Splitting your cards in Blackjack

If when playing blackjack you are dealt a pair for example two cards of the same value such as two eights or two kings etc the rules of the game allow you to “split” them and play them as two separate hands. This can be used to your advantage at the blackjack table. Learning how to split cards properly in blackjack will considerably improve your odds in winning at the game. Learn and practice your skills and strategies before playing for real money.

You may split your hand by informing the dealer. You then have to place a bet which is usually equal to or greater than your original bet. This effectively means that you are now playing two hands instead of one which gives you double the opportunity to win the game.

You may only split when you have two cards of equal value for example, 10-10, or Ace–Ace or any two cards of the same value. It is important to only split under certain circumstances. I suggest that you split 8’s as two 8’s make 16 and is a low score and you will increase your odds by splitting. You can end up with a two card count of 18 which is better. Splitting your aces is also good practice because you double your chances of hitting 21 which means you have a much higher chance of beating the dealer.

Some casinos allow you to split cards three times which allows you to create four hands from your first pair. Rules however vary from casino to casino so check the rules of the game before you play. There is a rule that you never split what are known as the F cards which are the four, five and face cards. Two face cards are worth twenty and if you split you might not do better. Two fours could add up to eighteen and two fives add up to ten. Adding another card should finish on 18, 19 or 20 which is also considered better than what the split might produce. Once again you need to practice and observe the game to understand the laws of probability in blackjack. Try to understand and memorize these laws and they will serve you well.

There are many books and courses available on blackjack that supplies various charts giving you everything that you need to know. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. I suggest that you play the free online casino games to practice splitting your hand, or when you play at the casino find the tables with the lowest minimum bets in order to learn this technique. Always split your Aces as this gives you a fantastic opportunity of getting to 21. Always split 7’s if the dealer is holding a card below the 7 value. This also applies to 6’s if the dealer’s cards are below 6 than you have a good opportunity to beat them. You split 2, 3 and 4 if the dealer is holding 6 or below this. From my years of experience this has stood me well.

Good luck with your blackjack and remember to practice, practice and practice.