Should You Always Split 8s? Basic blackjack strategy says 8s are a safe and wise split. It’s hard to go wrong with splitting 8s. The math says this works out well in the long run. So, there you are with a pair of 8s and you split, and the dealer hits you with a 5. You kick yourself for walking away from an easy 21. Always split aces and 8s. That is one of the golden rules for blackjack players, but not according to a friend of mine. He insists that splitting eights against a dealer u pcard of either 9, 10 or ace is nuts because you are probably going to lose anyway, so why double your loss by splitting?

1. Blackjack Why Always Split 8s Pro
2. Blackjack Why Always Split 8s Split
3. Blackjack Why Always Split 8s 2

• BjSkeaver20 has it right, you always split 8,8 vs. Ten unless the count is high (true count of 6 for Uston's APC) I have done my own simulations using my own program over 10 years ago, and this is right, not to win but to break even. Try hitting soft 18, watch the table throw a fit.
• Always split aces and eights. That is one of the golden rules for blackjack players but not according to a friend of mine. He insists that splitting eights against a dealer upcard of 9, 10, or ace is crazy because you are probably going to lose anyway, so why double your loss by splitting?
• Also, it is an excellent strategy always to split your pair of 8s and re-split if you get dealt with the second pair. Do remember that you triple original bet. When it comes to splitting 10s, it will depend on the particular blackjack game rules, because of there different 10-value cards.

How Splitting in Blackjack Works?

What splitting in blackjack means is that when your hand consists of two cards with similar value, you can split them by placing additional bet, creating two hands that will be played separately. The option to split is of enormous value; if it’s used wisely of course.

The basic idea behind splitting cards, besides the obvious goal of increasing your winnings, is twofold. First, to improve weak hands, splitting 8s are a clear example for that. Second, to increase possible winnings on stronger hands, for example splitting Aces.

As with every blackjack rule, things are very simple and yet complicated in the same time. Using this option when not needed, which is probably the most common mistake when it comes to splitting in blackjack, can cost you a lot of money. The good news is that the splitting strategy is rather straight forward and easy to remember, especially if you have a favorite blackjack game which you come back to. Otherwise, it varies according to the specific splitting rules which we will review below.

Last thing before we continue, many new players not sure or shy to request to split, double and so forth. Don’t be. You don’t need to know any secret signs or terminology. Just tell the dealer that you wish to split and place additional bet. That’s it. Of course if you play blackjack online things are much easier and all you have to do is press the split button.

Blackjack Why Always Split 8s Pro

Common Blackjack Split Rules

• Allowed to split twice (up to three hands).
• You can split non identical 10 value cards.
• Splits Aces cannot be re-split.
• Split Aces receive only one card.
• You can hit and double down split hands.

Let’s take basic basic Vegas Strip hole card blackjack rulesand see how different splitting rules influence the house edge. So additional rules we use: 8 decks, dealer checks for blackjack and stands on soft 17; double down on any 2 cards; blackjack pays 3:2. Under the splitting rules we used above the expected payout is 99.56% (or house edge of 0.44%).

Below you can see how each change influence the odds (+ means increases players’ odds, minus – lowers players’ odds):

• Only 1 split allowed: -0.045%
• Allowed to split to 4 hands: 0.01%
• No double after split: -0.14%
• Player can re-split Aces: 0.06%
• You can hit split Aces: 0.19%

When to Split in Blackjack – Basic Strategy

We will try to make it simple to remember. Here we won’t explain the mathematics behind each decision, but you can find it in additional articles.

Most crucial ones:

Blackjack Why Always Split 8s Split

• Never Split 5s and 10 value cards. (Double on 5s as you would on any hard 10).
• Always split Aces and 8s.

The easy ones to remember:

Blackjack Why Always Split 8s 2

• 2s, 3s, 7s – split when dealer shows 2-7
• 6s – split on dealer’s 2-6.

And the unique ones:

• 4s – are not a perfect hand for splitting, so you should split them only when the dealer shows 5 or 6 and only when you can double after split. If the casino doesn’t allow to double on split hands – never split 4s.
• 9s – split on dealer’s 2-6 and 8,9.

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