One of the most common types of casino table games is blackjack. Most gamblers are drawn to the idea of being able to control a game while playing at a casino. Every good blackjack player should be familiar with the proper way to split aces.
Blackjack has the best house edge of any casino game, and it also helps to feel in control of the table. That is, players adhere to blackjack's basic strategy and seek out tables with favorable rules.
Two of the most crucial pieces of advice for blackjack players are these. Using a basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge to its lowest possible level in blackjack by finding the table with the best rules in the casino.
A player should only disregard fundamental strategy in one specific scenario. This is the best blackjack strategy if they have a history of winning by counting cards. Nonetheless, most people should stick to the basic blackjack strategy.
Following a basic strategy will not be noticed by casinos. However, the house will take note of card counters who are regularly winning money. Even though following the rules of basic strategy won't ensure a winning session every time you visit the casino, it will help you minimize the house edge.
Understanding when to split aces is a fundamental aspect of blackjack strategy. If you're new to blackjack, splitting aces is a simple and fundamental move. That is to say, nobody has a valid reason to play Aces wrong.
Not many blackjack players are familiar with the term "splitting cards" or even know that it is an option. You should know how to split cards in blackjack before you learn how to split Aces.
What does it mean to split cards?
When a blackjack player gets two cards of the same value, they can split them. The dealer deals each player two cards at the beginning of a blackjack hand.
Standing, hitting, doubling down, and splitting are the player's options after receiving two cards from the dealer. For a player to request that the dealer split their cards, the values of the two cards must be identical; for example, an 8 and an 8, a 4 and a 4, two Kings, etc.
Two new hands have been formed as a result of the splitting of the cards. Each hand can be won or lost on its own, and they are played separately. Take a look at this simple illustration:
Both of Player A's cards are 8s. He or she is signaling a desire to divide the pot. The dealer now separates the two cards, and a second stake is set up. The wager for the subsequent hand remains unchanged from the initial wager.
The player can request a hit to create a new blackjack hand after separating the two cards. In most casinos, there is one major exception when it comes to Aces, but otherwise, they can hit as much as they want (and even resplit, depending on the rules).
Point your two index fingers toward your hand (like a peace sign) to show the dealer that you wish to divide your cards. Additionally, you have the option to communicate with the dealer verbally.
Can We Always Split the Deck?
Some blackjack players are clueless when it comes to splitting cards. Some blackjack players, on the other hand, never split their cards. To put it simply, no, splitting cards is not always the best strategy in blackjack.
It is always a bad idea to split a pair of 10s, for instance. In blackjack, a hand of 20 is equal to two 10s. In blackjack, this is the hand that ranks second-best.
A twenty-dollar bill is not a good bet. Take a chance on the dealer pushing or hitting a 21 with a stand on the 20. Unfortunately, the numbers don't favor splitting 10s, so you should stand instead of taking a chance.
It all comes down to the face-up card the dealer has at the table for cards other than 8s and aces. No matter the dealer's hand, a pair of aces and eights makes the decision for you. This data will be discussed later on.
What is the value of an ace?
It is critical to know the value of an ace before learning when to split in blackjack. The big secret about splitting aces in blackjack might be revealed here. If a player has two aces in their hand, they should play them according to the blackjack standard for Aces.
In blackjack, there are two distinct uses for an ace. What other cards you have in your hand will determine this. Aces can be worth 1 or 11. Having a soft blackjack hand occurs when the Ace has a value of 11.
If the player's total would exceed 21, the Ace is given a value of 1. As an example, a soft 18 would be the result of an ace and an eight. If a player had an Ace, 9, and 9 cards, their total would be 19, with the Ace being worth 1.
Because of their adaptability, Aces are beneficial to players. The house would have a huge advantage if 11 was the only value of Aces. Aces can be a powerful tool for blackjack players, especially when splitting Aces.
Players who are dealt two aces have a soft 12 or 2-card hand. No astute blackjack player would risk standing with a 12 versus the dealer given the quality of this hand. In this case, what are the best steps to take?
Blackjack Splitting Aces When Occurring
What to do when you have an Ace in blackjack should probably be obvious by now. When dealt two Aces, players gain a great deal of power because aces are worth 11.
It is standard practice to split aces in the same way one would a pair of eights. Whatever the dealer's up card is, it makes no difference. Splitting aces is a cornerstone of blackjack strategy.
If you have Aces, why split them every time? With the number of 10s and face cards in the shoe, the math tells us to attempt to hit a 21 on both hands. This is a much better option than keeping a 2 or soft 12.
Are There Any Limitations To Splitting Aces in Blackjack?
There is one important rule to keep in mind with blackjack. The house rules usually only allow one card for each hand. After splitting, the player will receive one card for each Ace.
Hitting multiple times is not allowed, so it is similar to doubling down. When players double down, the dealer only draws one new card. When splitting Aces in blackjack, there are two cards dealt, one for each separate hand.
There is one other nugget to keep in mind. Hitting a 21 on split aces is not a natural blackjack. Therefore, a bonus payout for hitting a blackjack is not offered. The casino has to keep the house edge in its favor and this is one way of doing that.
Does this mean you should consider passing on splitting aces? Absolutely not. Despite not being able to hit and get a natural blackjack, the odds are always in favor of splitting Aces.
Each hand will be determined separately. Both hands can win, both can lose, one can win, or there can be a push involved. If you lose both, do not get discouraged. Understand that it was still the right decision.
Always Remember This Simple Blackjack Splitting Tip
Blackjack strategies, especially splitting Aces, are easy to learn. When dealt two Aces in a traditional casino, point two fingers and ask the dealer to split them. It improves your chances of hitting a strong hand.
The process is simpler online. Online blackjack sites like Mr Bet let you split Aces with a click. Additionally, special offers such as the
Mr Bet $15 no deposit bonus codes may improve your gaming experience from the start. Without depositing, this bonus gives you a financial edge to play more games and improve your strategies.
Online live blackjack does allow players to split Aces. It is important to only gamble at the most reputable online casinos. If you find a game where Aces can’t be split, run away as fast as you can.
Along with that being a terrible rule, there are going to be other terrible rules in that game, as well. Always use your head and take the time to find blackjack tables that offer the best rules.
The house edge is not going to be advantageous in these types of blackjack games. Most of the work involved in being a good blackjack player is always finding the best table and understanding the correct moves. We have faith that you can remember to always split Aces in blackjack.