When should you split pairs in blackjack?
QUICK ANSWER
Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 5s or 10s. Split 2s, 3s, and 7s vs dealer 2–7. Split 6s vs 2–6. Split 9s vs 2–9 except 7. Splitting turns one hand into two — you match your original bet on the second hand.
The universal rules
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 5s (it''s a 10, double instead) or 10s (20 is already great)
Situational splits
| Pair | Split vs |
|---|---|
| 2, 2 | 2–7 |
| 3, 3 | 2–7 |
| 4, 4 | 5–6 (if DAS allowed) |
| 6, 6 | 2–6 |
| 7, 7 | 2–7 |
| 9, 9 | 2–6, 8–9 (stand on 7, 10, A) |
Why split Aces?
Two shots at 21 with a 30%+ chance each. Most casinos only give one card per split Ace — but it''s still the strongest split.
Why split 8s?
16 is the worst hand in blackjack. Two 8s starting fresh beats one hand of 16.
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