Nearly every gambling game has some combination that is statistically very unlikely, but still possible. That perfect outplay of cards, whatever it might be. It’s the kind of thing that you keep in the back of your mind because for the most part it is fun to do. You think to yourself as you flip over your hand each time, “Could this hand be the one?”

The blackjack split rules are interesting: if you keep getting dealt pairs, can you keep on splitting them until you run out of table space? This case study presents a couple interesting questions:

Firstly, splitting in blackjack can only occur after you’ve been dealt a pair of the same value cards on your initial hand. For instance, two 8s, two 10s, two Jack’s etc. When that happens you will immediately get to split, if you want, because it’s always optional. When you are allowed to Double Down After Split, you’re going to split 2’s and 3’s when the house has the upcards of 2 through 7. You’re going to split fours (4,4) when the house shows a 5 or 6, and 6’s are split when the house shows 2 through 6. When DDAS is not available, you will absolutely be splitting less.

What Cards Can You Split In Blackjack

1. What is the maximum number of times you can split in blackjack?
2. Given the above, what is the best possible split blackjack hand?

Blackjack Splitting Rules

The rules regarding splitting vary from casino to casino. Here is a general rundown.

• Most casinos will allow two splits; some will not.
• Some casinos will allow a double down after a split.
• Most casinos will not allow any more cards after a double down.
• Most casinos will only allow you one card after aces have been split.

Naturally, armed with the above information, you want to be playing at the types of casinos that allow you to do the following:

What Numbers Do You Split In Blackjack

• Split twice and then double down

The Best Possible Hand in Blackjack

It would go something like this:

1. The dealer is showing a six or some bust card.
2. You are dealt, say, fours – your bet is $10.
3. You split these, and the fours both receive fours, which you spilt again – your bet is now $40.
4. All these (4) hands with fours, all receive fours. You split again – your bet is now $80.
5. You double down on eight hands – your bet is now $160.
6. The dealer hits on 16, busts, and all your hands win.

Where your initial bet was for $20, you end up raking in $300. This example was purposely done without using aces to illustrate that it ultimately does not matter if you are splitting aces, because split aces do not payout 2:3 like a natural blackjack does. So even if we had split aces here, the payout would still be the same. In addition, since it’s already been stated that aces can only receive one more card after they are split, aces are in not going to give you the maximum amount of winnings possible in this scenario.

“But Atlantic City does it Differently.”

Interestingly, Atlantic City does not allow a split after the initial split, but it does allow a double down. This stands in direct opposition to Las Vegas, where as discussed the rules state that you can split again after the initial split.

If you would like some more information on splitting in blackjack, check out our complete blackjack guide to splitting. It has everything you ned to know, and even some fun extras tutorials to really drive the point home.

Simon

Simon is an overactive gambler and the Staff Writer here at Silver Oak. He loves casino bonuses, online slots, and using the em dash too often. Currently, he rests his typing hands in Vancouver, Canada.

How Splitting in Blackjack Works?

What splitting in blackjack means is that when your hand consists of two cards with similar value, you can split them by placing additional bet, creating two hands that will be played separately. The option to split is of enormous value; if it’s used wisely of course.

The basic idea behind splitting cards, besides the obvious goal of increasing your winnings, is twofold. First, to improve weak hands, splitting 8s are a clear example for that. Second, to increase possible winnings on stronger hands, for example splitting Aces.

As with every blackjack rule, things are very simple and yet complicated in the same time. Using this option when not needed, which is probably the most common mistake when it comes to splitting in blackjack, can cost you a lot of money. The good news is that the splitting strategy is rather straight forward and easy to remember, especially if you have a favorite blackjack game which you come back to. Otherwise, it varies according to the specific splitting rules which we will review below.

Last thing before we continue, many new players not sure or shy to request to split, double and so forth. Don’t be. You don’t need to know any secret signs or terminology. Just tell the dealer that you wish to split and place additional bet. That’s it. Of course if you play blackjack online things are much easier and all you have to do is press the split button.

Common Blackjack Split Rules

• Allowed to split twice (up to three hands).
• You can split non identical 10 value cards.
• Splits Aces cannot be re-split.
• Split Aces receive only one card.
• You can hit and double down split hands.

Let’s take basic basic Vegas Strip hole card blackjack rulesand see how different splitting rules influence the house edge. So additional rules we use: 8 decks, dealer checks for blackjack and stands on soft 17; double down on any 2 cards; blackjack pays 3:2. Under the splitting rules we used above the expected payout is 99.56% (or house edge of 0.44%).

Below you can see how each change influence the odds (+ means increases players’ odds, minus – lowers players’ odds):

• Only 1 split allowed: -0.045%
• Allowed to split to 4 hands: 0.01%
• No double after split: -0.14%
• Player can re-split Aces: 0.06%
• You can hit split Aces: 0.19%

When to Split in Blackjack – Basic Strategy

We will try to make it simple to remember. Here we won’t explain the mathematics behind each decision, but you can find it in additional articles.

Most crucial ones:

Blackjack Split Rules

• Never Split 5s and 10 value cards. (Double on 5s as you would on any hard 10).
• Always split Aces and 8s.

Blackjack Split 10s

The easy ones to remember:

• 2s, 3s, 7s – split when dealer shows 2-7
• 6s – split on dealer’s 2-6.

And the unique ones:

What Hands Do You Split In Blackjack

• 4s – are not a perfect hand for splitting, so you should split them only when the dealer shows 5 or 6 and only when you can double after split. If the casino doesn’t allow to double on split hands – never split 4s.
• 9s – split on dealer’s 2-6 and 8,9.

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