Free Blackjack / When to split in blackjack
When to split in blackjack
Always split aces and 8s. Never split 10s or 5s. Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s and 9s against the dealer's weaker cards.
How splitting works
When your first two cards are the same value, you can split them into two hands. Put out a second bet equal to the first. Each hand gets a second card and you play them one at a time. Split aces usually get just one card each, and a 21 made after a split pays 1 to 1, not 3 to 2.
Every pair
| Pair | Split when the dealer shows |
|---|---|
| Aces | Always |
| 8s | Always |
| 9s | 2 to 6, 8 or 9. Stand against 7, 10 or ace. |
| 7s | 2 to 7 |
| 6s | 2 to 6 |
| 4s | 5 or 6 |
| 2s and 3s | 2 to 7 |
| 10s, J, Q, K | Never. Stand on 20. |
| 5s | Never. Play it as 10 and double against 2 to 9. |
For 6 decks, dealer stands on all 17s, double after split allowed.
Why aces and 8s
Two aces together are a soft 12. Split, each one starts a hand that can make 21. A pair of 8s is 16, the worst total in the game. Split, each 8 starts a new hand with a real chance.
Why never 10s
20 wins most of the time. Breaking it into two hands that start from 10 trades a winning hand for two weaker ones.
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Questions
Should you always split aces?
Yes. Two aces are a soft 12; split, each ace can make 21.
Should you split 8s against a 10?
Yes. 16 is the worst hand in the game, and two hands starting from 8 do better than one 16.
Should you split 10s in blackjack?
No. A 20 wins most of the time. Stand.
How many times can you split?
Most casinos allow up to 3 or 4 hands. freeblackjack.fun allows 4.
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