As blackjack rises in popularity in online casinos and in-person casinos alike, there is more of a need around education in the game. More people are playing, but a lower percentage know how to maximize the odds. If you want to walk away from the felt with more money than you came with, make sure to check out these five rules for when you get dealt doubles.
Come check out this information on blackjack and remember to always bet responsibly.
To Split or Not To Split: 5 Blackjack Doubles Rules to Live By
Always Split Aces
The first and most obvious of the rules is to always split your aces. If you are dealt double aces, not only can doubling the bet leave you with a couple of winning hands, but it also opens up the possibility for more than one blackjack. Playing this hand straight up leaves you with 12, which is one of the weakest hands that you can start with. So to go from one weak hand to potentially two strong ones is a no-brainer.
Never Split 10s
While the number is only one different from the last section, you never want to split your tens. This, obviously, also references any doubles that are worth 10 (jacks, queens and kings). The reason for this is largely based on what you’re throwing away. A 20 is just about the best hand that you can be dealt. As a result, you’re losing a near guarantee to win for a chance at two hands – which might not play out as well.
Always Split 8s
Much like the last rule, this one is largely about what you’re losing – or in this case getting away from. When you have a pair of 8s on the board, the total comes out to 16. That is one of the very worst starting points in all of blackjack. With the dealer set to stay at 17, there is little you can do with this starting hand except hope for a bust. Therefore, no matter what is showing, this one is worth a split.
Split 9s Selectively
Looking down at double 9s is perhaps the only situation in blackjack that leaves some level of thought to it. 18 is a decent hand to stand at, but statistically there are some times when splitting makes sense. In this case, it makes sense to split and give yourself two chances with the dealer showing anything except 7, 10 or an ace. With a 7 showing, it is unlikely that the dealer will pass you 18. With a 10 or an ace, you don’t want to be on the hook for twice your wager.
Never Split 5s
The last hard rule for you to memorize is to never split the 5s. This is one of the rare rules that is equally about what you have and what you will have with a split. By not splitting, you give yourself a chance to hit a face card for a 20 and a likely win. By splitting you have two chances to hit a face card and wind up with an ugly 15 and little hope.
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If you’d like even more info on blackjack, be sure to check out the Sports Gambling Podcast and all of the casino articles over on SGPN.
