How Do You Deal Blackjack Splits?

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. The game offers players the chance to use strategy to beat the dealer and win big.

One of the most interesting aspects of blackjack is splitting pairs. When you receive two cards of equal value, you have the option to split them into two separate hands and play each one individually. However, splitting pairs can be a bit tricky, so in this tutorial, we’ll explain how to deal with blackjack splits.

The Basics of Blackjack

Before we dive into splitting pairs, let’s quickly review the basics of blackjack. In this game, players aim to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and each card has a point value assigned to it. Numbered cards are worth their face value, while face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points depending on the player’s preference.

At the beginning of each hand, players are dealt two cards face-up while the dealer receives one card face-up and one card face-down. Players then have several options for how they want to proceed:

• Hit: Take another card from the dealer.
• Stand: Keep your current hand without taking any additional cards.
• Double Down: Double your bet and receive only one additional card.
• Surrender: Forfeit half your bet before seeing any additional cards.
• Split: If you have a pair, split them into two separate hands.

The Rules for Splitting Pairs

When you receive two cards of equal value (i.e., a pair), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This effectively doubles your bet, and you’ll be playing two hands instead of one.

However, there are a few rules to keep in mind when splitting pairs:

• You can only split pairs once per hand. If you receive another pair after splitting, you cannot split again.
• If you split a pair of aces, you can only receive one additional card for each hand. If that card is a 10 or face card, it’s considered 21 (not blackjack) and does not receive the bonus payout.
• If you split a pair of eights, it’s generally recommended to treat each hand as a separate 8 and hit for additional cards.

Dealing with Split Hands

Once you’ve decided to split your hand, the dealer will separate your cards and deal an additional card to each hand. You’ll then play each hand individually as if they were separate hands. Keep in mind that if you’re playing in a casino, the dealer will follow specific rules for hitting or standing based on their own hand’s value.

It’s important to remember that splitting pairs is not always the best strategy. It depends on several factors, such as the dealer’s upcard and the specific pair you’re holding. For example, it may not be wise to split pairs of fours or fives if the dealer has a strong upcard.

Conclusion

Splitting pairs is an exciting aspect of blackjack that gives players more opportunities to win big. However, it’s important to understand the rules and strategy behind splitting pairs before diving in headfirst.

Consider all your options before making any decisions about splitting your hand and always keep in mind that blackjack is ultimately a game of chance. With practice and some luck on your side, though, you could end up winning big at the blackjack table!