Blackjack basics
When to split in blackjack
Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s or 5s. Split 2s, 3s and 7s against 2 to 7, 6s against 2 to 6, 4s against 5 and 6, and 9s against 2 to 6, 8 and 9.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Splitting is right when two hands, each starting from one of your cards, do better than the total the pair makes. 8s are split because 16 is so bad. Aces are split because 11 is such a good start.
10s and 5s stay together because 20 and 10 are already strong. The rest depend on the dealer card, and being able to double after a split makes splitting against weak dealer cards worth more.
The play against every dealer card
| Pair | Split when the dealer shows |
|---|---|
| Aces | Every dealer card |
| 8s | Every dealer card |
| 9s | 2 to 6, 8 or 9 |
| 7s | 2 to 7 |
| 6s | 2 to 6 |
| 4s | 5 or 6 |
| 3s | 2 to 7 |
| 2s | 2 to 7 |
Questions players ask
- Which pairs should you always split?
- Aces and 8s.
- Which pairs should you never split?
- 10s and 5s.
Related answers
- Should I split 8s?
- Should I split Aces?
- Is it ever right to split 10s?
- Should I split 9s?
- What does double after split mean?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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