Blackjack Rules Variations

Blackjack is already a game filled with complex player options. Knowing when to hit and when to stand is Blackjack basic strategy. Knowing the Blackjack rules variations, however, gives you additional player options that can improve your strategy and help you win more games.

There are several Blackjack rules that accompany the “split.” A player can choose to split when he is dealt two cards of the same value, such as 6-6. Each card is then dealt a partner card and the player now has two separate hands to play simultaneously.

Aces can only be split one time. Because of Blackjack rules only allow Aces to be assigned one additional card each, Aces must be counted as 11, and not 1. When a player receives a pair of Aces, it is always wise, according to Blackjack odds, to split them. If a player receives at least a 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, or K, the player is in the target 17 to 21 value range.

There is such a thing as “multiple splits,” though they are rare and some casinos have Blackjack rules against them. Multiple splits occur when a player decides to split a pair and then receives another card of the same value (8-8-8, for example). The player can then split again, making three separate hands.