Blackjack – When to Split?
When it comes to the history of Blackjack, you won’t have to dig very deep to find that all of the most successful players have one thing in common – strategy. In this article, we give the answer to the age-old question in blackjack – when to split? Read for more details.
The Art of Splitting
When it comes to splitting in Blackjack, a lot of players have the misconception that they should split their cards every time, once the chance arises. If you place this strategy into practice, you’ll be driving in the fast lane to a financial catastrophe.
There are quite a few pairings that you should never split – depending on what the dealer shows on their opening card. Let’s take a look into the art of splitting and hopefully we will help you turn losses into profits.
Winning Strategies in Blackjack
When playing Blackjack there are a few strategies that can give you an edge over the dealer and that edge is the key to success. No matter how many games you play, if you don’t have a tried and tested strategy you are destined to fail and to be honest, the saying “A fool and his money are easily parted” has never been so poignant as in the world of gambling.
It’s a well-known fact casinos give themselves a small house edge in every department of gambling. Without this, they would not be able to turn a profit and would most likely fold after a few short weeks. This is why it’s critical to help turn the odds in your favour.
What Does Splitting Your Cards Mean?
In Blackjack, if you are dealt a pair or two cards that have the same value – for example, you are dealt two eights, you have the option to split them. Once you split in Blackjack, your initial wager is also placed on the mirroring hand, giving you the option to ‘double up’ as it’s known in the game. Knowing when to split in online Blackjack is paramount.
The key advantage when it comes to splitting your cards is you have two chances of beating the dealer. This is a particularly effective tactic when the dealer shows a weak opening card. Even if you were to lose one hand, you’d still break even, providing you won on the other.
To Split or Not to Split?
When it comes to splitting, don’t get too enthusiastic. Remember, you have to pay double to split, and when paying double, you also have the chance to lose twice as much as you normally would have done. Bar a few different variants we will get into, only split when the dealer looks weak.
The best hand you can receive for splitting is a pair of aces. When you land a pair of bullets and split them, you have the chance to hit Blackjack on both hands. Most casinos pay you twice or “double-up” as it’s known when you hit it, giving you the chance to quadruple your money!
Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to splitting:
- Never split 9’s or higher
- Always splits 8’s no matter what the dealer shows
- Only split 7’s if the dealer shows a 7 or less
- Only split 6’s if the dealer shows a 6 or less
- Never split 5’s, but double down if the dealer is weak
- Never split 4’s
- Only split 3’s if the dealer shows a card less than 7
- Never split 2’s
Why Don’t I Split Every Time?
In playing Blackjack, a good rule is to always envisage the dealer will hit a ten. This will help you decide whether you should split or not. If the dealer can reach your number with a ten, it’s a good idea not to split.
Let’s say you have a pair of seven’s and the dealer has an eight. If you were to split them, the highest number you can get to with a single card is seventeen. All the dealer needs to do is hit a nine or higher and you are up a muddy creek without a paddle.
The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, playing Blackjack for profit comes down to one simple rule – when the dealer’s cards are weak, be super aggressive and place as many chips on the table as possible. In other words, when the dealer shows an opening card between the numbers four and seven, double down on your original investment, providing you have a card over seven.
By following this splitting strategy, you will have a slight edge over the dealer. And even the smallest edge can yield good profits. Playing Blackjack in a sensible, controlled manner has no guarantee that you’ll become the next Richard Branson, however, it will help you minimise your losses, and help you turn in a small profit over short playing sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Blackjack Card Splitting
Now you should have a better understanding of knowing when to split in Blackjack, let’s take a look into some of the important questions often asked.
1️⃣ Do casinos always have a house edge in Blackjack?
Yes, the casino always has a slight edge on every game you play, whether that is online blackjack, slots or roulette. Without the house edge, the casino could not survive. But with the right strategy you can maximise your odds.
2️⃣ When I split my cards, is it true I can now win twice?
According to the splitting definition, that is correct. Should you be lucky enough to split and beat the dealer on both hands, the house must pay you out on both. This is why splitting your cards is a key Blackjack strategy and knowing when to use it is crucial for a positive experience.
3️⃣ Should I always split 2’s?
We would never advise splitting a pair of 2s. The chances of you hitting the cards you require on both hands are particularly slim. Of course, you might get lucky, but the smart play is not splitting them and playing the pair through to the end.
4️⃣ Should I split every time I get a pair?
You can split every time, however, it’s not recommended. Alway remember that should you lose both hands, you will lose double the amount. Being selective yields bigger outcomes. Therefore, we recommend following the outlined strategies. They have proven to be statistically reliable.
5️⃣ Now I’ve mastered the art of splitting, can I get rich?
It is very important to remember that this is a game of chance. The overall conclusion is that splitting can help you increase your chances but can't guarantee a win. The casino will always have a slight edge. Now you know how to split strategically, you can enjoy the game fully.