Blackjack Strategy: When To Split And When To Stand Pat
One of the most exciting aspects of blackjack is that we are sometimes presented with a chance to add to our original wager.
When we get the opportunity to double down or split, it is critical that we make the right decision. We will have multiples of our usual bet riding on the outcome.
Sometimes with splits and double after splits, we may find that we have four or five times our average bet riding on one round of cards, so it’s important to know what you should do.
What Is Splitting In Blackjack?
When you have two of the same cards, like a pair of 4s or 8s, you are allowed to split the pair and play them like two separate hands.
When splitting, you can only split for the same amount as your original wager, unlike double downs, where you can bet less.
We will go into greater detail about the proper playing of each pair below but if you don’t wish to learn the entire basic strategy, the simplest way to play is:
- Always split Aces and 8s.
- Never split 10s.
- Only split 4s if you are allowed to double on split hands.
Splitting Basics
Only players can split, never the dealer. You must have two of the same value cards. You must split for the same amount of money as your original wager.
To signal a split, you can point at your bet with two fingers, or simply push out an equal amount of chips to your first wager. The dealer will know your intentions.
Blackjack Basic Strategy For Splitting
Fortunately, the basic strategy for splits is simple and straightforward.
There are some house rules that we will discuss a little later that slightly alter our decisions, but for most blackjack games, you should follow these basic rules when dealt pairs.
10s
Fun fact, in blackjack, all 10-value cards are splittable.
This means you don’t need to wait to be dealt a Jack and another Jack. You could, in theory, split your King and Queen, or your 10 and Jack.
You shouldn’t, but you could.
20 is a great hand. Yes, several more 20s might also be great, and if the dealer has a 5 or 6 up, perhaps you might be tempted to get more money on the layout.
But the math is clear. Stick with the bird in your hand, don’t go gunning for the one in the bush.
Should you decide to split your 10s, you may hear – over the groans of your fellow players – the dealer calling out “splitting 10s.”
This is because card counters know that a deck rich in 10s does mean that you should split 10s.
Blackjack dealers call this out to their floor people for management to determine if you are a complete novice or someone they need to watch closely.
Pair of 9s
Basic strategy says split 9s against any dealer upcard, except for 7s.
This is easily remembered by the fact that you don’t want to give up your 18 against a possible dealer 17.
Is it hard to split 9s against a dealer 10 or Ace?
Yes, but again, we have to trust the math.
Pair of Aces or 8s
These two pairs are often heard together, as we will always split Aces or 8s no matter what the dealer turns up.
It’s important to note that Aces are usually only allowed one card each, and a 10 card dealt to a split Ace is 21, not blackjack.
All other pairs can be split up to four hands.
Pair of 7s, 3s or 2s
If you have any of these pairs, you’ll want to split if the dealer has 2 through 7 for an upcard.
Otherwise, just hit.
Pair of 6s or 4s
If you have either pair, you will want to split if the dealer has a 2 through 6 as an upcard.
Otherwise hit.
Pair of 5s
With a total of 10, it is much better to double a pair of 5s than split. You should double this pair against 2 through 9; otherwise, just hit.
And that’s it.
That’s the basic strategy for splitting pairs in four through eight decks, where you can double after split.
These rules should work on over 90% of the games you come across. Most of the other rules don’t change the strategy much.
What To Do When You Encounter A No Double After Split Rule
Some casinos have tweaked the rules so that you aren’t allowed to double after splitting.
While this adds 14% to blackjack’s house edge, it can cost them business. And because of that, it’s not a rule change that you see all that often.
Should you come across this rule, it might be best just to find another casino. But if it’s the only one around for 100 miles, then you will want to make a couple of changes on pair splitting.
Pair of 2s and 3s
With either of these pairs, you should now only split on 4 through 7. Just hit against a dealer’s 2 or 3.
Pair of 4s
If you can’t double after split with your pair of 4s, only split against 2 through 4.
Hit against a dealer’s 5 or higher.
Pair of 6s
With a pair of 6s, we will hit against a dealer’s 2 and split against 3 through 6, then hit again against any dealer’s up card higher than 6.
Double Deck
If you’re only playing against two decks and not against a shoe, you only have a couple of changes to strategy.
You should now split against a dealer’s 2 through 7 upcard with a pair of 6s. And if you have a pair of 7s, be a bit bolder and split against a dealer’s 2 through 8.
Suppose this game doesn’t allow double after splits.
In that case, use the same rules as we just went over for no double after splits and forgetting about splitting 6s against a 7 or splitting 7s against a dealer’s 8.
Surrender
While not a common rule, it can still be found in some places.
Just for the sake of completeness, we will cover the one slight basic strategy deviation when surrender is offered.
Regardless of the number of decks, and only in games where the dealer hits soft 17, you should surrender your pair of 8s against a dealer’s Ace.
Conclusion
This should cover all the likely blackjack rules you are likely to encounter.
Remember: Using this basic strategy for pair splitting is essential because it can help you get more money, often much more money, on the layout when the odds are in your favor.
So it’s best to stick with it whenever possible.
Make sure to double when you should on these hands to really supercharge your advantage in blackjack.
If you’re ever unsure, you can refer to our blackjack strategy charts to tell you what move you should make.
