Blackjack Psychology of Splitting Cards

Why is it wise to sometimes split cards in blackjack? When is it unwise to do? Card splitting should have the proper blackjack psychology to back it up.

Splitting cards have the advantage of having more hands---generally, the more the better. But the blackjack psychology here is to make sure that more, indeed, is merrier and surer. Many people make the mistake of splitting any hand, just so they can split something. An improper split will only mean more money to lose. Thus, remember that before splitting it is essential to know what the dealer has.

The dealer must have a weak hand. Weak for the dealer means low cards. This makes the dealer susceptible to a bust. The best cards to hold for a split are aces. The rule is always split aces. Just think how many good cards can be partnered with an ace to make a 21. There are 4 tens, 4 jacks, 4 queens, and 4 kings. There are 16 cards in all---16 chances of hitting a 21. So the thing to remember is splitting cards has to wait for the excellent conditions to pop up. The best reasons for splitting are to lessen the winning chances of the dealer, increase our chances, and double our winnings by taking advantage of the dealer's weak position.

Splitting tens will be unwise. Two tens are already a 20, so why else should we need to split them? The same with faces cards which equal to ten. The only things we split are two weak cards that need help, and they cannot be helped when together. Splitting other cards (between ace and 10) depends largely on what the dealer has. Double twos can be split up, but be careful of what cards are already out. It's bad to get two tens for a 2. Against the dealer's 7, for instance, it's best to keep a double 9. A ten or face card for the dealer would add up to 17, or 18, respectively.

So the mental attitude when splitting is to watch out for what the dealer has. When the dealer has a high face-up card, it's best to keep from splitting and just make a hit if needed.

A lot of people split cards in the thought that more hands mean more chances of winning. The truth is the more useless hands, the more the player is out of focus, and the more money lost.