Like the ability to double down when you like your chances. Or splitting. Sure, you may have just accessed all of the memory cards in your brain only to find that you have no idea what splitting is. Trust us, when you know what it is, you'll like it. A lot.
[nodeinsert fid=102]
Splitting. The mechanics.
Imagine that the dealer deals you two cards worth the same point value - a 6 and a 6 or a Jack and a Queen or a 7 and a 7...you get the idea. In this fortuitous situation, you have the option of "splitting" your cards into what amounts to two hands. The trick is to know when to split, and when not to.
To split or not to split
As a new Blackjack player, your instinct may be to leave the splitting to the more seasoned players. Know that splitting could bring you an advantage, if you know when to take the plunge. Read on for some guidelines.
- Most everyone agrees on the following: Aces and 8s should always be split. 5s and 10s should never be split.
- Splitting Aces is wise as you have a good chance of getting a 10-point card as your next draw. You could actually be sitting with two Blackjacks.
- Splitting 10s is unwise as if you are dealt two 10s, you are sitting with a hand of 20 points. A hand that is likely to beat the dealer.
- If you are dealt two 9s, you should seriously consider splitting. What are the factors you should consider? Well, much depends on what the dealer is showing – if she is showing a 7, 10, face card, or Ace, our best advice is not to split. Why? The dealer who is showing any one of these cards is unlikely to wrangle more than 18 out of her hand.
- If you are sitting with two eights, you should split. Why do we give you this stellar advice? 16 points as a starting hand does not bode well for success. Those who are into mathematics will tell you that a 16-point starting hand has a 60% chance of a bust. The joy is that you don't even have to look at what the dealer is holding in this scenario. Just split.
- Pair of 7s has come your way? A beginning hand of 14 gives you about a 50% chance of busting – so you should split. Though what the dealer has matters here: If she is showing 8 points or higher, it is best not to split.
- Pair of 6s staring you down? A 12-point hand is a fair starting hand. We advise leaving it be, though you could consider splitting if the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6.
- If you are dealt two 5s, you keep them together. They are a gift – never to be split.
- Two 4s have come your way? An 8-point hand is a good start in Blackjack. We advise not splitting – unless the dealer looks like she is headed for bustville.
- When you are staring at a pair of 2s or 3s, most seasoned players would tell you not to split. We say go with the majority on this one.