Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games. It has simple rules and a low house edge, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced players.
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One of the most exciting aspects of blackjack is the opportunity to split pairs. Splitting pairs can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, but it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to do so.
What Does Splitting Mean
Splitting means that you take a pair of cards that are the same value and split them into two separate hands. You must place an additional bet equal to your original wager on the new hand. Each hand is played independently, with its own set of cards.
When Should You Split
The decision to split pairs should be based on the dealer’s upcard and the rules of the game. In general, you should always split aces and eights.
A pair of aces gives you two hands that start with an 11, which is a strong starting point. A pair of eights gives you two hands that start with 8, which is not as strong but still better than having one hand with a total of 16.
- Aces: Always split a pair of aces.
- Eights: Always split a pair of eights.
Other Pairs:
For other pairs, you need to take into account the dealer’s upcard.
- Tens: Never split tens.
- Nines: Split nines against dealer’s 2-6 or 8-9.
- Sevens: Split sevens against dealer’s 2-7.
- Sixes: Split sixes against dealer’s 2-6.
- Fives: Never split fives.
- Fours: Never split fours.
- Threes: Split threes against dealer’s 4-7.
- Twos: Split twos against dealer’s 2-7.
Why Should You Split
The primary reason to split pairs is to increase your chances of winning. By splitting, you can turn a weak hand into two potentially strong hands. For example, if you have a pair of sixes and the dealer has a weak upcard, such as a four or a five, splitting gives you two hands that have a good chance of beating the dealer’s hand.
When Should You Not Split
You should not split pairs if it will put you in a worse position than you were in before. For example, if you have a pair of fours and the dealer has an upcard of six, splitting would give you two hands that are likely to lose.
It’s also important to consider your bankroll when deciding whether or not to split. If splitting will put too much money on the table for your bankroll, it may not be worth the risk.
Conclusion
Splitting pairs can be a powerful tool in blackjack, but it should be used judiciously. Always split aces and eights, but use caution when considering other pairs.
Take into account the dealer’s upcard and the rules of the game before making your decision. With practice and experience, you’ll develop an intuition for when it’s appropriate to split and when it’s best to stand pat with your original hand.
