.

Fours

Splitting a pair of fours is also not advisable. When you have a pair of fours, you start with a total of 8. Hitting on 8 gives you a reasonable chance to get close to 21 without risking a high card that could lead to a bust.

Fives

Much like tens, splitting a pair of fives is not recommended. A pair of fives gives you a total of 10, which is an excellent starting point to receive a card valued at 10, getting you closer to 20. Splitting them may leave you with two weak hands.

By understanding which pairs work well together and which do not, you can make more informed decisions and may enhance your blackjack experience.

How Many Times Can You Split?

The number of times you can split in blackjack can vary depending on the version of the game and the casino’s rules.

In some versions of blackjack, you might be allowed to split your hand up to three times, creating a total of four hands. However, other versions may have different rules, limiting you to just one or two splits.

It may be a good idea to check the specific rules of the table or online platform where you’re playing. This way, you’ll know how many times you can split, helping you make informed choices during your game.

Blackjack Split Hand Signal

When you decide to split your hand in a game of blackjack, it’s important to signal this clearly to the dealer.

To indicate you wish to split, you’ll place an additional bet next to your original bet, equal in value. Then, hold up two fingers in a “V” shape, similar to a peace sign, and gently tap the table. This gesture lets the dealer know you want to split your pair into two separate hands.

Knowing this simple hand signal can help you play more smoothly and confidently.

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.