When to Split in Blackjack?

Knowing when to split in blackjack is key to minimizing losses and maximizing wins. You should always split Aces and 8s, no matter the dealer’s upcard. These hands either start weak (like 16) or offer strong potential (like drawing 10s to Aces). You should never split 10s or 5s—20 is a strong hand, and 10 is perfect for doubling down. Situational splits include pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s—split only if the dealer shows a weak card (2–6). Strategic splitting lowers the house edge and improves your long-term odds.

You sit down at the table. A pair of 8s slides your way. The dealer flips a 10. Everyone around you is watching, waiting. You glance at your chips, then at the cards. Do you split? You should. But if you didn’t know that, don’t sweat it. Every blackjack player has asked themselves the same thing: when to split in blackjack? And more importantly, when should you absolutely leave that pair alone? 

I’ve been playing blackjack for over a decade. From smoky casinos in Reno to pristine tables in Vegas, I’ve made just about every mistake a player can make. But nothing drains chips faster than splitting at the wrong time or, worse, not splitting when you should’ve. 

The Only Time You Should Always Split (No Questions Asked) 

There are only two hands you should always split: Aces and 8s. Always. I don’t care what the dealer is showing. You split ‘em. 

Let me explain why. Two 8s together give you 16, a total that’s basically a death sentence in blackjack. You can’t hit without risking a bust, and you can’t stand without feeling hopeless. Splitting 8s gives you a chance to build two better hands out of one bad one. 

As for Aces? They’re pure gold. You’ve got two chances to hit 21. Most casinos will only let you take one card per Ace after a split, but even then, your odds are better than keeping two Aces together (which would only give you 2 or 12, not great). 

I remember once in Atlantic City, a guy next to me refused to split Aces, said he didn’t want to double his bet. Both of us got crushed by that shoe, but man, that hand stuck with me. If you’re too scared to split Aces, you’re playing the wrong game. 

When to Split… Sometimes 

There are a few pairs that live in a grey area. You split them if the dealer looks weak. 

Take 6s, for example. If the dealer’s showing a 2 through 6, it’s safe to split. Same goes for 2s, 3s, and 7s. That’s because when the dealer has a low card, there’s a good chance they’ll bust. So by splitting, you increase your chances of scooping up two winning hands instead of risking a stiff total. 

But what if the dealer’s showing a 7, 8, 9, or 10? Keep those low pairs together and just hit. You don’t want to throw more money on the table when the dealer has a strong hand. 

And then there’s 9s. This one trips people up. Here’s the rule I go by: split 9s against dealer cards 2 through 6 and 8 or 9. Don’t split them if the dealer shows a 7, 10, or Ace. Why? Because 18 (what you already have) is a decent hand, definitely better than whatever you’d build from scratch after splitting against a strong dealer. 

And Then… Never Split These. Ever. 

Let’s talk about the hands that look tempting but are a total trap. 

First, 10s. Don’t split ‘em. Two 10s make 20, about as close to perfect as it gets in blackjack. I’ve seen players split 10s trying to “win more money.” Most of the time, they end up winning one hand, losing the other, and kicking themselves later. 

Second, 5s. Together, they make 10. That’s a perfect spot to double down, especially if the dealer’s weak. Splitting them turns a strong hand into two risky ones. 

And don’t even get me started on 4s. Unless you’re playing in a place that allows doubling after splits (DAS), and the dealer’s showing a 5 or 6, just hit them. The same goes for most face cards. Yes, you can technically split Kings or Queens, but why ruin a 20? 

Can You Split in Blackjack Multiple Times? 

In most casinos, yes. You can usually split up to three or four times in one hand, depending on house rules. That means if you split 8s and get another 8, you can split again. But splitting Aces usually comes with a catch: you’ll often only be allowed one card per Ace, and no re-splitting. 

Some places don’t allow doubling after a split, either, which can be a big deal when you’re sitting on a split pair and pull a 5 or 6. So yeah, it pays to read the table rules or ask the dealer before you start tossing chips around. 

Why “When to Split” Is Crucial

Here are three key points that clarify the importance of knowing when to split.

House Edge Considerations

Splitting is part of basic strategy: used correctly, it lowers the house edge. Used poorly (or not at all), it can squander potential gains. 

Maximizing Wins  

A pair of 8s (hard 16) is practically a losing position if played as a single hand. Split it, however, and you get two shots at building better hands, especially if the dealer shows a weak upcard. 

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Messing up splits can be devastating: 

• Splitting 10s (like 10–10 or Q–Q) might seem appealing if you’re riding a hot streak, but it usually kills one of the best totals in the game (20). 
• Failing to split 8s or Aces when you should is another error. I’ve made this mistake early on, hanging onto a pair of 8s thinking I might “hit my way out,” only to bust. 

Quick Recap: Splitting Pairs in Blackjack

Here’s a quick reference to help you remember when to split pairs in blackjack.

Best Pairs to Split

• Aces: Always split. Each Ace can pair with a 10-value card for a potential 21. 
• 8s: Always split. Hard 16 is a dud; two new hands are usually far better. 

Pairs You (Almost) Never Split

• 10s: You already have 20—an excellent hand. Splitting often leads to two weaker hands. 
• 5s: Better to treat this as a 10 total and double down if allowed. 

Situational Splits

• 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 9s: The dealer’s upcard drives your decision. For instance, split 9s if the dealer shows 2–6 or 8–9, but stand if they show 7, 10, or Ace. 
• 4s: Rarely split. Usually, it’s more sensible to hit or double (if you have a total of 8 and the conditions are right). 

A Real-Life Split That Taught Me a Lesson

A couple of years ago in Vegas, I got two 9s against a dealer 7. I hesitated, remembered the chart said don’t split, and kept them together. The dealer flipped a 10. We both stood at 18. Push. 

Next hand? Same table. Same guy next to me. He got two 10s and split them against a dealer 6. Got a 4 on one hand and a 3 on the other. Dealer busted. He won both hands and gave me a smirk like he just reinvented the game. 

But he got lucky. The math still says that was a terrible play. If you play blackjack long enough, you’ll realize the worst thing that can happen to a beginner is winning a hand they shouldn’t have. It builds bad habits. 

FAQs

1. Can I split Aces more than once?

Typically, no. Most casinos limit Ace splits to a single split, giving one card to each new hand. 

2. Should I ever split 4s?

Usually no; 4–4 is better played as a total of 8. Unless you have some specific rule or advanced count scenario, it’s rarely correct. 

3. Do I get multiple hits on split Aces? 

Often no—most tables restrict each split Ace hand to a single card. 

4. Can you split multiple times in blackjack?

Yes. Most casinos allow up to three or four splits, depending on the table rules. Aces are often limited to one split with only one card drawn per hand.