What Does Split Mean In Blackjack?

Blackjack is a game of skill and strategy, and one crucial decision players face is splitting in blackjack online. But what does it mean to split? When dealt two identical cards, players have the option to split them into separate hands, doubling their chances of winning.

Knowing when to split can significantly impact your success. However, understanding the best situations of splitting in blackjack to use this strategy is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the rules of splitting, when to do it, and when it’s best to avoid it.

What Does Split Mean in Blackjack

What does it mean to split in blackjack? If you're dealt a pair—like two 8s or two 5s—you have the option to split them into two separate hands. To do that, you’ll need to place a second bet equal to your original one.

Once you split, each hand is played one at a time. You’ll get a new card for the first hand, then decide whether to hit (take another card) or stand (keep your total). After that, you play the second hand the same way.

If you split aces, there’s a catch—you only get one card for each hand, and you can’t hit again. Also, if you get a 10 with an ace, it counts as 21 but not a natural blackjack, so the payout is 1:1 instead of the usual 3:2.

Blackjack Splitting Rules

In blackjack, splitting lets you turn a pair—like two 9s or two Queens—into two separate hands, giving you a shot at double the winnings.

You can only split if your two cards are the same rank. To do it, you’ll place an extra bet equal to your original one.

Each hand is then played on its own. You’ll get a new card for the first hand, decide whether to hit or stand, and then do the same with the second hand.

If you split aces, most casinos only let you draw one card for each—and you can’t hit again. Even if you get a 10 and make 21, it’s not considered a natural blackjack, so it usually pays 1:1 instead of 3:2.

Some casinos also let you re-split if you get another matching card, but that depends on the house rules.

When to Split in Blackjack

When should you split in blackjack? A good rule of thumb is to split Aces and 8s every time. Splitting Aces gives you a better shot at landing 21, and splitting 8s helps you escape the weak total of 16.

• You should also consider splitting 2s, 3s, or 7s if the dealer is showing a card between 2 and 7—this gives you better chances to win.
• With 6s, it’s smart to split if the dealer has 2 to 6, so you don’t get stuck with a tricky total of 12.
• As for 9s, split them if the dealer shows 2–6 or 8–9. But if the dealer has a 7, 10, or Ace, it’s usually better to keep them together.

When Not to Split in Blackjack

Knowing when not to split in blackjack can save you from unnecessary losses.

• Never split 10s or face cards—a total of 20 is already a great hand, and breaking it up usually hurts more than it helps.
• Don’t split 5s, either. Together, they make 10, which is perfect for doubling down instead of starting from scratch.
• Avoid splitting 4s unless the dealer shows a weak card like 5 or 6—keeping them together gives you a better shot at a stronger hand.
• Lastly, stay away from splitting low pairs like 2s, 3s, or 6s if the dealer has a 7 or higher. In those cases, playing them as one hand is usually the smarter move.

How many times can you split in blackjack

In blackjack, most casinos let you split up to three times, which means you can have up to four separate hands from your original pair. For example, if you start with two 8s and then draw another 8, you can split again, and keep going until you hit the casino’s limit for splitting.

What cards you can split in blackjack

Splitting aces gives you a great shot at making 21, and splitting 8s helps you get out of the tough spot of having a total of 16. On the other hand, you should never split 10s (including face cards like kings and queens) because a total of 20 is already a very strong hand. As for other pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s, whether or not you split them depends on the dealer’s upcard. For instance, splitting 2s or 3s works well if the dealer shows a 4 through 7. And when it comes to 9s, skip the split if the dealer has a 7, 10, or an ace showing.