Can A Dealer Split In Blackjack
- Can A Dealer Split In Blackjack Games
- Can A Dealer Split In Blackjack Card Game
- Being A Blackjack Dealer
Splitting in Blackjack is one more solution available for Blackjack players. It can be used in combination with the double down or surrender option – the main thing for the players to consider is how to combine these solutions to get a better result. In this article, we are going to disclose the situations when this move has to and shouldn’t be used. Along with that, we will disclose a proper approach to this solution.
What Does a Split in Blackjack Mean?
A split solution means that you play two hands instead of one after getting the initial hand. Each hand is played solely, which means that you can lose with one hand and win with the second. This solution can be a good choice, if the cards in your initial hand, can bring you more chances to win, if distributed into two hands, instead of being used in just one.
Some players ignore this move, leaving no chance to double their winnings or decrease their chances of losing. The thing is that this solution can only be used for your benefit if you are familiar with card counting and know the essence of this move.
How to Split in Blackjack: Rules
The only condition when splitting is available is when you have a pair in the initial hand. You cannot split after a hit or any other move. Thus, if you get 6-6, and then another 6, you cannot split your hand. However, there are some casinos that impose restrictions on splitting:
With no hole card, it is almost never correct basic strategy to double or split against a dealer ten or ace, since a dealer blackjack will result in the loss of the split and double bets; the only exception is with a pair of aces against a dealer 10, where it is still correct to split. You can split in blackjack by placing another bet, and then the two hands will be played separately. Remember that the cards should have the same value, and not necessarily have to be the same. For example, if you have a king and a queen, you can split your hand since both of them have a value of 10. Just tell the dealer that you wish to split and place additional bet. Of course if you play blackjack online things are much easier and all you have to do is press the split button. Common Blackjack Split Rules. Allowed to split twice (up to three hands). You can split non identical 10 value cards. Splits Aces cannot be re-split. If the dealer has a strong hand or a moderate hand, depending on your hand and the Blackjack game rules you play, you can surrender (if possible), split, or hit. For some of the card combinations (which are pointed out in this article), the best decision would be to split. This increases the chance that the dealer will “draw out” on you, meaning that he could receive two small cards in a row to make a total greater than yours. When the count is negative and the dealer shows a power card—8, 9, or 10—do not split your aces. Hit them instead.
- Splitting is allowed only once.
- After splitting, you cannot get a natural Blackjack even if you have 10-Ace; it is valued as an ordinary 21.
- Some pairs cannot be split (Ace, 10, etc.).
- No double down after splitting allowed.
Generally, you can split as many times as you want. For example, if you get a pair of 6’s, you can split. Then you get two hands with one 6 in each one.
If in one of the hands, you get another 6, you can split that hand as well. Thus, you will get 3 hands with 6 cards. Though, some of the casinos only allow you to split once.
You also can split Aces, as well, in some of the casinos. That means that once you have an Ace-Ace, you can split and get two hands with one Ace card in each of them. Make it clear in the casino, whether you can split Aces, as some of the houses forbid that.
Double down is a move that allows you to increase your bet per hand and limits the number of cards you can get afterwards. After splitting, you can make a double down for one hand and use any other move for another hand. The outcomes for each hand won’t affect the outcome of the other hand. Though, some of the casinos do not allow you to double down after splitting.
Thus, along with knowing how to use the decision to split correctly, you also should find out the rules of eligibility for this move, in the specified casino. These rules can have a great effect on the results of the game.
Why Do You Need to Split Cards in Blackjack?
Many players do not really know when splitting is a good decision. In this article, we have disclosed situations when splitting can improve your results, and here we will answer the question, why do you need to split your cards at all.
There are three main reasons to use this move:
- Splitting can maximize your profits
- It can minimize your losses
- It can improve your initial hand
How can splitting maximize your profits? If the dealer has a weak hand, splitting your hand means you play two hands instead of the dealer’s weak hand. This means that you have more chances to win, so you use this move as much as possible, depending on the situation, when the dealer gets a weak hand in a specified game.
