Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: When to Do It or Avoid It

Splitting cards is one of the most important strategic decisions in online blackjack. Knowing when to split or avoid splitting can significantly impact your overall winnings.

Let’s dive into the key principles and strategies behind splitting pairs in online blackjack.

What Does It Mean to Split Cards in Online Blackjack?

Splitting cards in blackjack occurs when you are dealt two cards of the same rank. Instead of playing them as a single hand, you can choose to split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original wager. Each new hand is then played separately, following standard blackjack rules.

What Are the Basic Rules for Splitting Pairs in Online Blackjack?

The ability to split pairs varies slightly depending on the casino and the variant of blackjack you’re playing. However, some common rules include:

• You can only split if your initial two cards are of the same rank (e.g., two 8s or two Aces).
• You must place an additional bet equal to your original wager.
• Some casinos allow you to split again if another pair appears after the initial split.
• After splitting Aces, most casinos only allow one additional card per Ace.
• Some variations permit doubling down after splitting, which can be a strategic advantage.

When Should I Avoid Splitting Pairs in Online Blackjack?

While splitting can be beneficial, there are certain scenarios where it should be avoided:

• Splitting 5s: Two 5s equal 10, which is a strong starting hand. It’s better to double down rather than split.
• Splitting 10s: A hand of 20 is already strong, and splitting reduces your chances of winning.
• Splitting 4s: A total of 8 is a decent hand to hit or double down, but splitting may lead to weaker hands.

When facing a Dealer’s Strong Card: If the dealer has a high card, 9, 10, or Ace, splitting may not be the best choice unless you have Aces or 8s.

Splitting Cards in Online Blackjack: The Strategies

How Do I Adjust My Splitting Strategy Based on Soft Hands?

A soft hand contains an Ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11. Since splitting can change the nature of your hand, consider these factors:

• Always split Aces: This increases your chances of hitting blackjack or getting a strong hand.
• Avoid splitting against strong dealer cards: If the dealer has an Ace or 10, splitting might not always be advantageous, especially if you can’t double down due to the specific casino rules.

How Do I Adjust My Splitting Strategy Based on Hard Hands?

A hard hand does not contain an Ace or has an Ace that must be counted as 1. In this case, splitting decisions depend more on the dealer’s up card:

• Split 8s, always: 16 is a weak hand, so splitting 8s gives you a better chance to improve.
• Split 9s against dealer 2-6 and 8-9: This gives you an opportunity for a strong hand but avoid splitting against a 7, 10, or Ace.

How to Determine When to Split Low Pairs

Low pairs, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s, should be split selectively:

• Split 2s and 3s if the dealer has 4-7: This increases your chances of making a strong hand.
• Never split 5s: As mentioned earlier, a total of 10 is too valuable to break apart.
• Split 6s only against dealer 3-6: Otherwise, play the hand as a hard 12.

How to Determine When to Split High Pairs

High pairs, 7s, 8s, 9s, and 10s, require more careful consideration:

• Always split 8s: 16 is a weak hand, so splitting gives you a better chance to win.
• Split 9s unless the dealer has a 7, 10, or Ace: A hand of 18 is strong, but splitting can be beneficial in favorable conditions.
• Never split 10s: A total of 20 is already an excellent hand.

Mastering when to split in online blackjack can dramatically improve your chances of winning.

By understanding the basic rules, avoiding common mistakes, and adjusting your strategy based on the dealer’s upcard and the strength of your hand, you can maximize your profits and minimize your risks.

Always consider the game rules, as different online blackjack variants may have specific splitting restrictions.

Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: Other Advices to Improve your Game

Splitting cards in blackjack is just one way that you can make a hand do extra work for you. If you get two cards with the same number dealt to you, you can opt to split them into two separate hands. Then, the dealer will give you two more cards – one for each new hand that you have. Your bet doubles (so you have to cover that), but you now have an extra chance to beat the dealer. Understanding when to split (and when not to split) your pair can add greatly to your profitability at the casino blackjack table. The good news is that there are only ten scenarios that allow you the possibility of splitting cards.

This makes it easy to memorize what you should do in each of these scenarios when playing online blackjack.

Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: Aces and 8’s

If you get a pair of these, always split them. Why? Eight plus eight is 16, which is a terrible place to be in. You’re not close enough to 21 to have a realistic chance of winning unless everyone else (including the dealer) busts, but if you hit, the vast majority of the cards in the deck will cause you to bust.

With the ace, you do have the choice between counting it as 1 or 11 points. However, a pair means that you have 2 or 12. Splitting – and getting a card worth 10 on either hand – gives you blackjack. You always want to double your chances of getting that 3 to 2 payouts.

Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: 4s

Look at the dealer’s hand. If he shows a 5 or a 6, he’s in the weakest possible position. In this case, go ahead and split with your 4s. You’re not in great shape either, but you have the dealer in a really shaky spot, so it’s wise to double your chances of beating him.

Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: 5s

Never, ever, ever split a pair of fives. The most common point values will pull you closer to a bust, and you don’t want to double your bet and increase your likelihood of losing even more money. Instead, remember that 5+5 = 10, and that now you’re ready to hit and get another card worth 10 points – or an ace. If you split this, you take a pretty good hand and turn it into two really weak hands.

Splitting Card in Online Blackjack: 10s

You have 20 points sitting in front of you – almost a foolproof hand as it is, unless someone ends up with 21. If you are counting cards, and you realize that the count is six or more for each remaining deck left in the shoe, then you might think about it, but remember that you already have a great hand, and you don’t want to end up with a 14 and a 16. If the dealer has a 5 or a 6, though, you might think about splitting, because your odds of having one hand that is still strong is high – at least stronger than the likely 14, 15 or 16 that is headed the dealer’s way – and the subsequent likely bust.

2s, 3s, 7s

Does the dealer show a card that’s a 2 through 7? Then consider splitting. If his card is an 8 or higher, simply hit and hope you get as close to 21 as possible.

6s

If the dealer has a 2 through 6, split your six. If he shows a 7 or higher, take the hit.

9s

If the dealer shows a 2 through 6, an 8 or a 9, split your 9s. If the dealer shows a 7, 10 or ace, just stand on that 18. You’re already pretty close to 21, and you want to gauge whether a bust is likely.

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• Playing Blackjack or Poker
• Blackjack Strategies, Systems And Tips
• 1-3-2-6 Betting System In Blackjack
• Splitting Card in Online Blackjack
• The Dos and Don’ts of Blackjack Betting
• Online Betting Strategies: Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy
• Understanding The Back And Lay Strategy

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