Splits work in blackjack in a similar way to how they work in other card games. When two players are both dealt cards, the player with the higher card (in rank) gets to deal first. If the two cards are equal, then the player who was dealt the second card (in rank) gets to deal first.
If both players have the same number of cards (e.g., if they are both dealt two Kings), then the player who was dealt first turns over their hand, and the other player takes their turn. .
If one player has a higher card than the other, that player is said to have a “split.” When a split occurs, that player gets to deal first for the rest of the hand, and then their opponent takes their turn.
Splits can be good or bad for a player, depending on what cards are drawn during their turn.
If one player has a split and their opponent does not, that player is said to have a “push.” When a push occurs, that player gets nothing for their turn (and their opponent takes their turn), but they still get to deal first for the rest of the hand.
Pushes can be good or bad for a player, depending on what cards are drawn during their turn.
Although splits and pushes can be good or bad for a player, they are always advantageous over playing without any splits or pushes. This is because it is always more likely that at least one of your hands will contain at least one card that is better than your opponent’s hand.