How can splitting minimize your losses? If the dealer has a strong hand or a moderate hand, depending on your hand and the Blackjack game rules you play, you can surrender (if possible), split, or hit.
For some of the card combinations (which are pointed out in this article), the best decision would be to split. You get the chance to have at least one strong hand against the dealer’s hand. Thus, you can minimize your losses.
How can splitting improve your hand? If you have 2 cards that can make a good combination in separate hands but make a bad combination in one hand, it may be better for you to make a splitting decision than to hit, double down or surrender. Thus, choosing this option gives you the chance of a stronger combination.
Splitting Strategy: When You Should Always Split Cards in Blackjack
Unlike the other solutions, for a split, there are situations when splitting is always a good option, no matter what the card combination is in the dealer’s hand. This is true for a pair of Aces and a pair of eights.
The main reason for the pair of aces to get split is that an Ace in the initial hand is always a good card. When you get 10 with an Ace, it is a natural Blackjack, and moreover, an Ace can be valued both like 1 or 11. Consider the fact that for your initial hand with two Aces, you get a sum of 12, and the only way to get a Blackjack comes when you get 9. Whereas, when you split, you get far more winning combinations.
When it comes to the eights, there is another reason for splitting – a hard 16 is a weak hand. It is not enough to stand, as the majority of dealers stand or hit with a soft 17. It is risky to hit with this combination, as any value that is higher than a 5 will bust your hand. You get much better options if you split, and get an eight in two hands.
You should also resplit in case you get Aces or eights in hand after the first split. The reasons for the resplit are the same as for the first split. The only reason you couldn’t use split for Aces or resplit for Aces and eights, is the situation when this move is restricted by the casino. Below you can see some examples of hands with eights and Aces that would be valuable to consider for your gaming strategy.
Split Aces
Your hand: Ace-Ace
Dealer’s up card: Any
No matter what up card the dealer has, you should split. Even if the dealer has an Ace as well, which increases the chances of him having a natural Blackjack or another strong combination.
When you split, you get two potentially strong hands, instead of one that has a value of 12. After you split, you have more options to double down or hit until you get the best value.
Split Eights
Your hand: 8-8
Can A Dealer Split In Blackjack Games
Dealer’s up card: Any
Hard 16 is a weak combination, as you have a 60% chance to go bust with it. Moreover, the majority of dealers stop on soft 17, so even standing on hard 16 isn’t the best option. Normally, if you get a hard 16, it is better to consider the surrender option. However, if you get pairs with an opportunity to split, you should use it, as there many chances to get a strong combination with an eight in your hand.
What cards not to split?
There are cards that you shouldn’t split under any circumstances:
- A pair of fives
- Pair of fours
- Pair of tens
The thing is that splitting these cards, no matter what card is in the dealer’s hand, will decrease your chances of winning dramatically. Below we will provide you with a detailed disclosure on each combination.
Don’t Split Tens
A pair of tens gives you 20. This is one of the best combinations to stand when playing Blackjack, as you are likely to win. Splitting will be a very risky move.
The thing is that the majority of dealers stop at soft 17, which means that you need to get 7 or more after the split to win. Based on this calculation, you have more chances to win the round if you stand on 20. Example
Your hand: 10-10
Dealer’s up card: 8
With the dealer’s eight or any other card in the game, a casino has a very low chance of winning, as it should collect 21. On the other hand, your 20 is a great value to stand at.
Never Split Fives
Splitting fives is a bad idea, as you have a better option of doubling down depending on the dealer’s up card. Most players choose the split option in this situation, basing their decision on the fact that 5 in hand gives you a great number of options for the second card and future moves. However, it is proven mathematically, that you get more chances to win if you double down or hit in this position.
Your hand: 5-5
Dealer’s up card: 4
If you split now, you have to take the risk of getting a weak combination against the dealer’s 4 with another card in hand. If doubling down, you will have more chances to acquire a stronger value than the dealer.
Never Split Fours
Having fours gives a higher chance to get more than a soft 17 than if you split this hand. Here you get even more chances to get a weak hand than with fives. You will ultimately get weak initial hands instead of a stronger one. Based on the mathematical calculations, hitting is better than splitting here.
Your hand: 4-4
Dealer’s up card: 9
In this situation, you will have fewer chances to get a strong initial hand, as if the second card in the dealer’s hand is of high value, you will have to hit numerous times, for both hands with totally unpredictable results. More chances to win remain if you hit with 4-4 giving you an 8 and a higher chance to beat a soft 17.
Splitting Other Cards in Blackjack
Along with the combinations that leave only one option on whether or not to split, there are also other combinations that can leave you with options depending on the dealer’s up card.
When to Split Twos, Threes, or Sevens
Twos, threes, and sevens should be split if the dealer shows a card with a value of 7 or less. The reason is that twos and threes give you 4 and 6, which is a naturally weak initial hand to move on, and if you split this pair, you will get far more chances to get a strong combination to hit. You should also split sevens, as you have more chances to get a strong combination by hitting two cards afterwards, than with a hard 14.
Your hand: 2-2
Dealer’s up card: 4
As you can see in this situation, you have a value of four, while the dealer has 4 as an upcard only. It is less, so you can easily split your cards, and then hit as many times as you need to. With such a combination split, you have more chances to get a high value, than with a four against four and the second card in the dealer’s hand.
When to Split Sixes
Split a pair of sixes when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Based on the mathematical calculations, your hard 12 can give you a better result, when the dealer has 7 or more, and your six in hand can result in a stronger combination when the dealer has less than 7.
Your hand:6-6
Dealer’s up card: 8
Here, you have a hard 12 against the dealer’s 8. You only can go bust if you get a 10, while you do not yet know the dealer’s situation. Any other card added will only improve the value of your hand, thus hitting is a better option than splitting, when you get two weak six combinations, against the dealer’s 8.
Splitting Nines
Splitting nines is a good idea against the dealer’s 2-6, 8, and 9. When you split against 2-6, 8, you get a better combination without the risk of getting busted on the next hit. With the 9 up card, you have the same chances on the new hand. Seven is excluded from here as mathematically, the dealer has greater chances of getting a strong combination.
Your hand: 9-9
Dealer: 5
If you split now, you will get two hands with nines in each, against the dealer’s 5 card. This gives you better chances to win twice. Standing here would be a good option as well, and still, you can increase your profits if you split.
Blackjack Splitting Chart
To make it clearer for players when or not to split, we have prepared a chart showing the best combinations for a specified move.
Here you can get acquainted with the main topics that are being discussed about the split move. Continue reading below to get answers on the most frequently asked questions.
Splitting in Blackjack FAQ
How many times can you split in Blackjack?
What DAS means?
What does NDAS mean?
What NRSA means?
Other Blackjack Strategies
Along with splitting, you can also make other moves that can be combined with splitting or used solely depending on the game rules and situation. Knowing how to use these moves can improve your results dramatically, otherwise, they can be useless. Thus, there is double down, hit & stand, and surrender.
Double Down
Double downis a move that considers increasing your initial hand. It is only available for the initial hand, and after using this move, you can only get one card in hand. Sometimes double down is available after splitting, sometimes not – it depends on the rules. Double down can increase your winnings and is valuable for those who use long-run strategies.
Hit & Stand
Hit is a basic solution available for all blackjack games. It means that you take an additional card to improve your hand. This move is available only until you get a value of 21 or get busted. The stand solution is about no longer taking any more cards. It is used when you believe the combination you have is the best you can get in that hand. Hit & Standshould be used in combination with other moves.
Surrender
Surrenderis an option that is not presented in the majority of Blackjack games. Thus, when it is available, you can use it to decrease your loses. The surrender solution can only be used upon receiving the initial hand and means that you stop the hand, and receive 50% of your original wager.
As Blackjack is a game of skills, it allows players who have the needed knowledge and strategy to gain advantage over the casino and win in the long run. There are a lot of factors that play crucial role during the course of the game and in order to become winners, they need to focus on every single aspect.
One compulsory thing for players who strive to improve their game constantly, not just play recklessly, is to be familiar with the possible options each hand gives them. Following a reliable strategy and having money management skills are also some of the requirements if they want to succeed in winning. Players who have thought every situation through are able to make better choices and moves and it shows in their way of playing.
One of the important choices they need to make at some point during the game is when to split. Despite the fact many inexperienced gamblers adhere to the saying that they should split whenever their first two cards are of the same rank, this is often not the case.
There are some occasions where it is best to refrain from such a move and proceed in another way instead. In this chapter, we will consider the situations when players have a pair of 4s in their hand.
When to Split a Pair of 4s
As already mentioned, it is really important to know when to split a particular pair as it can make a huge difference in the long run. Every move gives players new options and possibilities and if they want to get the best ones, the only way is to make the appropriate choices.
When being dealt a pair of 4s (hard 8), blackjack players are presented with three viable basic strategy moves – they can draw, double down, or split. Standing is not an option since not hitting a hard 8 is clearly nonsensical. The only way for a hard 8 to win is for the dealer to bust.
Playing conditions are the single most essential thing to take into account before you pick a strategy chart to employ at the tables. This is because the optimal playing strategy is impacted by different factors like pack number, the value of the dealer’s exposed card, and the availability of doubling down following a split (DAS). Assuming the house rules support DAS, the right time to split your pair of 4s in double-deck and shoe-dealt blackjack is whenever the dealer’s upcard is a 5 or a 6.
The odds are that eight out of thirteen cards will be beneficial for the player. There are six cards in the deck that will place them in a standing position whilst the dealer’s in a disadvantageous one and two more other cards that will leave them with a total of eleven or ten.
Another reason why players should split 4s in these cases is that this move can result in a situation suitable for doubling down. This allows them to increase their bet and make the most of these situations.
You should hit your hard 8 (4-4) when the dealer exposes any of the other possible cards (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, and ace). The reason for this is that a hand starting with a 4 holds better versus the dealer’s 6 or 5 compared to a hard total of 8, which produces lower expected value on average.
The logic behind splitting 4s versus the 6 is that it earns you the most sizable winnings in the long term compared to hitting or doubling down. This is to say players can expect larger profits on average by starting two individual hands with a total of 4 compared to the expectation they can generate by hitting or doubling down on a hard total of 8.
| EV of 4-4 vs. 6 in Shoe-Dealt and Double-Deck Games with DAS | |
|---|---|
| Splitting | +0.151377 |
| Hitting | +0.114960 |
| Doubling Down | +0.087015 |
It is apparent splitting is the best strategy here since it translates into 4 pence more per £1 wagered compared to hitting and 6 pence more than the double down. Given that house rules prohibit DAS, you should opt for the next best play, which is obviously hitting.
| 4-4 Basic Strategy for Double-Deck and Shoe-Dealt NDAS Games | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player’s Hand | Dealer Upcard | |||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace | |
| 4-4 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
Here is another example with a pair of 4-4 when the exposed card of the dealer is a 3. This is still considered a weak card for the dealer but in this case, both the double down and the split produce long-term losses for the players. Hitting is the most effective play with 4s versus a 3 because it is by far the only play that gives the basic strategist positive expected value.
Strategy for Paired 4s in Single-Deck Blackjack
The situation is different when a player joins a table where the cards are dealt out a single deck only. This would require several adjustments to be made on behalf of patrons. Without regard to the S17 and H17 rules, single-deck blackjack players are advised to split their 4s versus the dealer’s 4, 5, and 6 and hit versus the rest of the possible exposed cards (2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, and ace) but only on condition they can double after they split.
| 4-4 Basic Strategy for Single-Deck Games with DAS | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player’s Hand | Dealer Upcard | |||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace | |
| 4-4 | H | H | Ph | Pd | Pd | H | H | H | H | H |
Assuming the single-deck table abides by the NDAS rule, all possible plays (bar standing) translate into positive expected value with 4s against the 5 and 6. However, doubling down is considered the most effective play because it ensures the largest profits in the long run.
On the downside, many single-deck variations of blackjack have limitations on the two-card totals players can double on. In many instances, doubling is restricted to starting hands of hard 9, 10, and ace. When this is the case, players should hit their 4-4 (hard 8) when the dealer shows low cards like 4, 5, and 6.
