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Strategy for Splitting Cards in Blackjack

This article will explain when you should split your cards and when you should keep them together in the game of Blackjack.

Many beginners are unaware that you are allowed to split your two cards when playing Blackjack; however, you are only able to split your hand when you receive a pair.  When splitting your cards, you are creating two hands instead of just one.  For example, if you were to receive two seven’s and you decided to split them, you would then create two new hands allowing a new card to be dealt to each hand.

In addition, just for extra information, when playing at live casinos, some will allow you to split one of your two hands should that hand receive a card that creates a pair.  This would then cause you to have three hands.

Below, you will find some general guidelines that will help you decide whether your cards should stay together or if they should part.

If you are dealt two 10’s or two face cards – also known as Court cards, (such as Jack, Queen, or King) – don’t split them.  If you have this type of hand to begin with, your hand totals 20, which is a very likely win and has a lot of potential, which is not something that you want to split up and more than likely give up your win.

If you are dealt two four’s or two five’s, don’t split.  Having a hand that totals 8 or 10 as a start has high potential due to the fact that it is likely if you hit that you will receive a card somewhere between 10 and an Ace.  It is practically a win situation and by splitting, you could cause more trouble than the hand is worth.

If you receive a pair of 8’s, they should be split unless there is an Ace, Court card, 9 or 10 in the banker’s hand.  The dealer, or banker, is more likely to win when they have a high card, which means your hand is weaker.  It is very likely that this hand will be lost and in order to minimize losses, there is no need in splitting the eight’s and having to bet for two hands.

If you get a pair of 2’s or 3’s and the banker’s card that is showing equals 7 or lower then split.  With a low showing card on the banker’s behalf, the banker has a weak hand.  Therefore, it just simply makes sense to split the cards and create two play hands to double your money that you’ll very likely win.

Always split 7’s if there is a five, six, or seven as the showing card of the banker.  The banker’s hand really isn’t all that great right now so by splitting your 7’s, you are creating the chance of receiving two hands that are much more improved than one that totals 14.

Last but not least, if the banker has a showing card of 8 and you have a pair of 9’s then split.  This is the only time that you should split your 9’s, though.  The banker will assume that they have a total of 18 and if you have a total of 18 (because of the two 9’s), then it will turn into a standoff.  However, by splitting your two 9’s, you increase your chances because more than likely, you will get a 19 on at least one of your hands.

I hope that the above guidelines will help you the next time you play Blackjack and receive a pair.  By taking the above outlined splitting strategies, you can minimize your losses and maximize your gains at the same time.

Gambling is a fun, exciting, involved, popular and largely safe activity, particularly among sports fans looking to enhance their experience, as well as those looking to make profits and even make a living. Of course, the decision on whether or not to gamble is a very personal one, and everyone has his or her own reasons for doing so or not. As stated, most people, as with drinking alcohol, manage to do so safely without ever getting into any trouble. Statistics show, however, that around 6% of adults are so-called ‘problem gamblers’ with a larger number still considered to be in the ‘at-risk’ category. There are certain things you can do in order to ensure that, if you choose to gamble, you are able to do so safely and consistently.

First of all, remember that it is entirely your choice whether or not you gamble. Never let this factor appear to slip out of your grasp. You can choose to stop at any time. Gambling is not a risk-free activity. In fact, there is a possibility of winning or losing large sums of money, which is what can make it such an enticing activity. Unfortunately, this potential can attract the more vulnerable and desperate with the knock-on effect that can involve family life, career, finances and your health. As a result, it is vital, should you choose to gamble, that you first work out exactly how much you can afford to bet. Set strict personal limits and don’t be tempted to deviate from them. Remember, it is an entertainment industry and your main objective should be to have fun. If you are risking your personal life, your career and your finances, it can hardly be considered fun or entertaining.

Once you have worked out how much money you can afford to bet, take that amount with you and only that. Never more. Also, leave your credit cards at home to avoid temptation once you get into the atmosphere of the casino. Remember also, never, NEVER borrow money in order to gamble, as this is indeed a slippery slope and will only exacerbate the problem.

Also, be careful once you are in the casino, as many offer free drinks to their paying customers. Remember, they are not being nice when they do this, it’s just company policy and is designed to loosen you up so that you lose your inhibition and bet more. Do not drink and bet!

Also, remember why casinos give you plastic chips in exchange for your cash. Sure, it makes life easier for the dealer in terms of collecting money and making payouts, but it also allows you to merely look at a pile of ‘worthless’ plastic chips instead of cold, hard cash. This serves to ‘devalue’ your money, and could make you more ‘easy come, easy go’ concerning betting and losing your money.

It is also a good idea to wear a watch when you visit the casino, as most do not have any clocks on the walls. Again, this is deliberate and can give you an unreal sense of time – how long you’ve been there and over what period of time you’ve been losing money. In such a case, losses can snowball without you realizing their extent. Remember, YOU are in control.