Quick Takeaways
- You can only split when your first two cards form a pair (or equal value, depending on the table).
- Splitting creates two hands, and usually requires a second bet.
- The best split decisions depend heavily on the dealer’s upcard and a few key table rules.
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, scoring, dealer rules, payouts, and table checklist), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This article focuses on how splitting works and how to make pair decisions confidently.
What Does Splitting Mean in Blackjack?
When you split a pair, you:
- Separate your two same-value cards into two hands
- Place a second bet equal to your original bet
- Receive one additional card for each new hand
- Play each hand against the dealer
Example:
- You are dealt 8-8
- You split → now you have two hands: 8 and 8
- The dealer gives each hand one new card
- You play them one at a time
Splitting is basically the option to “restart” your hand—twice.
Why Splitting Exists (The Simple Logic)
Splitting is used for one of two reasons:
1) To Escape a Bad Total
Some pairs create ugly totals that lose often (like 8-8 = 16). Splitting can turn that one bad hand into two playable hands.
2) To Maximize a Strong Starting Advantage
Some pairs are so strong that playing them as one hand wastes value (like A-A).
Always Split Aces
Why A-A Is Special
- Aces are the best building block in blackjack.
- Splitting gives you two chances to build strong totals like 19, 20, or 21.
Most tables:
- allow splitting Aces
- but limit you to one card per Ace (you usually can’t hit after receiving the one card)
Even with that restriction, splitting Aces is one of the best plays in blackjack.
Always Split 8s
Why 8-8 Should Usually Be Split
8-8 equals 16, which is one of the worst totals in blackjack. Standing loses often. Hitting busts often.
Splitting gives you two fresh hands starting at 8, which is far more playable.
Even though it “feels risky” to double your bet, it’s often the correct long-run move because 16 is such a bad starting position.
Never Split 10s (In Most Normal Play)
10-10 equals 20, which is one of the strongest totals you can have.
Splitting 10s usually:
- takes a great hand and breaks it into two average hands
- increases your chance of turning a sure win into something messy
Some advanced players split 10s in rare situations, but for normal blackjack and for most tables:
Don’t split 10s.
Never Split 5s (Treat Them Like a 10)
5-5 equals 10, which is a strong building total.
Splitting 5s creates two weak hands starting at 5, and you lose the ability to treat that 10 as a great improvement hand.
Rule of thumb:
If you have 5-5, play it like a 10—not a pair.
How Dealer Upcards Change Splitting Decisions
The dealer’s upcard is the key because it tells you how strong the dealer’s likely finish is.
A simple way to think about it:
- Dealer 4–6 often leads to more dealer bust paths
- Dealer 9–Ace often leads to stronger dealer finishes
So you generally:
- take more advantage-building actions when the dealer is weak
- play more carefully when the dealer is strong
This is why pair decisions are chart-based: the upcard changes the math.
Quick Split Guide by Pair (Simple Rules)
This is a beginner-friendly decision guide that matches common basic strategy logic for standard multi-deck blackjack. Table rules can shift the edges slightly, but these rules-of-thumb are reliable for most players.
A-A
- Always split (almost always)
8-8
- Always split (almost always)
10-10
- Never split (keep 20)
5-5
- Never split (treat as 10)
2-2 and 3-3
- Often split vs dealer 4–7
- Otherwise, play as a normal hard total
6-6
- Often split vs dealer 3–6
- Otherwise, play as a normal hard total
7-7
- Often split vs dealer 2–7
- Otherwise, play as a normal hard total
9-9
- Often split vs dealer 2–6 and 8–9
- Usually do not split vs dealer 7, 10, or Ace (standing on 18 is often better)
4-4
- This one is rule-sensitive. Many players treat it like a hard 8 unless the table rules make splitting more valuable.
If you want one simple takeaway: learn the auto moves first (Aces and 8s) and avoid the traps (10s and 5s). Then use the dealer upcard to guide the “middle pairs.”
The Table Rules That Change Splitting Value
Two table rules matter the most for splitting:
Double After Split (DAS)
If the table allows you to double after splitting, splitting becomes more valuable because you can press strong follow-up hands.
Resplitting Rules
Some tables allow resplitting certain pairs (like resplitting Aces). Others limit it.
These rules don’t change the idea of splitting—but they change how strong certain splits become.
Practical Split Decision Checklist
Before you split, ask:
- Is this a pair that is usually strong to split (A-A, 8-8)?
- Am I accidentally breaking a powerful total (like 10-10 = 20)?
- What is the dealer’s upcard telling me?
- Does this table allow DAS or resplitting?
- Am I splitting because it’s correct—or because I’m emotional about my total?
If you can answer those quickly, you’ll avoid most expensive split mistakes.
Mini FAQ: Splitting Pairs in Blackjack
1) Can You Split Any Two Cards That Match?
Usually you can split identical ranks (like 7-7). Some tables allow splitting any two 10-value cards (like J-K), but rules vary.
2) Do You Have to Double Your Bet When You Split?
Yes. Splitting creates a second hand, which requires a second bet of the same size.
3) Why Is Splitting 8s Good Even Though It Costs More?
Because 16 is such a weak starting hand. Splitting gives you two better chances instead of one bad hand.
4) Why Can’t I Hit After Splitting Aces?
Many tables limit Ace splits to one card per Ace to reduce how strong that option is.
5) Should Beginners Memorize All Split Rules?
Not immediately. Learn the “always split” and “never split” pairs first, then practice the middle pairs using the dealer upcard.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand splitting, the next step is learning the math behind doubling down—because doubling is the other major move that changes your long-term results.
Continue with The Math Behind Doubling Down in Blackjack.
