Blackjack: Elements of Splitting Pairs Strategy

Splitting pairs strategy is an important element in blackjack. Splitting pairs strategy will give you a chance to double your original bet in advantageous blackjack situations and increase the winning chances.

There are some blackjack players that are too enthusiastic to use splitting pairs strategy even in times that will result to lowering their winning chances. This will only happens if the player lacks the understanding for basic splitting pairs strategy.

The general rule for splitting pairs strategy is to always split the pair of Aces and pair of Eights. Pair of Fives and pair of Tens should not be split up and these are the reasons behind these rules in splitting pairs strategy.

Pair of Aces - The basic splitting pairs strategy in blackjack is to always split any pair of Aces considering that you have 30.7% chance of getting a Ten-value card from a single deck.

Pair of Tens or Face Cards - The splitting pairs strategy is to never split a pair of Tens because 20 is considered as a winning hand in blackjack.

Pair of Nines - Even if 18 is a high value hand in blackjack, the splitting pairs strategy is to split the pair of Nines. But in cases when the up card of the dealer is Seven, Ten, or Ace, do not split the pair of Nines.

Pair of Eights - The logical splitting pairs strategy is to split the pair of Eights. The reason is that 16 is not strong enough and you have a greater chance to bust if you hit.

Pair of Sevens - Splitting pairs strategy advised to split the pair of Sevens because you will have a 56% chance to bust if you hit with hand 14. You have the choice to not split if the up card of the dealer is Eight or higher.

Pair of Sixes - If the up card of the dealer is Four, Five, or Six, the splitting pairs strategy suggest that you split the pair. Otherwise, the ideal thing to do is not split because you only have 31% chance to bust with 12.

Pair of Fives - The pair of Fives should never be split up according to the general rule in splitting pairs strategy. Having the value of ten at the start of a blackjack hand will give you a good chance to win.

Pair of Fours - If the up card of the dealer is Five or Six, you can split the pair of Fours but in any other blackjack hand situation, the splitting pairs strategy say you should not split the pair.

Pair of Threes or Twos - The splitting pairs strategy recommends that you should only split the pair if the up card of the dealer is Four, Five, Six, or Seven. In other hand values, do not split the pair of Threes or Twos.

There are some blackjack tables that implement restrictions with regards to splitting pairs and your splitting pairs strategy will be affected. Be sure to review the blackjack game rules of the table before you start playing.