When playing blackjack, there are a number of strategies that can be employed to tilt the odds in your favour. Splitting pairs is one such move, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of the game. So when do you split in blackjack and why?
In blackjack, players are given the option to split any two cards that form a pair. This allows them to create two separate hands for the same amount of money. Each hand then plays independently of the other. The goal is to improve your chances of winning by increasing the number of high-value cards in your hand.
Splitting pairs is particularly effective when the dealer has a weak showing of cards. This is because splitting gives players the opportunity to capitalise on the dealer’s disadvantage and maximise their average earnings per hand. It’s therefore vital that you understand the basics of splitting in order to take advantage of this strategy.
The most important factor in deciding whether to split a hand is the strength of the dealer’s face-up card. If the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 showing, it is usually a good idea to split. This is because it increases the likelihood of getting a ten-valued card on either of your new hands, which will then lead to a blackjack.
On the other hand, it’s generally not a good idea to split a pair of sevens against a dealer with a 2 through 7 showing. This is because a pair of sevens has a very high chance of busting if you hit. It’s therefore necessary to use hard and soft hand strategies in order to maximise the potential of your two new hands.
The final important factor to consider is the overall strength of your hand. If you have a pair of aces, it is almost always worth splitting them. This is because a pair of aces has a very low probability of busting and can give you a blackjack if you get a picture card on both of them.
Similarly, it is almost always worth splitting a pair of eights. This is because they start you off at a terrible total of 16 (a very weak hand). By splitting them, you can double your chances of improving your hand and beating the dealer. However, it’s important to note that not all casinos allow this move and you should check the rules of your chosen casino before deciding whether or not to split a pair of eights. Nevertheless, it’s still an effective strategy to try and use if possible.
