Splitting pairs is a weapon you should keep in your arsenal when playing blackjack. It grants you an extra possibility of beating the dealer and doubling your win! Splitting is a great way for you to get an advantage over the dealer but it’s crucial that it is done at the right time.

Let’s see how you could make the most out of splitting in blackjack.

What is splitting in blackjack?

Almost all the variants of online blackjack (that we tried) let you split pairs. If you’re dealt a pair, you have the option to split the cards into two new hands. then, you can carry on betting on both, doubling your winning chances.

Once the cards are split, you need to place a second stake on each hand. This stake must be equal to the starting bet. A card is added to each of the split and the the round will normally resume, with the player still deciding if to hit or stand. A double down can also be made at this stage. Here, one extra bet is made for a single additional card.

So when should you split pairs?

Any pair can be split in blackjack. But should you split every time?

Definitely no. Check the guide below.

Always split when

You’re dealt Aces: Pocket aces are rare in blackjack. With so many 10 value cards in the shoe, hitting 21 gets much more easy once an ace is showing. You should always re-split your aces too. Playing 2 aces as one hand is considered a bad strategical choice. Being worth 1 or 11, hitting a picture card in your second draw will give you a 12 at best. Not ideal for your next hit.

You’re dealt eights: Two eights make sixteen. If the dealer is able to stand on 16, your best chances would be ending up with a tied had. It’s much wiser to play your eights separately. It’s better to play the two eights separately aiming for two hands with minimum 18 value.

Never split when

You’re dealt nines or tens: Nine and nine, is a great hand to start with. Splitting them and hoping to hit a ten or an ace for a slightly better hand does not make any sense. Similarly, a pair of tens should never be split up too as it would be statistically very hard to improve your hand.

You’re dealt fives: two fives make ten. This is a great starting hand. Double down if it’s allowed at your table of choice. Splitting fives would put you at two sixteens in the best case scenario. Not worth the risk.

Time to try

We encourage you to try some hands at low stakes tables to familiarize yourself with our blackjack strategy and check out Royal Ace’s impressive Blackjack Special Bonus!