While most of the different actions in blackjack are fairly straightforward, deciding when to split a pair can be a little difficult. For many people, they assume that splitting a pair is usually the correct decision but, in reality, this not the case. In many scenarios, you do not want to split a pair and there are even specific instances where while you would normally split the pair it is better statistically to not split because of what the dealer is showing. With help, though, knowing when to split can become second nature and it will greatly improve your blackjack play.

The first and most important rule to remember when thinking about splitting a pair is to never, under any circumstances, split two tens, two jacks, two queens, or two kings. If you think about it logically, your hand is 20, the likelihood of your hands being worse or busting is much greater, and you are probably going to win with the 20 so it is in your best interest to stay. Aces should always be split as well as eights. Nines should also always be split except in three scenarios where the dealer is showing a seven, ten, or an ace in which case you should stay. In the case of fives, you should usually double down if you are given the option otherwise you should hit. For the rest of the pairs, you should split as long as the dealer is showing below a seven, otherwise you should hit.