What Hands Should You Split in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of strategy and luck, with players trying to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.

One of the most important decisions a player must make in blackjack is whether or not to split their hand. Splitting hands can be a great way to increase your chances of winning, but it can also lead to losing more money if done incorrectly. In this article, we will explore which hands you should split in blackjack.

What Does Splitting Mean in Blackjack?
Splitting is a move that allows players to divide their starting hand into two separate hands. This is done by placing an additional bet equal to the original bet on the new hand. The dealer then deals one additional card to each of the split hands, allowing players to play each hand as they normally would.

When Should You Split?
There are certain hands that are ideal for splitting in blackjack. These include:

• Aces: A pair of aces should always be split since it gives you two chances to get 21.
• Eights: A pair of eights should also be split since it’s difficult to improve your hand with an eight.
• Nines: A pair of nines should be split except when the dealer has a 7, 10 or Ace showing.

When Should You Not Split?
There are also certain hands that should never be split in blackjack. These include:

• Fives: A pair of fives should never be split since it gives you the best chance of getting closer to 21.
• Tens: A pair of tens should never be split since it already gives you a total value of 20.

When Should You Consider Splitting?
There are also some hands that should be split depending on the dealer’s up card. These include:

• Sixes: A pair of sixes should be split if the dealer has a 2 through 6 showing.
• Sevens: A pair of sevens should be split if the dealer has a 2 through 7 showing.
• Fours: A pair of fours should be split if the dealer has a 5 or 6 showing.
• Threes: A pair of threes should be split if the dealer has a 4 through 7 showing.

Tips for Splitting in Blackjack
Splitting can be a great strategy to use in blackjack, but it’s important to keep these tips in mind:

• Never split tens: Splitting tens is never a good idea since it already gives you a total value of 20, which is difficult to beat.
• Always split aces: A pair of aces is your best chance at getting blackjack, so always split them.
• Pay attention to the dealer’s up card: The dealer’s up card can greatly affect whether or not you should split your hand.

In conclusion, splitting hands in blackjack can be an effective strategy when done correctly. Always remember to never split tens and always split aces.

It’s also important to pay attention to the dealer’s up card and only consider splitting certain pairs depending on their up card. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to winning big at blackjack.