- However, in double-deck blackjack, the dealer’s action on soft 17 (to stand or hit) doesn’t influence the split bet strategy. All that you need to look at is your hand, the dealer’s face-up card, and if it’s a DAS or NDAS table. The DAS tables give you more chances to split in blackjack compared to NDAS games.
- The object of blackjack is for a player to defeat the dealer by obtaining a total as close to 21 as possible without accumulating a total that exceeds this number. In blackjack, the standard rule is that if the player is dealt a pair of identically ranked initial cards, known as a pair, the player is allowed to split them into separate hands and ask for a new second card for each.
- What Does Double And Split Mean In Blackjack
- When To Double Down Blackjack
- Hit Or Split Blackjack
- Can You Double Split In Blackjack
Blackjack is a super popular Live Casino game that many online gamblers enjoy. This game is simple, but every move is of strategic importance. While knowing how to play is an essential step towards victory, it is not the only thing to keep in mind. It is also important to know when to split in blackjack.
What does this mean? Players may have the option to split when they obtain a hand that includes two cards of the same value, and so can ‘split’ their hand into two separate hands. When this happens, an additional card is dealt for each hand, and players can now place an additional bet on the newly created hand.
A significant thing that you need to remember when you double down the pair is to say ‘double’ or ‘double down’ when you place the bet. This way the dealer is not going to make the mistake it as a wish to split the pair. The reason is that the action to double and split is almost the same. Double Down in Blackjack is a concept when the house permits you to double the size of your wager after they have dealt the initial cards. But, in return, the house will pose a condition that after you Double Down, you will only be dealt a single card and no additional card.
Splitting pairs can potentially be very advantageous to the player if done correctly. Don’t worry if you’re not sure when to split in blackjack, we’re here to help you get a better understanding and make better moves to improve your blackjack strategy!
Blackjack
The aim of the game is to get as close to a total card value of 21 as possible while you try to beat the dealer’s total without going bust. The cards are taken at their face value with the exception of jacks, queens and kings which are worth 10 points each. The ace card is given a value of either one or 11 — depending on your hand value.
These are the typical blackjack rules, but some variants may include additional side bets and all-new rules. Try out some of these variants at EnergyCasino by signing up and making your first deposit.
What Is Splitting In Blackjack?
Splitting in blackjack is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. If you are dealt a pair, you may have the option to ‘split’ it to form to two hands. Once you split, you will be dealt two new cards and carry on betting on both hands. So, a second wager will be placed, equal to your original bet. Let’s take the following example:
Suppose you placed a bet of €1 and you receive a six of hearts and a six of diamonds — a pair. If you decide to split, then an additional €1 must be bet to continue playing. Each hand is played separately, so you will play one hand and then the other in one round.
You could say it’s pretty simple, but there is a strategy to keep in mind here. Not every blackjack pair should be split, playing the single hand to the end might be to your advantage. That said, some pairs should almost always be split as, statistically speaking, doing so will result in losing less money over time or offers a reasonable chance of turning a losing hand into a winning one. How do you know when to split or opt for other playing decisions? Let’s find out.
When You Should Always Split
Splitting pairs in blackjack generally depends on the house rules, your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. So, you may face instances where a split is much more favourable than others. Here are a couple instances where you might want to consider splitting:
- Split Aces: Splitting a pair of aces is always an advantageous strategy due to its potentially high value. If you play with one hand, this pair will give either a two or soft 12, since an ace can take the value of either one or 11. Playing with split hands is much more beneficial with two aces, a sthe number of 10-point value cards is quite significant. However, keep in mind that many blackjack tables only allow one hit after splitting aces.
- Split Eights: Basic strategy dictates that splitting eights is almost always better than playing the hand through. Having a hand of 16 is pretty weak and is quite risky to hit — anything above a five is a bust. Splitting a pair of eights gives you much better chances of winning as it is impossible to bust on your first hit. Keep in mind that playing with an eight is still quite problematic, especially if the dealer’s upcard is an ace, but splitting this pair helps mitigate some of the damage to your bankroll in the long run.
When You Should Never Split
Knowing when you should keep your hand is just as important as knowing when to split it.
- Two tens: Splitting 10s is quite a common rookie mistake. If you get a pair of 10s, the best strategy would be to keep the hand, simply because the total is 20, which is a great start. If you decide to split and hit, it’ll be much harder to improve your hand.
- Two fives: A pair of fives yields a value of 10. With this pair it is much easier to double down than if you had to split and hit instead (if doubling down after splitting is allowed). You can’t bust with this pair, and you have a solid chance of getting 20 or 21 on the first hit. Splitting will leave you with a weaker hand and so it is never really a good idea to split a pair of fives.
- Two fours: The same logic of splitting fives can be applied here. If you are dealt a pair of fours and split, you run a greater risk of building two weak hands. Playing with an eight-point hand is much more advantageous and harder to go bust.
Doubling After A Split or No Doubling After A Split?
