4 Ways To Know When To Split Pairs In Blackjack - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Games
• Card Games
• Casino Card Games

How to Know when to Split Pairs in Blackjack Download Article Author Info

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

Download Article

• When You Should Always Split
|
• When You Should Never Split
|
• When Splitting is Sometimes a Good Idea
|
• Blackjack Help
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 28 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 775,923 times. Learn more...

In most versions of Blackjack, when you are dealt a pair (two of the same card), you have the option to split them into two new hands. You are dealt two more cards (one for each new hand) and your bet is doubled. You play each hand normally — you get two chances to beat the dealer (or lose). Knowing when to split pairs in blackjack is vital for high-level play. Best of all, since there are only ten card values, it's not hard to memorize what to do in every single situation.

Steps

Blackjack Help

Blackjack Rules Blackjack Cheat Sheet Blackjack Chart Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

When You Should Always Split

Download Article

1. 1 Always split aces. There are a few situations in Blackjack when it always makes sense to split, no matter what card the dealer is showing. For example, you should always split when you get a pair of aces. Splitting gives you a much better chance to get a strong hand. See below:
   • If you play your two aces as one hand, you'll start with a value of 12 (one is played as an 11 and the other as a one). Only a nine will give you 21. A 10 or face card will force you to play the second ace with a value of one, bringing you back to 12.
   • On the other hand, if you split, you have four ways to get a 21 in either hand (being dealt a 10, J, Q, or K).
2. 2 Always split eights. Besides aces, the other pair that almost every Blackjack expert will tell you to split on is eights. It's difficult to get a good hand when you play your eights as one hand. Your chances aren't fantastic when you play them separately, but you do stand a better chance mathematically. See below:
   • Playing your two eights as one hand starts you at 16 (a very weak hand). Hitting at this point is a risky proposition. Anything above a 5 will cause you to bust, so you have about a 60% chance of losing the hand from the get-go.
   • On the other hand, if you split, it's impossible to bust out on your first hit, so you at least have a chance of getting a more favorable hand.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Always re-split aces or eights if you are dealt a second pair. When you split, the dealer gives you two cards — one for each of the new hands. If this gives you a second pair of aces or eights, treat it as its own hand and split again.
   • Note that this requires you to triple your original bet (splitting the first time requires you to double it).
   • House rules may vary here. Most Blackjack games will allow you to split a maximum of three times (to play a total of four hands).
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

When You Should Never Split

Download Article

1. 1 Never split tens. This is a common rookie mistake in Blackjack. Splitting 10s essentially sacrifices a great hand for a very slim chance at an even better one. See below:
   • If you play a pair of 10s, your hand has a value of 20, which is quite good. If you split 10s, you need to get an ace to improve your stance — anything else will give you a hand that has an equal or lesser value. Statistically speaking, splitting tens is most likely to give you two hands worse than the first one.
   • Some card-counting experts suggest splitting 10s in very specific situations. For example: if you're counting cards and know that there are lots of 10s left in the shoe, it can make sense to split 10s against a dealer showing 5 or 6 (which suggest a weak hand). This way, you stand a reasonable chance of getting at least one 20, while the dealer will have to get lucky to match or beat you.[1]
2. 2 Never split fours. Splitting a pair of fours just gives you two weak hands, so it makes no sense. Remember that splitting requires you to double your original wager — this means splitting fours is usually a money-losing proposition.
   • When you hit on a pair of fours, it's impossible to bust out — the highest you can go is 19 if you get an ace, which is a pretty decent hand. If you split your fours, you're likely to get left with a less-valuable hand (if you get a two or three) or a hand that is possible to bust out on if you hit (if you get an eight or higher). You need to get a five, six, or seven to be better off than you were originally.
3. 3 Never split fives. When you see a pair of 5s, forget that they're a pair and treat them like a single 10. Double down on a 10 against anything but a dealer's nine, 10 or ace. For these three possibilities, just hit.
   • Splitting a pair of fives is like splitting fours, only worse — you give up a strong starting hand for a very slim chance at getting something better. With a pair of fives, you can't bust out and you have a chance of getting 21 on the first hit. If you split, you'll be left with a weaker hand (if you get a two, three, or four) and/or a hand that it's possible to bust out on if you hit (if you get a six or above). There's really no way to come out ahead by splitting on fives.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

