The ability to split and double down in blackjack opens the game up for better profit margins. By understanding when it is and is not appropriate to split a hand or double down on a bet, you can increase your win rate at the blackjack table. We will look at basic strategy for the split and doubling down in blackjack.

The Split

Most online casinos allow you to cards of the same value that you were initially dealt. By splitting these cards, you are able to play them as if they are two separate hands. If you wager $25 and are dealt 8-8, you may split the eights and play them each for a separate $25 bet. Each eight will receive an additional up card, and play continues as individual hands. You may draw on each split until you are content. Once play concludes to your satisfaction (or you bust) on the first hand, you may continue on to the second hand. Additionally, if you have split eights, and one of the eights receives another eight, you have the opportunity to split that hand as well.

Which Pairs Split Profitably

As a rule, you can usually split sevens, eights, nines, and aces profitably. Never should you split fives or tens, as these are better candidates for which to double down. The splitting of other pairs generally relies upon what up card is showing from the dealer.

When to Double Down

The double down bet allows you to bet twice the money of your initial wager on your next card. When doubling down, you may only receive one more card. This opportunity allows you to double your bet when the odds of you winning are better than the dealer’s. Generally, you should always double down when you are showing ten or eleven. You can usually double down profitably when you show a nine. Additionally, you can profitably double down when you have a soft hand valued from thirteen to seventeen when the dealer has a weak up card showing.

By splitting and doubling down, you stand to increase your win rate in blackjack. Understanding the basic strategy on splits and doubling down is imperative to long-term success at the blackjack table.