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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.

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