When Splitting is Sometimes a Good Idea

Download Article

1. 1 Split twos, threes, or sevens if the dealer shows a seven or lower. The examples in the sections above are hard and fast rules that should rarely (if ever) be broken. For other pairs, the best course of action usually depends on the card the dealer is showing. For example, pairs of twos, threes, and sevens should be split when the dealer shows a relatively low card. If the dealer has an eight or better showing, just take a hit.
   • Some resources recommend splitting twos and threes (but not sevens) when the dealer shows an eight.
2. 2 Split sixes when the dealer shows a two through six. If the dealer has a seven or better, just take a hit. Mathematically, you're more likely to beat weak dealer hands if you split your sixes. If the dealer is likely to have a stronger hand, your best bet is to hit and improve your hand — you'll only bust out if you get a 10 or face card.
3. 3 Split nines against two through six, eight, and nine. If the dealer has a seven, ten, or ace showing, don't hit — instead, stand. Hitting on an 18 is borderline-suicidal. Anything but a two or three will make you bust out.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Are there statistics to back not splitting pairs of 10s vs. the dealer showing a 6? Community Answer Yes, a pair of tens is already beating the 6 and the dealer has a 40% chance of winning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 31
• Question Does this information apply on more decks of cards than two? Community Answer With each new deck, the chance of a getting each individual card stays the same except for doubles of cards already played. This guide mostly assumes even odds on the next card, so the number of decks should not matter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 17
• Question Should I split pairs of face cards? Joseph_85 Top Answerer Face cards are worth 10. Look at Method Number 2 No.1 for information about tens. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

• Play blackjack with a strategy instead of relying on hunches, luck, or guesswork. Blackjack offers a lower house edge than any other game, so if you put some thought into it ahead of time, it's usually your best chance for making money at the casino. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Note that some house rules require you to treat an Ace/face card combination tha you get after a split as a normal 21 rather than a blackjack. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

When Should You Double Down in Blackjack? A Beginner’s Guide to Blackjack How to Win at Blackjack: Best Strategies Surrendering in Blackjack: When and How to Do It Everything You Need to Know About Dealing Blackjack How toCheat at Card Games How to Win at Baccarat: Best Strategies & Betting Tips How toHole Card How toPlay Baccarat A Beginner’s Guide to Card Counting How toPlay Three Card Poker How toCount Cards in Blackjack Complete Game Instructions for Casino (Cassino) How to Play Let It Ride Advertisement

References

1. ↑ http://krigman.casinocitytimes.com/article/there-are-times-to-split-10s-at-blackjack-but-theyre-rare-12415
2. Chess and Poker: Blackjack Solved

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 28 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 775,923 times. 6 votes - 83% Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 775,923 Categories: Casino Card Games Article SummaryX

In Blackjack, you have the option to split any matched pair of cards into two new hands and double your bet. However, this isn’t always the best option. To know whether or not to split your pairs, pay attention to which cards are in your hand as well as the dealer’s hand. Some types of pairs should be split no matter what the dealer is holding. For instance, it’s always a good idea to split a pair of aces. With a split pair of aces, you can get a 21 with either hand if you get a ten or any face card. You’ll also get a much better chance at a good hand if you split a pair of eights. If you happen to get a second pair of aces or eights, take the opportunity to triple your bet and split again. On the other hand, there are some pairs where the dealer’s hand should factor into your decision to split. For example, if you have a pair of twos, threes, or sevens, it’s a good idea to split if the dealer shows a seven or lower. However, if the dealer shows an eight or higher, don’t bother splitting. Similarly, it’s best to split sixes if the dealer shows a two through six, but not if they have a seven or higher. Split nines if the dealer has a two through six, an eight, or a nine, but not if they have a seven, a ten, or an ace. Finally, there are some pairs you should never split. A pair of tens on its own is a good hand and you have a much lower chance of making a better one if you split the pair. Likewise, a pair of fives is a strong starting hand that you’ll only weaken by splitting it. Stay away from splitting fours, too—you’ll likely just end up with two weak hands. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Indonesian French Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 775,923 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Bam Kelly

  Aug 16, 2016

  "New to blackjack and wanted to know when to and not to split, and I was shown even more tips."

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

About This Article

Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 775,923 83% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote

Bam Kelly

Aug 16, 2016

"New to blackjack and wanted to know when to and not to split, and I was shown even more tips."

Anonymous

Jan 6, 2018

"The simple reading and the demos with pictures helped. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Advanced Roulette GamePlayDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizHow Strong Is Your Intuition QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

When Should You Double Down in Blackjack?A Beginner’s Guide to BlackjackHow to Win at Blackjack: Best StrategiesSurrendering in Blackjack: When and How to Do It

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake Out

Featured Articles

How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Should My Name Really Be QuizRandom Fortune Generator

Quizzes & Games

What Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizIQ TestTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizShould I Text Him or Not QuizTake QuizSimple Roulette GamePlayFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Games
• Card Games
• Casino Card Games

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --567