Split Aces in Blackjack
When it comes to making smart decisions at the blackjack table, few moves are as important—or misunderstood—as splitting Aces. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning the ropes, understanding why this move is essential can dramatically impact your long-term results. Blackjack is a game of both luck and skill, and mastering basic strategy is key to gaining an edge. One of the most fundamental principles of basic strategy is simple: always split Aces.
This article will break down the logic, statistics, and long-term benefits behind this decision. We’ll explore why a pair of Aces is too strong to play as a single hand, how splitting them maximizes your potential, and why ignoring this principle can cost you significantly.
Bovada Casino and Poker
Get up to $3000 in Bonuses
Understanding What Splitting Means in Blackjack
What Does It Mean to Split?
In blackjack, when you're dealt two cards of the same value—like two Aces—you have the option to “split” them. This means you turn your single hand into two separate hands, each with one of the original cards. You’ll need to match your initial bet to cover the new hand, but this small risk opens up a much higher reward potential.
The Purpose of Splitting
The primary goal of splitting is to transform a poor or mediocre hand into two stronger hands that each have a better chance of beating the dealer. When it comes to Aces, this is especially important. A single hand with two Aces (valued as either 2 or 12) is a complicated hand to play. Splitting allows each Ace to start fresh—giving you the chance to build powerful totals like 21 or 20.
Why a Pair of Aces Is Weak Without Splitting
The Value Dilemma
When you hold two Aces and choose not to split, you're faced with a unique challenge. An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11. Two Aces, then, add up to either 2 or 12. If you treat one Ace as 11 and the other as 1, you have 12—far from a strong total. Hit that 12, and if you receive anything 10 or higher, you’re stuck with a difficult decision. You might bust or end up with a weak total like 13 or 14.
Limited Improvement Potential
Keeping two Aces together doesn’t give you the flexibility you’d expect. Instead, you’re shackled to a hand that must be carefully managed. The upside is minimal, and the risk of a weak total is too high. This is exactly why every strategy chart instructs you to split them. You're not just avoiding a bad hand—you’re creating two potentially dominant ones.
The Math Behind Splitting Aces
Probability and Expected Value
Let’s talk about why splitting Aces works from a mathematical standpoint. The goal in blackjack is to create a hand total that beats the dealer without going over 21. The best hand in the game is a 21 made with two cards—an Ace and a 10-value card. That’s a “blackjack,” and it usually pays 3:2. When you split Aces, each Ace now has the opportunity to be paired with a 10-value card, giving you two chances to hit 21.
Statistically, there are 16 ten-value cards in a standard deck of 52. That’s almost a 31% chance per hand of turning each Ace into a blackjack. When you consider that you're now playing two hands, your chances of hitting at least one 21 become incredibly favorable.
Expected Value Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the expected value (EV) when you hold two Aces:
- Standing on two Aces (total of 12): EV ≈ -0.19
- Hitting with two Aces: EV ≈ -0.15
- Splitting Aces: EV ≈ +0.18
Those are big swings. Splitting turns a negative expectation into a positive one, and in a game where every edge matters, this is massive. Over the long run, always splitting Aces improves your bottom line.
Splitting Aces vs. Other Pairs
Why Aces Are Different
Most pair splits in blackjack are situational. For example, you split 6s against a dealer’s 3 through 6, or split 9s against a 7. These decisions depend on the dealer’s upcard. But splitting Aces is universal. No matter what the dealer shows—even an Ace or 10—you still split your Aces. That’s how powerful the decision is.
Other Splits Require Judgment
Unlike 2s, 3s, or even 7s, splitting Aces isn’t up for debate. There’s no scenario where keeping two Aces together gives you a better statistical outcome. In contrast, other pairs need contextual analysis. That difference makes Aces special. They’re the only pair that consistently gives you the chance to form blackjack from both hands.
The Dealer’s Upcard Doesn’t Matter
Fear of the Dealer's Strength
Many players second-guess splitting Aces when the dealer shows a strong card like 10 or Ace. They think, “Why risk more money when the dealer might have 20 or 21?” It’s a valid emotional reaction, but it’s not supported by the math.
