What is Split?
A blackjack move where a player with two identical-value cards separates them into two independent hands, each requiring an additional bet equal to the original. Basic strategy dictates specific situations when splitting is optimal.
In Depth: Split
Always split: Aces (even though you only get one card each) and 8s (splitting 16 into two separate 8s improves both hands).
Never split: 5s (two 5s = 10, a strong doubling hand) or 10s (20 is excellent, don't split it).
Situational splits: 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 9s — split against certain dealer upcards depending on exact basic strategy rules for your game variant.
Splitting Aces is particularly powerful: two starting hands of Ace + anything vs one awkward 12 (Ace + Ace counted as 2 or 12).
Related Terms
Basic Strategy (Blackjack)
A mathematically optimal set of decisions (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender) for every possible blackjack hand combination. Applied correctly, basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.4–0.6%.
Double Down
A blackjack move where a player doubles their original bet after seeing their first two cards, in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. Strategically valuable when the player has a strong total (especially 11) and the dealer shows a weak upcard.
Soft Hand
In blackjack, any hand containing an Ace counted as 11 without risking bust. A soft hand can never bust on the next card because the Ace can revert to 1 if needed.