Splitting Pairs in Blackjack
The basic theory behind splitting pairs in Blackjack is simple and easy to work out. There are some simple rules to learn about splitting pairs in Blackjack that you can follow. If you abide by them you won’t run into too much trouble.
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What Does Splitting Pairs Mean?
When a player is dealt their two cards and they are given the same card twice (two fives for example), then the player is given an option to split their cards. These two hands are played completely independent of each other. In other words, you are now effectively playing two hands instead on one. That of course means you have double the amount of money on the line.
When to Split Pairs in Blackjack
If you are reading this article you probably want to know when the best times to split pairs are. I can safely say without a shadow of a doubt that the best time to split your pairs is when you are dealt two Aces. When this happens you should split them 100% of the time.
Always Split Aces
When you are dealt two Aces and you split them it provides a situation that is a little bit different from the rest of the pairs that you split. When you split Aces you are only dealt one more card to each hand. You don’t get the choice of hitting again after you receive the next hand. While that might sound like a distinct disadvantage, you shouldn’t be too worried about it. Having an Ace in your hand is with another card to be dealt to you is a great position to be in.
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Don’t Split Face Cards
If you are dealt two face cards you have a total of 20. It is silly to give this up by gambling to win on two hands instead of one. The safest way to play this hand is to stand on the 20. This assures you of a win in most cases and is a solid play to make. There is no reason to give up the advantage by splitting your face cards. Of course the same principle applies if you have a pair of 10’s.
Always Split Eights
The main reason that you should split eights is because quite frankly, it is a terrible hand. Having 16 is not a nice position to be in because the dealer is going to beat you more often than not. The only chance that you have of winning is if he busts. If the dealer is showing a low card you could be excused for sitting, but even then you are still much better off splitting.
If you have a pair of 7’s or 6’s the rules to follow are simple. If the dealer is showing a 7 when you have a pair of 7’s then you split them. On all other occasions you just simply hit. If the dealer is showing a 6 when you have a pair of 6’s then you split. If the dealer is showing another card you hit.
Never Split Fives
You should never split 5’s because you should be doubling down instead. You have a total of 10 so you have a great chance of winning the hand. If on the other hand you decide to make the silly mistake of splitting, you will more than likely be left with two terrible hands. The worst case scenario for you here is that you could be left with 15 on both hands. This puts you at an extreme disadvantage so I strongly urge you to never split 5’s in Blackjack.
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Splitting Baby Pairs
If you have a baby pair like 2’s, 3’s or 4’s then splitting them is a good option if the dealer is showing a low card. I recommend splitting these pairs because you have an opportunity of getting to 10 or 11 when the next card comes. If this happens then you can double down. This makes it even more worth your while. If you happen to hit a face card then you can stand and hope the dealer busts.
