Split

When dealt two cards of the same rank, you can split them into two separate hands. Each gets a bet equal to your original wager and plays independently.

• A-A: Always split. Two hands starting with 11 each are massively better than one soft 12. Most casinos restrict split Aces to one card each (no further hits) — the rule still favors splitting.
• 8-8: Always split. Hard 16 is the worst hand in blackjack; two hands of 8 (each starting an 8 vs the dealer) are far better.

• 5-5: Never split. Treat as hard 10 — double or hit normally. Splitting 5s turns one strong starting hand into two weak hands of 5.
• 10-10: Never split. Hard 20 is the second-best hand in blackjack; splitting it gives away a near-lock winner for two unknown hands.

• 2-2 and 3-3: Split vs dealer 2–7 (with DAS); 4–7 (without DAS). Hit otherwise.
• 4-4: Split vs dealer 5–6 (with DAS only). Hit otherwise.
• 6-6: Split vs dealer 2–6. Hit otherwise.
• 7-7: Split vs dealer 2–7. Hit otherwise.
• 9-9: Split vs dealer 2–9 except dealer 7. Stand vs dealer 7, 10, A.

Some tables allow doubling down after splitting (DAS). DAS expands the splitting strategy: 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 6-6 become more aggressive splits because you can capture extra profit on favorable totals after splitting. Always check the placard for DAS rules.

Place a second bet equal to your original next to (not on top of) the first bet. Hold up two fingers to signal "split." The dealer separates the cards, deals one new card to each, and you play each hand independently. Some casinos limit you to a maximum of 2, 3, or 4 splits per hand — check the rules.

Split decisions are some of the most-missed plays for casual players. Blackjack Navigator Pro's coaching system shows the correct split decision for every pair under your active rule preset, and Practice mode includes a "Pair Splits" drill theme.

• Pair — the prerequisite hand type (#pair on glossary hub)
• Double Down — pairs with split decisions when DAS is allowed
• Basic Strategy — the full split decision table
• Full glossary