The split move is an optional move allowed in most of the regular online blackjack variants like Vegas Strip Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack and European Blackjack. It comes into play when the first two cards dealt to the player are of equal rank. If the player decides to split then each of the cards will become the first card of two hands. Since the player will be effectively playing two hands, therefore he must first place another wager equal to his original wager. The player is then dealt a second card to each hand. Thereafter the blackjack game proceeds in the normal way.

Many new online blackjack players misuse the split move. Some go for it whenever the opportunity arises. Others never go for it. Both are not playing correctly. The optimum online blackjack strategy states that some hands should always be split, some hands should never be split and the decision to split the remaining hands has to be based on the dealer’s face up card. The exact optimum strategy for the split move in online blackjack is generated through computer simulation but the broad contours can be explained logically.

One pair that should never be split is a pair of like ranked cards of value 10. Apart from a blackjack this is the strongest starting combination. It is true that by splitting this pair the player may get a blackjack or even two, but the losses far outweigh the gains. The other hand that should never be split is a pair of fives. A pair of fives gives a starting hand value of 10. The player is likely to end up with a value of over 17. In fact the other optional move of double down should be selected in this case. Splitting will result in first cards that are valued at 5, and these do not have much potential.

Likewise, there are two hands that should always be split. Unlike a pair of ten value cards, a pair of aces should always be split. The chances of getting blackjacks are considerably greater with so many 10 value cards in the deck. Also a pair of aces without splitting will be valued at 2 or 12, which is not anywhere as strong as 20. A pair of eights should also always be split. The hand value without splitting is 16, which is squarely in no man’s land. The player will, in all likelihood, bust if he hits and will not be able to better the dealer if he stands. Two hands with the first card value of 8 is a much better proposition.

For all other pairs the general rule is to split if the dealer face up card is weaker and to hit or stand if the dealer face up card is stronger. The exact rule will depend on the blackjack variant being played and may also be different for different computer simulations. The case of a pair of sixes is used to illustrate the philosophy. The rule is to split if the dealer face up card is from a two to a seven and hit otherwise. The dealer’s face up card of ace or valued at 8 or more is very strong compared to a single card value of 6 that would be obtained by splitting. Doubling the wager as required in the split move is like throwing good money after bad.