Splitting Pairs in Blackjack

Blackjack splitting is a very common strategy, and most blackjack players have used it at some point in time. Not all casinos allow splitting in blackjack, so it cannot be used everywhere. Play the Slots.com blackjack for better odds.

How Splitting Works

When a player is dealt two cards with the same face value, they have an option to ‘split’ the cards—or separate them into two separate hands. In online settings, players are given the option to split at the bottom of the screen whenever they are able to do so. In land-based casinos, players must determine whether or not splitting is allowed beforehand. In most situations, players are advised against splitting tens, fours, fives and sixes. This is because the risk of the dealer having a worse or better hand—depending on the situation—outweighs the benefits of the split.

Cost and Strategy

When a player makes the choice to split their hand, there is some cost involved; generally, the player is required to double their bet. A split can be extremely beneficial or completely disastrous depending on the dealer’s hand. If the dealer is showing a weak hand with a four, five, or six turned face-up, the player may benefit from splitting tens. The odds of the player achieving a good hand with at least one of their hands is better than the dealer’s odds of having a better hand. Blackjack splitting is always a risk, and players should treat it as such.

Games like Keno, roulette and online slots require very little strategy and are simple to play. When it comes to blackjack, however, special strategies like blackjack splitting must be completely understood in order to use them correctly.