In the fast-paced world of online casinos, blackjack is a game that stands out for its blend of chance and strategy. One key strategic decision a player can make is to divide, or “split,” their hand. To those unfamiliar with the game, the concept of splitting may seem foreign but it’s a move that can drastically alter the flow and outcome of the game.
Players normally have the option to split at any time they have the appropriate cards, although whether it makes sense to do so is a different conversation. As players’ competition in the game is the house represented by the dealer, whether the dealer can do the same is an important consideration.
The rules of blackjack and the probabilities in the game determine the answer to that question.
Blackjack Fundamentals
Before addressing whether a dealer can split their hand, it’s essential to grasp some fundamental principles of blackjack. This includes the actions the dealer can take at various phases of the game.
The Rules of Blackjack and Its Variations
Blackjack is essentially a card game where players compete against the dealer. The primary objective is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over. If a player’s hand exceeds 21, it’s called a “bust,” and the player automatically loses.
In most games, the dealer must hit (take another card) on any hand of 16 or lower and must stand (refuse additional cards) on any hand of 17 or higher. This effectively means that in traditional blackjack games, the dealer may not split their hand.
These rules can vary based on the type of blackjack being played, though. In a game like Blackjack Switch, players start with two hands and have the option to switch the top two cards between them, potentially creating stronger hands.
The dealer, on the other hand, follows the same rule as traditional blackjack, but with a slight twist. They hit on a soft 17 (a hand containing an ace, which can be either 1 or 11.)
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack strategies are game plans designed to increase your chances of success by using mathematical probabilities, giving players guidance on the best actions to take based on your cards and the dealer’s face-up card. This could include actions like hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting.
For example, blackjack rules of thumb advise that if your hand is 11 or less, you should always hit to get closer to 21. Additionally, if the dealer’s face-up card is seven or higher, and your hand totals between 12 and 16, hitting is recommended to minimize the risk of the dealer having a stronger hand.
Different strategies exist for different blackjack variations, so it’s important to understand rule variations and their impact on your blackjack strategy.
Understanding Blackjack Split Rules
In blackjack, the option to split usually arises when a player is dealt two cards of the same value. For example, you could split if you get two cards showing eight.
When you choose to split, you divide the pair into two separate hands, giving you the opportunity to play each hand independently. It’s important to note that splitting requires placing a new bet equal to the original, which effectively doubles your stake.
By making this move, you can potentially double your winnings if done wisely. It’s important to note that there are still risks involved. It’s possible to lose both bets and whether this makes sense to do partially depends on how many decks are used in the blackjack game you are participating in.
Knowing when to split in blackjack is crucial for strategic gameplay. Factors such as the dealer’s face-up card, your own two cards, and whether or not you’re playing with a single deck or multiple decks can all influence the decision to split.
Blackjack Dealer Rules
Because the dealer must always abide by the house rules, they can’t split their hand, even if splitting their hand could get a better result. That only applies to variants with traditional rules on this matter, though.
This rule may vary depending on where you’re playing live dealer blackjack, as some casinos give dealers more flexibility in the game. Even when the rules allow for that, the rules will usually state that the dealer must hit on soft 17 regardless of whether or not they choose to split their hand.
Strategies to Consider if the Dealer Splits
This rule can significantly affect players’ strategies when playing against a live dealer in blackjack, as it gives them more options to win. The same can apply to the dealer.
For instance, if a player is dealt two cards of the same value and the dealer can split their hand, it would be wise for the player to stand instead of hitting in order to reduce the house edge. Splitting would open up a new avenue for the dealer to beat the player.
If the dealer’s split hands are not particularly strong and you hold a hand totaling 9, 10, or 11, you could consider splitting. This is a calculated risk with the potential for high reward.
In the vast majority of online casinos and traditional gambling houses, the dealer splitting their hand is an extremely rare occurrence. This is due to the rigorous adherence to the standard rules of blackjack that these establishments maintain to ensure a consistent gaming experience.
This rule is part of what gives the house its edge and makes blackjack a challenging and engaging game. So, next time you‘re formulating your live dealer blackjack strategy, bear in mind that you’re unlikely to encounter a scenario where the dealer splits their hand.
Play Blackjack with BetMGM
Whether you’re in an online casino tournament or playing live blackjack, understanding the game’s rules is crucial for winning. Just as knowing when the dealer can split their hand affects your strategy, familiarizing yourself with blackjack terms like “swiping the table” can help you better navigate the game’s dynamics.
It’s these intricacies that distinguish novices from seasoned blackjack players. Another aspect of the game that experienced blackjack players are familiar with is BetMGM’s reputation as the best online casino for blackjack fans.
When you register for BetMGM, you’ll get to dive right into the blackjack action with a special casino welcome bonus. You can also earn points toward your BetMGM Rewards status, potentially unlocking more free play.
With this knowledge of blackjack splitting in tow, you are on your way to joining the thousands of blackjack aficionados at BetMGM. You’ll never need to split your time between BetMGM and other casinos.
