In blackjack, you should split your cards when you are dealt a pair of cards of the same rank, and the decision to split depends on both your cards and the dealer's upcard. Here are the key guidelines for when to split:
- Always split aces and 8s. Splitting aces allows you to build two strong hands, and splitting 8s helps avoid a weak total of 16.
- Split 2s, 3s, and 7s when the dealer's upcard is 2 through 7.
- Split 6s when the dealer shows 2 through 6.
- Split 9s when the dealer has 2 through 6, or an 8 or 9—but do not split 9s if the dealer has a 7.
- Never split 10s or face cards. A total of 20 is a strong hand, and splitting reduces your chances of winning.
- Never split 5s. A pair of 5s totals 10, which is good for doubling down rather than splitting.
- Avoid splitting 4s unless the dealer's upcard is 5 or 6.
Splitting means you double your original bet and create two separate hands, each played individually. Some casinos allow re-splitting if you get another pair. When you split aces, you usually receive only one additional card per ace and cannot hit again. This strategy helps reduce the house edge and improves your chances of winning in appropriate scenarios.
