How Does Split Work in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. The object of the game is to have a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21 (busting).

In blackjack, you are dealt two cards face up. The dealer is also dealt two cards, but only one of his cards is face up.

Based on the value of your cards and the dealer’s face-up card, you decide if you want to hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current total). .

If you hit and go over 21, you automatically lose (bust). If you hit and don’t go over 21, you can choose to hit or stand again. If you stand, the dealer will hit until he has at least 17.

If he goes over 21, he busts and you win. If he doesn’t bust, whoever has the higher total between the player and dealer wins.

The most common blackjack strategy is to always hit if your total is 11 or less and to always stand if your total is 17 or more. There are more complicated strategies that take into account what the dealer’s face-up card is, but this basic strategy will give players a good starting point.

Players can also split pairs and double down in certain situations. Splitting pairs means that if you are dealt two cards of the same value (like two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands by putting an additional bet next to your original bet.

This means that you will now be playing two hands of blackjack at once.

You can then choose to hit or stand on each hand separately. When you split aces, you are only dealt one additional card on each hand (most other splitting scenarios allow players to draw as many cards as they want).

Doubling down means that if you have a good hand—say an 11—and the dealer has a weak up-card like a 5 or 6 showing, you can double your bet in exchange for receiving one additional card only on that hand. Once again, this option is only available on the player’s first two cards.

Blackjack splitting and doubling down strategy can get more complicated than this, but these are just some basic guidelines to help players get started. With a little practice, players will be able to make strategic decisions about when to split and double down based on what cards they are dealt and what the dealer is showing.