The ace is the most flexible card in blackjack. Two aces in blackjack can count as a soft 12 (one ace as 11, the other as 1) or as a 2.
Most players will choose to split a pair of aces into two separate hands, each starting with an ace.
After splitting aces, most tables will deal only one more card to each ace. Want to know what happens with two aces in blackjack? This guide seeks to fill some gaps in your knowledge.
How Two Aces Are Valued
Aces play a vital role in the game, and they can give players flexibility. An ace can count as 1 or 11.
Two aces can’t both count as 11, because that would make 22 and the hand would bust. Instead, one ace counts as 11 and the other as 1, making a soft 12. “Soft” means the hand can’t bust on the next card, because the 11 can drop to 1.
For example, if a player hits on two aces and draws a 9, the hand becomes 21 (11 + 1 + 9), but this is not a blackjack, because a blackjack can only be made with the first two cards.
Two Aces vs a Natural Blackjack
A natural blackjack is an ace plus a 10-value card as your first two cards, and it usually pays 3:2. Two aces are not a blackjack: they make a soft 12. The hand only becomes 21 after more cards, or after splitting, and then it pays even money.
Splitting Aces Explained
Can you split aces in blackjack? In short, yes, you can; however, this tactic will only make sense to players who understand what governs the two aces in blackjack rules. We’ve shared some further details on the guidelines:
- Splitting creates two hands, and the player must place a second bet that matches the first. So, for example, if you bet £10, the split will cost a further £10.
- The usual rule is that there is one card per split ace, removing the chance for further hits.
- Some tables will therefore operate a “one card and done” policy.
- An ace and a 10-value card after a split will count as 21, but won’t be seen as a natural blackjack. This usually pays out at odds of 1:1 instead of 3:2.
- Some tables will permit re-splitting aces if you draw another matching card to a split hand. Typical caps may be three or four hands total.
Why Splitting Aces Is the Standard Play
The ace can drive many of the game’s best decisions, and basic strategy charts recommend splitting aces because each ace starts a hand with a strong total.
Most ace hands though aren’t finished products. Rather, they give you the flexibility to take shots at improving, especially when the dealer shows a weaker upcard.
However, splitting aces doesn’t necessarily guarantee a win. Where re-splitting aces is allowed, it lowers the house edge only slightly (by a few hundredths of a percentage point), and a house edge is still applied. Players therefore need to take note of this when approaching a table.
Table Rules to Check
Some tables have strict splitting rules, and dealing rules vary between tables, so players should bear the following in mind:
- Number of cards per split ace – Receiving one card for each split is often the standard for most blackjack games played at casinos.
- Re-splitting – Some casinos permit re-splitting aces, which slightly lowers the house edge.
- Split ace payout – A split ace plus a dealt 10 counts as 21, not a natural blackjack. It pays out even money, not 3:2 or 6:5.
- Dealer rules – Check whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17 and whether the dealer checks for blackjack, as both affect the house edge.
- House edge – Correct splitting can reduce the house edge; it doesn’t guarantee winning or overcoming the house edge.
Players should check out 7bet table rules for blackjack games, so they can understand what is expected of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ace and ten after a split a blackjack?
No, it isn’t. Although it counts as 21, it’s not a natural blackjack, and it usually pays out at even money.
Can you hit after splitting aces?
Usually not. Most tables will give one card per ace. Rules on re-splitting and hitting split aces vary, so check the rules shown at each 7bet blackjack table.
Should you always split aces?
Basic strategy charts recommend splitting aces against every dealer upcard, but this is a statistical guide and does not guarantee a win.
How much does splitting aces cost?
Splitting requires a second stake equal to the first, so a £10 hand becomes two £10 hands.
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