Mastering Blackjack Splits: Rules, Tips, and Best Strategies

There are some key moments in a game of blackjack where players can win more than their initial bet. These opportunities offer the chance for a winning session when utilizing basic strategy.

Blackjack split is one of these key opportunities where savvy players have a chance to boost their blackjack bankroll. But what is split in blackjack and when should you use this play? Keep reading to learn all about this favorable rule for players and how to incorporate it in blackjack strategy.

What is a Split in Blackjack?

A young man in a suit sits at a blackjack table in a dimly lit casino, confidently gesturing to the dealer, indicating his intention to split his cards. The table is covered with chips and playing cards, and other players are partially visible in the background, observing the action. The atmosphere is focused and intense, with warm lighting highlighting the scene.

Splitting is allowed when players are dealt two of the same cards. For example, a player dealt two aces can split these into two separate ace hands. A blackjack player in this situation can then match the original wager (not more) to play two hands.

Splitting is allowed in any situation where a player has two of the same card (a pair) and sometimes if the player then receives yet another of those cards (known as resplitting).

How to Split in Blackjack?

New players may be wondering how to split in blackjack. Here’s a look at the process.

Place your initial wager of $10, for example.
The dealer dealer you two of the same cards, 9-9 for example, against the dealer’s upcard.
A basic strategy chart says that the best move here is to split.
When the action is on you, the dealer may ask if you want to split or you can simply tell him you are splitting.
The dealer will then move the cards apart into two separate split hands.
You count out the same number of chips as your initial bet and move them next to the second hand now. You now have $20 total bet.
The dealer will add another card to the first card that was in the hand and then you can decide to hit, stand, or double down.
When you decide to stand or bust, the action turns to the second card. You then decide to hit or stand, or double down.
The action continues around the table. If your hands haven’t busted and beat the dealer or the dealer busts, then you win on both hands. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than both of your hands, then you lose on both. You could also win on one and lose on one as well.

Rules for Splitting in Blackjack

Knowing the rules of blackjack and when to split in blackjack is key. You can only split when you have two of the same card, such a 9-9, 8-8, 5-5, etc. You can also only bet the amount wagered on your initial hand.

Allowing a second split (resplitting) if you receive a third card the same as the first two cards depends on the blackjack split rules of the casino. This may vary by game as well, depending on the stakes.

There is one different rule when you receive a pair of aces. When splitting aces, you only receive one card per ace. This is a favorable play, and players should always split here. However, whether you can resplit aces depends on the casino rules. Additionally, some casinos may offer side bets that can be placed when you split pairs in different blackjack variants, providing extra opportunities to win depending on the cards dealt.

When to Split in Blackjack?

A close-up of a blackjack table showing a player's hand splitting a pair of red aces. The player's hand, with neatly painted nails, places one ace next to another, signaling a split. Various colored poker chips are visible on the green felt table, along with the casino's branding and markings for bets. The scene captures a moment of strategy and decision-making in the game.

Savvy players will always want to use basic strategy, the best mathematical options based on the dealer’s upcard. There are blackjack strategy charts that can help players determine the best play in any situation. For even more advantage, experienced players may also consider counting blackjack cards, a technique that tracks the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck, a method that has been widely used throughout the history of blackjack.

These charts show you how to split. For example, players will always want to split aces as you have a good chance of making blackjack for a 3 to 2 or at least a 6 to 5 payout. If not you at least have a shot at a strong hand.

On the other hand, it’s never advised to split 10s as you are breaking up a solid hand into two potentially losing blackjack hands. Here’s a look at a few other key hands to keep in mind.

9-9 – Split against any dealer upcard except 7.
8-8 – Split against the dealer’s 2 through 7, but hit against 8 through ace.
7-7 – Split only if the dealer has 7 or less.
6-6 – Split only if the dealer has 6 or less. The dealer has a good chance of busting so you want two solid hands to win in this case.
5-5 – Do not split this hand as 10 on the first two cards gives a player a powerful drawing hand. If the dealer has 9 or below, double down. This 10-count hand offers a great chance to get a high hand like 21, 20, 19, or 18.
4-4 – Never split this hand as the odds are not great and you want to build one solid had instead of one that potentially loses.
3-3 – If the dealer’s upcard is 4 to 7, then split this hand. Otherwise simply take a hit.
2-2 – Split against the dealer’s 3 to 7.

Playing with basic strategy gives you the best chance to win and to know when can you split in blackjack. You will know when splitting is the best option, when to double down, and every other decision based on the math and odds of the game. Playing widely can mean winning in the long run. Counting cards is also another option to flip the odds even more in your favor.

Strategies for Splitting in Blackjack

Splitting pairs can be a major opportunity to rack up some winnings when the odds may favor the player. But knowing when to makes these plays – such as splitting versus hitting or doubling –

Always Split Aces and Eights – These two hands have the potential to win. Splitting aces can mean two blackjacks when a 10-value card hopefully lands on each ace – or at least higher winning hands. Seeing a pair of aces is always a good spot to be in. Splitting eights means you are changing from one poor hand to potentially two much stronger hands.
Never Split Tens or Fives – 10-10 is already the second-strongest hand in blackjack and there is no reason to break up a potential winner for two potential losing hands. Keep two face cards together and don’t break up a great hand! 5-5 gives you a great chance to make a 21
Split Twos and Threes Against Dealer’s 2-7 – 2-2 and 3-3 – have the potential to still build solid hands against a dealer’s 2 through 7. Breaking these two cards into separate hands give you the potential to turn this hands into two winners.
Split Sixes Against Dealer’s 2-6 – The odds are pretty good the dealer will bust with 2 through 6, so splitting those sixes offers a chance at two potential winners.

Conclusion

Splitting is an option in blackjack in which a player receives two of the same cards, such as A-A, and then splits those into two hands with an additional bet. This can be a key opportunity to accumulate more winnings.

However, not every hand should be split and knowing when to split should be base on basic strategy for the best chance to win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Hands to Split in Blackjack?

Always split aces and eights. Other pairs that are also often split include 8-8, 7-7, 6-6, 3-3, and 2-2/

Can you split a 10 and a face card in blackjack?

No, the cards must be the same to split, such as A-A, 6-6, 3-3, and 2-2.

Do you ever split 20 in blackjack?

No, you already have a strong hand and don’t want to create two potential losers.

Why do you never split 10s?

No, this is already the second-strongest hand in blackjack and a potential winner.

Should you split 9s in blackjack?

Yes, split against any dealer upcard except 7 as nines offer the chance to build two solid hands by hitting.

How many times can you split in blackjack?

You can typically split up to three or four times in blackjack, but this depends on the casino’s rules and the number of decks in play. Fewer decks may limit the number of allowed splits.