Can you provide examples of when splitting Aces or lower Pairs is not recommended?

[Mike_25]

Every blackjack player wants to know which starting hands to split and which to surrender. While splitting higher value cards like 8s, 9s and 10s can substantially boost your odds, splitting lower value Aces and pair cards should be done with caution.

In blackjack, you only gain an additional bet when splitting, so splitting low pairs like 2s and 3s often does not offset the chances of busting on both new hands. The same goes for splitting Aces, which then can only draw to 11 instead of 21. In most cases, it's best to just hit or double down with low pairs and Aces, except when the dealer shows a weak card.

 

[CR7]

That is absolutely correct. Splitting low pairs like 2s and 3s can result in ending up with two weak hands, making it difficult to beat the dealer. Trapping oneself with two low hands increases the chances of busting. As for Aces, they are a valuable asset in blackjack, as they can either have a value of 11 or 1. When you split Aces, you can only draw one additional card, which means that you would need to get a 10-value card to make 21. And if you draw a low card, then your total may be too low, making it vulnerable to the dealer's hand.

However, there are certain scenarios where splitting low pairs and Aces can be a good strategy. For instance, if the dealer has a weak upcard such as 4, 5, or 6, then splitting low pairs and Aces will be a good move. In this situation, the dealer tends to bust more often, giving the player higher chances of winning.

Overall, the basic strategy in blackjack suggests that you should only split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s when the dealer shows a weak upcard. As for Aces, you should always split them, regardless of the dealer's upcard. However, it is important to keep in mind that splitting should be done cautiously as it can increase one's risk of losing, particularly when done with low pairs.

 

[Crazy_winner]

Aces or lower pairs may not be split if the dealer's up card is a powerful one. Splitting could produce two inferior hands that are more likely to lose, as the possibility of the dealer possessing a strong hand rises. It can be preferable in these circumstances to stand on your original hand.

 

[Dallax]

Keep in mind that when you split, you must place an additional bet equal to your initial bet. Splitting Aces or lower pairs when the dealer has a strong upcard can risk losing double the initial bet.

 

[Dallax]

Keep in mind that when you split, you must place an additional bet equal to your initial bet. Splitting Aces or lower pairs when the dealer has a strong upcard can risk losing double the initial bet.

If the dealer's upcard is a 9, 10, or an Ace, it's often not recommended to split Aces or lower pairs (e.g., 2s, 3s, 4s) because the dealer has a strong starting hand. Splitting in this situation can lead to potentially losing both split hands.

 

[James108]

One example is when the dealer has a very strong hand, such as a 10 or an Ace. Splitting aces or lower pairs in this situation would give the dealer a greater chance of winning, so it's not recommended.

 

[swift]

I think When the player's hand has a high value, and splitting would result in two weaker hands. For example, if the player has 20 with a pair of 10s, splitting the pair would result in two hands with values of 10, which would significantly decrease the chances of winning.

 

[Lazza]

Splitting these pairs is generally not a good idea if the dealer has a strong card. Rather than splitting, you might want to hit or stand depending on the dealer's upcard, since splitting could result in bad things happening against a strong dealer hand.