Basic Strategy for Pairs
Below you can see the detailed rules for splitting pairs. Note that the hands on the pictures stand for the examples of hands you can be dealt. Remember that suits do not matter in blackjack (unless otherwise stated).
Rules for Pairs
Pairs of 2‘s, 3‘s, 7‘s
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Split o/wise Hit |
Split pairs of 2s, 3s and 7s against dealer’s up cards 2-7, otherwise hit. This hand gives a dealer a great chance to bust when he hits, therefore – increase the bet! |
Pairs of 4‘s
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Split o/wise Hit |
The only time you split a pair of 4s is against dealer’s up card of 5 or 6. In most cases you are not to split 4's as you have a total of 8 and can get a good hand with a hit. However, dealer with 5 or 6 is likely to bust. |
Pairs of 6‘s
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Split o/wise Hit |
Split a pair of 6s if the dealer shows 2-6. Dealer’s hand gives him high chances of busting, therefore you can split. |
Pairs of 8's and Aces
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Always Split |
Split pairs of 8s and Aces. The worst hands are a hand of 16, and 12, therefore split a pair of 8s and Aces for better hands. |
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Split | Split a pair of 9s against dealer's 2-6. The dealer has a good chance to bust, thus you can win more by splitting. |
Pair of 9's
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Stand | Split against dealer's 8-9. As you have a total of 18, you will be very likely to bust if you hit and unlikely to win if you stand, therefore split and hope for a good card. |
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Stand | Stand against dealer’s 7, 10 or an Ace. Your hand of 18 is likely to beat dealer 7, and no sense in splitting them now. |
Pairs of 5‘s and 10‘s
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Never Split |
Never Split pairs of 5s and 10s. You should not give away your great hand of total 10 and a hand of total 20 just to increase the bet. |