Blackjack Pair Splitting Strategy Full Explanation

Pair Splitting Strategy for Different Blackjack Variations

Pair splitting is a fundamental strategy in blackjack that can significantly impact your chances of winning in different variations of the game. Understanding when to split pairs can give you an edge over the dealer and improve your overall gameplay.

In classic blackjack, pairs of Aces and Eights are universally recognized as prime candidates for splitting. A pair of Aces should always be split, as it gives you the opportunity to start with two strong hands valued at 11 each. Similarly, splitting a pair of Eights is advisable, except when the dealer shows a strong card. By splitting Eights, you can potentially turn a weak hand into two winning hands.

In European Blackjack, where the dealer doesn't receive a hole card until after the player has acted, it's essential to consider the dealer's upcard when deciding to split pairs. Pairs of Fours, Fives, and Sixes can be split when the dealer has a weak upcard, giving you the chance to improve your hand position and potentially win with two stronger hands.

In Spanish 21, a variation of blackjack played with a Spanish deck (without 10s), pair splitting strategy differs slightly. Pairs of Sevens should be split when the dealer's upcard is weak, and pairs of Nines should always be split except when the dealer shows a 7, 10, or Ace. This strategic approach maximizes your chances of creating strong hands in this unique variant.

Additionally, in Double Exposure Blackjack, where both of the dealer's cards are exposed, pair splitting can be advantageous with certain pairs. Pairs of Twos, Threes, and Sevens are often recommended for splitting in this variation, especially when the dealer's exposed cards are low. This tactic aims to create two stronger hands to beat the dealer's visible hand. Remember, adapting your pair splitting strategy to the specific rules and dynamics of each blackjack variation can enhance your overall performance at the table.

Below you can find advise in when to split based on the game type you prefer:

Classic Blackjack

• Pair of Aces: Always split
• Pair of Twos: Split
• Pair of Threes: Split
• Pair of Fours: Split against dealer's 5 or 6
• Pair of Fives: Never split
• Pair of Sixes: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Sevens: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Eights: Always split
• Pair of Nines: Always split, except against 7, 10, or Ace
• Pair of Tens: Never split

European Blackjack

• Pair of Twos: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Threes: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Fours: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Fives: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Sixes: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Sevens: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Eights: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Nines: Split against weak dealer upcards

Spanish 21

• Pair of Twos: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Threes: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Fours: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Fives: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Sixes: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Sevens: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Eights: Split against weak dealer upcards
• Pair of Nines: Always split, except against 7, 10, or Ace
• Pair of Tens: Never split

Vegas Strip Blackjack

• Pair of Twos: Split against dealer's 2 to 7
• Pair of Threes: Split against dealer's 2 to 7
• Pair of Fours: Split against dealer's 5 to 6
• Pair of Fives: Never split
• Pair of Sixes: Split against dealer's 2 to 6
• Pair of Sevens: Split against dealer's 2 to 7
• Pair of Eights: Always split
• Pair of Nines: Split against dealer's 2 to 6, 8 or 9
• Pair of Tens: Never split

Double Exposure Blackjack

• Pair of Twos: Split against dealer's 5 to 7
• Pair of Threes: Split against dealer's 4 to 7
• Pair of Fours: Split against dealer's 4 to 7
• Pair of Fives: Never split
• Pair of Sixes: Split against dealer's 4 to 6
• Pair of Sevens: Split against dealer's 3 to 7
• Pair of Eights: Always split
• Pair of Nines: Split against dealer's 2 to 6, 8 or 9
• Pair of Tens: Never split