What Does Double And Split Mean In Blackjack
When deciding when to split, it is important to consider the type of table you play at. Blackjack tables that allow players to double down after splitting are much more beneficial to the player. Playing at a table where doubling after a split is not allowed does alter your blackjack strategy. Let’s take a look at a few tactics you may want to consider, depending on the table you play at. Remember that splitting also depends on the dealer’s upcard, which plays a huge factor regardless of the type of table you play at.
Double After Split Tables:
- With a pair of twos/threes/sevens — When the dealer’s upcard ranges between two and seven.
- With a pair of fours — When the dealer’s upcard has a value of five or six.
- With a pair of fives/tens — Splitting is not favourable in this case.
- With a pair of sixes — Only when the dealer’s upcard ranges between two and six.
- Two eights — Always, except when the dealer holds an ace upcard on an H17.
- Two nines — When the dealer holds cards two through six, eight or nine.
- Two aces — Split pairs.
No Double After Split Tables (H17 — dealer hits on a soft 17):
- Pair of twos/threes — When the dealer’s cards include anything between a four and seven.
- Pair of fours/fives/tens — Never.
- Pair of sixes — When the dealer holds cards three to six.
- Pair of sevens — When the dealer holds cards two to seven.
- Pair of eights — Always, unless the dealer’s upcard is an ace and you can surrender.
- Pair of nines — When the dealer holds cards two through six, eight or nine.
- Pair of aces — Always.
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FAQ
⭐What is splitting in blackjack?
A split in blackjack is the act of splitting a hand into two for a chance of forming better hands.
⭐When should I split?
Deciding when to split a pair depends on the value of your hand as well as the rules of the game, the number of decks used and the upcard of the dealer. Whether the blackjack table allows players to double down after splitting or not is also a factor to consider.
⭐Are there instances where splitting is not favourable?
Yes. When obtaining two cards, like two fours, splitting might not be a good idea as all you run the risk of ending up with two weak hands that won’t beat the dealer. There are other instances where this could happen, so it will be helpful to do a little research before you play!
⭐Where can I play blackjack?
At EnergyCasino, of course! While we have loads of blackjack variants available, we also host tons of other Live Casino games. If these aren’t really up your ally, you could always try some of the thousands of amazing slot games in our selection. Enjoy fantastic gameplay while gaining bonuses, participating in tournaments and benefiting from our fantastic loyalty program!
My strategy article got sidetracked yesterday because we were putting together the promotions for The Bachelor Season Finale $1000 Contest and working out the details for our amazing Oscar Night Promotion.
We’ll have all the details up on the blog shortly, so if you’ve been unable to sleep without this strategy tip I’m sorry!
This is the first thing I wrote this morning and it’s a keeper. Splitting and Doubling Down, when and why?
The key to winning at Blackjack consistently is to minimize your losses when the odds are against you and maximize your odds (and winnings) when the odds are in your favor.
When To Double Down Blackjack
Doubling Down and Splitting are two ways that you can maximize your chances of winning when the cards are in your favor and against the house.
As with any casino strategy there are a lot of different situations that might come up and trust me it’s making quick decisions that will make or break you at the table.
The key to any Blackjack strategy and any new way of playing is to practice. You might want to start out using Fun Money or Play for Free before actually trying it out on your bankroll.
Here are the quick hits for Doubling Down during a game of Online Blackjack
- Always double when you have an Ace (when playing the soft ace rules).
- Double when you have 10’s and the dealer is showing a 9 or less.
- Double with 9’s.
- Double with 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 when the dealer is holding a 4, 5 or 6.
Those are the quickies for doubling down but there are alot of time when you can Split. Splitting will give the chance to win
Splitting Pairs
Splitting pairs will allow you to double your bet by playing two good hands at once, instead of just one. But be careful: only split pairs when it is your advantage to do so other wise you could lose twice as much money!
You want to be careful to avoid splitting a pair of 5’s, 10’s or face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings). The odds of you hitting good hands on both will be minimal and put you into a losing position, we definitely don’t want that.
So when do you split? Here’s the quick list:
- You should always split Aces. Split 7’s or 8’s if the dealer is showing a card equal to or lesser than your card, but never when he’s holding a 9, 10, face card or Ace.
- Splits 2s and 3s, but only when the dealer is showing 4, 5 or 6.
I know that sounds complicated, but after a little bit of practice you’ll be making quick decisions at the table that could make a huge difference in your bankroll.
Knowing when to double down and splitting pairs is one of the best strategies any blackjack player even if you’re new to online blackjack or stepping up to the table in a Vegas casino for the first time.
I’m really excited to hear how the practice sessions go for you, so drop me an email or a comment here and let me know how it goes for you.
I’d also be interested to hear about any other cool and unique Blackjack strategies you might use. I’ll drop $25 in free chips into your account if I use your strategy tip in an article. If you missed my first blackjack strategy tip you might want to jump over and have a a look at a great Hit or Stand Blackjack Strategy.
If you’re looking for some good authority sources for Blackjack Strategy then I would suggest checking out the Wikipedia they are an authority source and always updated:
Hit Or Split Blackjack
Have a great day and good luck in the casino!