Splitting 2s in Blackjack Explained

Splitting hands in blackjack offers players a key opportunity to score some extra wins against the dealer. The game already has a low house edge and splitting allows a player to win two hands (and possibly even more) to reap some extra winnings.

Some hands may perplex players when it comes to splitting and that includes when to split 2s in blackjack. There is potential to build a nice hand with a pair of 2s, but many players are a bit unsure if these should be split. Players will want to split in some situations but simply hit in others.

Keep reading to learn about whether you should split 2s in blackjack

When to Split 2s in blackjack?

Splitting 2s can be advantageous in certain situations, based on basic strategy. Basic strategy is the correct mathematical play to make based on the dealer’s upcard. A basic strategy chart offers an easy way to practice the correct moves to make to thin the house edge. That includes the correct play when it comes to when to split 2s in blackjack.

Many factors affect the decision to split, such as the dealer’s upcard, the table rules, and the number of decks used. However, here are the basic rules about splitting 2s in many scenarios.

Dealer upcard	Play
2 through 7	Split
8, 9, 10, ace	Hit

The general thinking is that splitting against weak dealer upcards (2 thorough 7) allow players the opportunity to build two solid hands. 8, 9, 10, and ace are more favorable for the dealer with a chance at more solid hands, considering that 8, 9, 10, and ace are possible underneath. Not splitting against these hands means a player at least avoids creating two losing hands rather than one.

These rules also apply for a similar hand, 3-3. When dealt a pair of threes, a player will want to split against 2 through 7 and hit against 8, 9, 10, or ace. This may be altered just a bit, depending on the game rules.

Do You Split 2s Against a 2?

Many players are unsure whether to split 2s against a 2 dealer upcard. Basic strategy recommends splitting in this scenario because the dealer will have to take a hit if the downcard is any face card.

That means the high possibility of receiving a second face card and busting. Even if the dealer doesn’t have a face card, she will still have to draw cards and has the possibility of busting. In these scenarios, players with 2-2 can take a hit on the splits twos and have a chance to win on both. Here’s a quick example:

You are dealt 2-2 against the dealer’s 2 upcard and choose to split.
The first 2 receive a jack for a count of 12. Basic strategy then calls for another hit in this situation and you get an 8 to make 20.
The second hand receives a 5 and then you hit and receive an ace for a total of 18. Stand in this hand against the dealer’s 2.
The dealer then reveals a queen under the 2 and draws a king to bust at 22. You then win on both hands.

Even if the dealer had drawn 2, 3, or 4, she would still have a decent chance to bust. The same goes if the down card were lower than 10. The dealer would still have a chance busting with a hand like 2-7. The dealer may draw another low card such as 4, 5, 6, or 7 and then hit again and receive a 10-value card to bust.

This same line of thinking also applies to other low and weak dealer upcards like 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. Based on basic blackjack strategy, splitting 2s can be a profitable play in several scenarios.

However, there are a few game rules where players will want to deviate from this when in single deck games. Here are these deviations to make:

Single deck, dealer hits on soft 17, no double after split – hit against a 2 (splits on 3 through 7)
Single deck, dealer stands on soft 17, no double after split – hit against a 2 (splits on 3 through 7)
Double deck, dealer hits on soft 17, no double after split – split only against 4 through 7
Double deck, dealer stands on soft 17, no double after split – split only against 4 through 7
Four or more decks, dealer stands on soft 17, no double after split – split only against 4 through 7
Four or more decks, dealer hits on soft 17, no double after split – split only against 4 through 7

General Strategy: Do You Split 2s in Blackjack?

As noted, basic strategy should be your guide when splitting 2s. Deviating from this strategy means a player may not be making the correct mathematical play – adding to the house edge. Here are the general rules to remember when it comes to whether you split 2s in blackjack.

Split against weaker dealer upcards – 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
Only hit against stronger dealer upcards – 8,9, 10, or ace.

There are a few table rules that can alter these rules slightly and those are listed in the section above. Consult these rules and basic strategy considerations when planning that next blackjack game or when playing online.

Should You Split 2s in Blackjack?

Splitting 2s can be a rewarding play and offers players the chance at an extra winning hand. Not splitting reduces an edge the player can gain in these scenarios. Here’s a look at some of the risks and rewards.

Risks of Splitting 2s

Losing on two hands.
Cost of an extra bet.
Additional strategy decisions to make.

Rewards of Splitting 2s

Potential for two winning hands.
Extra winnings.
Dealer may bust.

Maximizing your winnings is always the best play and using basic strategy is the best way to do that. In the right situations, splitting 2s is advised to maximize winnings while in other instances, simply hitting is the correct move.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Splitting 2s

In most cases, players will want to split 2s against 2 through 7 and hit against 8, 9, 10, or ace. There are a few deviations from this basic strategy play depending on the game rules (see the sections about splitting against the dealer’s 2 to learn about basic strategy deviations).

Splitting 2s can offer players a chance at two winning hands and an opportunity for the best mathematical play. Not splitting in positive situations means missing out on some potential winnings.

Those looking to practice basic strategy and play some real-money blackjack should head to Lucky Block Casino. There are also live dealer blackjack games where you’ll feel like you’re playing Las Vegas. Expect plenty of fun while working on those blackjack skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you split 2s in blackjack?

In general, split against 2 through 7 and only hit against a dealer 7, 8,9, 10, or ace. In some games, this may change slightly depending on the table rules.

Do you split 2s against a 2?

Yes, in most cases, split against a 2, but this can also vary based on basic strategy. Consult a basic strategy chart for the correct mathematical play based on specific game rules.

What are the advantages of splitting?

You have a better chance at winning two hands when the dealer has a weak hand. These can be crucial moments in a blackjack session when players can get ahead and hopefully book some winnings.