Here at NetBet, we feature thousands of online casino games for all types of players and blackjack is one of the most popular among the table games in our collection.
The world famous card game is based on skill rather than luck, and one of the key elements to mastering online blackjack is to learn how to split. Read more about it and test your skills for free at NetBet casino.
What’s a Split in Online Blackjack?
Split is a special move in blackjack that allows you to split a hand with two identical cards into two separate ones. So, for example, when the dealer finishes handing out cards and you get something like two aces, two fives, or two tens, you can split them apart and play two hands out of it.
Once the split occurs, you will need to place an identical bet on the second hand. The hand to the right is played first. The dealer will give you a card on that hand when you ask for a hit. You play the first hand the way you want to, then move to the other hand.
Once again, the dealer will hit you with cards for as long as you ask them to. Rules for the split hand are the same as for the other. Splitting aces is a bit different than splitting any other cards. It’s only allowed once per round, and you only receive one card per hand. If you draw a ten on a split ace, you have a natural blackjack which pays 1:1 instead of 3:2.
When Should You Split in Blackjack Online?
Learning when to split in blackjack is a skill on its own. Just because you have two identical cards in your hands doesn’t mean you should always split. In fact, there are certain unwritten rules about splitting that makes splitting a great strategy that can make all the difference in a round of blackjack.
As a general rule, you should always split aces regardless of the dealer’s card. A pair of aces puts you in a great position moving forward, giving you a double chance to get a strong hand against the dealer.
Besides aces, you should also always split eights. If you get a second pair of aces or eights after the split, you should try re-splitting if the table allows it.
When it comes to cards you should never split, those include a pair of fours. Having two low hands against the dealer is not a good strategy, and statistically, splitting fours never works in the player’s favour.
Many players frown at others for splitting tens, which is a big no-no in the game. Having a 20 on the initial deal means you’re just a step away from beating the dealer. However, some players see an opportunity to double that payout with a pair of tens, resulting in this risky move. Splitting tens is entirely down to you, and with loads of practice, you’ll learn if it’s the right move.
Many blackjack players frown when they see another one splitting tens. This is a controversial move as two tens mean you have a hand of 20, which is great to have against the dealer. However, if the dealer’s card is low, many players see the opportunity to double down on it.
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