Is it ever possible to split non-pairs?
When it comes to the basics of blackjack, players are aware of the options that they have when it comes to hitting and standing. When you go just a little beyond these basics, there are also other options that come into play. Players are able to do the likes of surrendering, doubling down and splitting their hand. Let´s take a look at splitting non-pairs in Blackjack.
When it comes to splitting, this is something that you’re able to do when you hold a certain hand. While players may know about some of these hands, there’s a good chance that they don’t know about them all. We’re hoping to change that in this article. As you read on, we’re going to be looking at the blackjack hands that can be split as well as considering if this is the right strategy to use when splitting non-pairs in Blackjack.
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Splitting non-pairs in Blackjack
While each variant of blackjack will have its own tweaks when it comes to the rules, there are also standardized rules that go across these. If you’ve ever taken the time to read the official rules of the game. You’ll know that they say that if you want to split your hand, you’ll need to have a pair. When you split these. You then get to play two separate hands and can treat them as regular hands meaning that. For each, you can then hit. Or stand or double down.
When it comes to splitting non-pairs. You are able to split cards when you have more than one that’s worth 10. You could be holding a 10, jack, queen or a king. And all of these cards are worth the same: 10. The fact that they’re all with 10 means that they fit in with the blackjack rules around pairs. Let’s say you were holding a 10 and a jack, these are both worth the same and so can be split. Likewise, if you were holding a king and a queen, you can do the same. So, while these cards aren’t pairs in the strictest sense of the word they can still be split.
Pairs and Non-Pairs
As well as looking at the splitting of pairs and non-pairs, there are also other considerations to bear in mind such as the number of times that you can re-split. Let’s say that you’re dealt two sixes and you decide to split them. You may then be dealt another six and form another pair. If this happens then you can split this hand again.
If, after splitting a second time, you are dealt cards and find yourself with another pair, what then? Well, this depends upon the individual casino and the rules that it has in place. Some casinos in the US will limit re-splitting to three occasions whereas others will allow you to go up to four.
Splitting non-pairs in Blackjack – More rules
There are even more rules that you need to be aware of if you’re going to split effectively. You’ll find that in the majority of US casinos that aces are treated differently than other cards. Generally, these can only be split once. If you were then dealt another ace it would need to be used to form one of your hands and can’t be used to start another.
A further limitation is that, once you’ve split aces, you can either double down or hit once. As these cards hold huge advantages, it makes sense that casinos seek to put some limits in place to protect themselves. Given that an ace is the foundation of a natural blackjack, no casino is going to want to give you too many chances to cash in on this.
Blackjack and strategy when splitting
If you’ve followed our precious advice and gotten yourself up to speed with basic strategy, you’ll already know that splitting forms an internal part of this. Splitting is something that allows players to take advantage of a certain set of circumstances. It is similar to doubling down in that it means that you need to double your stake as you’re playing with an extra hand.
If you take a look at a basic blackjack strategy chart, you’ll find that aces provide a great example when it comes to splitting. A chart will always tell you to split aces and then you’ll be guaranteed two soft hands to play with. Why are soft hands important? Well, they allow you to hit or double down while removing the risk f going bust. If you know how to split and double down at precisely the right times, you can start to make significant money from your game of blackjack.
That being said, if you get splitting wrong you can be sure that your bankroll will bleed and ultimately empty before your eyes. This is because of the fact that you’re doubling your stake so you’re also taking twice the risk. Getting it wrong can be expensive!
If the dealer has a card worth 7 or more, you should be wary of splitting anything other than aces. To understand why you should take the time to get your hands on a basic strategy chart and learn all about the potential outcomes that exist.
Why you shouldn’t split 10s
We started off by looking at whether or not you can split non-pairs. The only time when this can be done is with cards that have a value of 10. This means 10s, jacks, queens and kings. So, while you may have a 10 and a queen and be able to split, we’d recommend that you don’t. Even though the rules so you can, this doesn’t mean that you should or that it’s a good idea.
In this scenario, you should stand as you already have a strong hand. If you split, the odds are that you’ll then be dealt cards worth 2-8 and this means that you’re simply handing over your initial advantage. The chances of getting another 20, or even a natural blackjack, are exceptionally low so the best bet is to stand on your 20.
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