When the Dealer’s Upcard is 4
Splitting 4-4 is acceptable on occasion the dealer’s upcard is 4 and you are playing single-deck DAS blackjack. Keep in mind this is a terribly poor move in variants that utilize more than one full pack of cards, regardless of whether DAS or NDAS is in effect. We already touched upon this subject earlier but it bears repeating.
In multi-deck blackjack, hitting 4s versus a 4 gives you average profits of roughly 4 pence for every £1 you spend on this hand. By contrast, splitting this pair against the 4 causes you to lose around 2 pence for every £1 wagered. So what option do you prefer – losing £0.02 or winning £0.04 on average? Any person with common sense would choose the latter.
Splitting a Pair of 2’s or 3’s
Splitting a Pair of 4’s
Splitting a Pair of 5’s
Splitting a Pair of 6’s
Splitting a Pair of 7’s
When to Avoid Splitting a Pair of 4s
As already mentioned in the above example, there are cases when players’ best choice is not to split their pair of 4s. Instead, they should choose to hit in order to avoid putting themselves in a breaking position.
This move should be made whenever the dealer’s upcard is 2, 3, or from 7 through ace in single-deck NDAS and multiple-deck blackjack. When hitting, players can get an ace which leaves them with a total of 19 in their hand. If they draw 2 or 3, this gives them the opportunity to double down.
Can A Dealer Split In Blackjack Card Game
Whenever the dealer’s upcard is 3, the best decision with a pair of 4-4 would be to hit. All basic strategy charts, without regard to the house rules for the dealer and the pack number, advise against splitting your 4s versus the dealer’s 3. Splitting this pair is entirely inappropriate where players’ expectation is concerned.
The basic strategy for double- and multiple-deck DAS tables favours hitting, albeit by a very minuscule margin, because this is the only play that produces positive expectation under these circumstances and playing conditions.
The same cannot be said for splitting 4s against a 3, which is strictly a negative-EV move no matter how you look at it. In reality, a split of the 4-4 versus the 3 will cost you nearly 11 pence per every £1 bet you make on this hand in shoe-dealt DAS blackjack.
While it is true there is a chance of ending up with breaking hands when splitting your 4-4, you should trust in basic strategy. Show some perseverance, discipline, and above all, common sense. Playing optimally does not guarantee you shall beat the dealer every single time but it sure does have a positive impact on your long-term results. Arm yourself with patience. You will see the strategy works if you are consistent enough.
Resplitting and Other Important Things to Consider
Splitting 4s is a situation that should definitely draw the players’ attention as this move offers the possibility to double down afterward and thus, they will be able to increase their money bet. However, they need to take into account the fact that some casinos do not allow doubling down after splitting or have certain restrictions regarding that matter. Therefore, they need to get familiar in advance with them and even the rules on each table as sometimes they differ from one another.
It is really important for players to take their time and consider these requirements beforehand as sometimes their strategy can be influenced by them and if they are not allowed that changes the whole picture. Another important thing to take into account is that in the situations where they have a pair of 4s against a 4 as the dealer’s upcard, it is only acceptable to split (rather than hit) in single-deck blackjack that permits them to double after a pair split.
Many online blackjack variants enable players to resplit to a maximum of three or four hands. This is beneficial so we suggest you take advantage of this option whenever you catch another 4 after splitting your 4s against the dealer’s 6 or 5. Resplit your 4s against these small upcards as many times as the house rules allow you to.
Conclusion
Having the necessary knowledge when it comes to playing blackjack is crucial if players want to win in the long run. It is extremely important for them to know the rules thoroughly and understand the strategy they use.
Being A Blackjack Dealer
If they are familiar with the most common hands and know when and why they should split, this increases their chances of winning significantly. All that knowledge can be applied correctly and leads to the desired results only if players have discipline and money management skills.
Splitting a pair of 4s is one of the moves which offers them a lot of opportunities to increase their bet afterward. Such occasions should be valued if players want to make the most of every game and leave the casino as winners.