One of the most exciting parts of playing blackjack is the opportunity to split your cards. Splitting your cards can result in a higher payout, but it can also lead to bigger losses.
Therefore, it’s important to know when you should split and when you should hold. In this tutorial, we’ll discuss when you should split cards in blackjack.
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What Does It Mean to Split Cards
Splitting your cards means that you take a pair of cards that have the same value and separate them into two hands. You then place another bet on the second hand, equal to your original bet. Each hand is then played independently.
When Should I Split
The most common situation where you should split is when you have a pair of aces or a pair of eights. Let’s take a closer look at each of these scenarios:
Pair of Aces
If you have a pair of aces, it’s always in your best interest to split them. This gives you two hands with a value of 11 each, which is an excellent starting point for any hand in blackjack. Keep in mind that some casinos will only allow one card to be dealt to each ace after splitting.
Pair of Eights
If you have a pair of eights, splitting them is also recommended. This gives you two hands with a starting value of eight each, which isn’t great but it’s better than having one hand with a value of 16. Keep in mind that if the dealer has an ace showing, it may be better to surrender rather than splitting your eights.
Other Pairs
In general, it’s not recommended to split other pairs. For example, if you have a pair of tens, it’s better to keep them as one hand with a value of 20. Splitting them would give you two hands with a starting value of 10 each, which isn’t as strong as having one hand with a value of 20.
When Should I Avoid Splitting
There are some situations where it’s better to avoid splitting your cards. Here are some examples:
- If the dealer has an ace showing and you have a pair of fives, it’s better to hit rather than split. This is because the dealer has a strong chance of getting blackjack if they have an ace showing.
- If the dealer has a ten showing and you have a pair of fours, fives or tens, it’s better to hit rather than split. This is because the dealer has a strong chance of having a higher hand than you.
Conclusion
Splitting cards can be an exciting way to increase your winnings in blackjack, but it can also lead to bigger losses if done incorrectly. It’s important to know when to split and when to hold.
Remember that splitting your pairs of eights and aces is generally recommended, while splitting other pairs should be avoided unless there are exceptional circumstances. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of splitting cards in blackjack!