Risk vs. Reward
When the dealer has a 10 or Ace, yes—your chances of winning decrease. But keeping your Aces together doesn’t help. You’re still likely to lose with a total of 12 or worse. Splitting gives you the best possible chance of turning a weak position into a strong one, even against a tough dealer hand. It’s not about guaranteeing a win; it’s about minimizing your expected losses and maximizing potential upside.
The One-Hand Rule: Common Casino Limitation
How Many Times Can You Split Aces?
One frustrating rule in many casinos is that you’re only allowed to draw one additional card per Ace after splitting. That means you don’t get to hit multiple times on your new hands—you get one card and that’s it.
Even with this limitation, splitting is still the correct move. Why? Because that one additional card is often enough to make a solid hand. If you draw a 10, you’ve got 21. If you draw a 9 or 8, you’ve got a strong 19 or 20. It’s still far better than playing a confusing 12.
Resplitting Aces
Some casinos allow you to resplit Aces if you’re dealt another Ace after splitting. For example, if you split your initial pair of Aces and draw another Ace, you can split again and play three hands. This is known as “resplitting Aces” and significantly increases your edge. If you find a table that offers this option, it’s one of the most player-friendly rules in blackjack.
Real-Life Example: When Splitting Aces Saves You
Imagine you’re dealt two Aces and the dealer shows a 9. You’re nervous. Most players would hesitate to split because the dealer might have 19 or 20. But let’s play it out.
You split your Aces.
- First hand draws a 10 — that’s 21.
- Second hand draws an 8 — that’s 19.
Meanwhile, the dealer flips over a 10 and stands at 19. You push the second hand and win with your 21, collecting 1.5x your bet. If you hadn’t split, you’d have played a single hand of 12 and probably hit into a bust. This one decision turned a probable loss into a profitable round.
Common Mistakes When Splitting Aces
Not Knowing the Rules
One common mistake is misunderstanding the table rules. Some players try to hit more than once after splitting Aces when the rules only allow one card. This leads to confusion and poor decisions. Always check the house rules before you play.
Fear of Raising the Bet
Some players avoid splitting Aces because it means placing an extra bet. Yes, you’re doubling your exposure, but you're also doubling your opportunity. In blackjack, smart risk is your best weapon, and this is one of the safest and smartest risks you can take.
Deviating from Basic Strategy
Some players think they know better than the charts. They think their “gut feeling” or recent wins give them an edge. In reality, the math never lies. Deviating from basic strategy is almost always a mistake, especially when it comes to splitting Aces.
Splitting Aces Online vs. in Casinos
Online Games
Online blackjack platforms like Bovada offer multiple variants of the game, and most allow splitting Aces. The rules for splitting are typically displayed before the game starts. Take time to read them. If the game allows resplitting or multiple hits after splitting Aces, that version has a lower house edge and is worth playing.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Live dealer tables also allow splitting Aces and generally follow standard casino rules. These games offer the same strategic opportunities as land-based casinos, with the added bonus of convenience. Just make sure you understand whether one-card rules apply after the split.
Always Split Aces No Matter What
The verdict is crystal clear: you should always split Aces in blackjack. This isn’t a theory or a suggestion—it’s a core rule of basic strategy, backed by decades of mathematical analysis, simulations, and real-world experience. Splitting gives you the best chance to improve weak starting hands, hit more blackjacks, and walk away a winner more often.
It doesn’t matter what the dealer shows. It doesn’t matter if the table only allows one card after the split. And it doesn’t matter if you’re playing online or in a brick-and-mortar casino. The rule is the same: always split Aces in Blackjack.
Making the right decision at the right time is what separates casual players from skilled ones. By consistently splitting Aces, you’re putting yourself in the best position to win more often and lose less when things don’t go your way. It’s a simple move with a huge impact—and one that no serious blackjack player should ever ignore.
| Bovada Casino | Review | $3000 |  | Visit Bovada Casino |
| Bodog Casino | Review | $600 |  | Visit Bodog Casino |
| Bovada Poker | Review | $500 | | Visit Bovada Poker |
| Bodog Poker | Review | $600 | | Visit Bodog Poker |
| Bovada Sports | Review | $400 | | Visit Bovada Sports |
| Bodog Sports | Review | $400 | | Visit Bodog Sports |