How to Split Cards in Blackjack

The game of Blackjack gives the player some of the best odds in comparison to the other games available to play in the monster casinos. Knowing when to split your cards is a crucial part of the game and can hopefully help you go home "the big winner." They may even start calling you Double Down.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You’ll need to know blackjack basic strategy to truly maximize your odds at this game. This includes memorizing the basic strategy chart which can be found on several websites and in thousand of books

1. Always split 8s or aces. Reasoning: You rid yourself of those bust-friendly 16s or 12s.

2. Never split 4s or 5s. Reasoning: You shouldn’t trade in your good chances at 18s or 20s for pairs of losing 14s or 15s.

3. Never split 10s (or face cards). Reasoning: Only an idiot would give up a pretty-sure-thing 20. You will also receive some dirty looks from the motley crew at your table.

4. Split any other pair when the dealer has a visible 4, 5, 6, or 7. Reasoning: Never miss a chance to double your bet when the dealer’s likely to bust.

Tips & Warnings

• Only bet what you can afford to lose.
• Know when to walk away (i.e. don't make drunken withdrawals from the casino atm machine)