Splitting Pairs

This type of strategy is mostly used in cases where the player stands a greater chance of winning the game. Splitting strategy allows the player to double their bets in favorable instances. However, often players use this strategy wrongfully that actually decreases the player's chances of winning. Due to this, the player must have a detailed knowledge of the rules and the application of these strategies. To help you out, we have summarized the splitting strategy of blackjack in depth, in this article.

Things to remember

The most important thing that you must remember is of splitting all aces and 8s, however, never split the 5s and 10s. Some of the key things to remember while taking these decisions are:

• In the pair of ace: While using this strategy, it is essential that you split the pair of Ace. This is due to the fact that around 31% of all the cards of the single deck are valued at 10, which means the player has a greater chance of hitting at 2 additional cards with a value of 10. It must be noted that in instances where the player splits a pair of ace, the house has an advantage of 3:2 in blackjack.
• A pair of face card or 10: Under such circumstances refrain from splitting, as the player is likely to win with a total hand valued at 20.
• Pair of 9s: The player should split under such circumstances besides the fact that you might have an 18, but do remember that there are 31% cards with a value of ten. This does allow the player to improve the hand with each individual hand having a value of nineteen. Do remember that if a dealer has an up-card of an ace or a seven, never split!
• Pair of 8s: The sum of 16 is a risky bet, but at the same time a bit better for the player to stand. This puts the player at a 62% risk of busting which justifies the player's move of splitting these pairs.
• Pair of sevens: Doing this is highly advised as the player is at a 56% risk of busting along with having a hand valued at 14. Splitting can be avoided provided that a player has eight or more on his/her cards.
• Pair of 6s: While using this strategy the player is at a 31% risk of busting when they have a hand valued at 12. If would be better if the player splits when a dealer has an up card of four, five or six, otherwise they should not.
• Pair of 5s: A player must wait and think about this pair, as it gives a total value of ten, similar to the other cards within the deck and therefore improves your hand.