Why do you split 8s?

Splitting eights limits one's losses and improves one's hand. Probabilistic research of expected value scenarios shows that by splitting eights one can convert a hand that presents an expected loss to two hands that may present an expected profit or a reduced loss, depending on what the dealer is showing.

Why split 8s against a 10?

Michael Shackleford, who calls himself "the Wizard of Odds," says splitting 8s against a dealer 10 has the "smallest expected loss" (as opposed to staying, hitting or doubling) of all moves with a pair of 8s.

When should you split 8s?

One of the golden rules of basic strategists is to always split paired 8s in all blackjack variations where the dealer is bound to draw to 16 and stand on all 17s. This applies no matter whether the respective S17 game plays with one, two, four, six, or eight decks.

Do you split 8s vs 8?

On the other hand, splitting 8s is a defensive move. No matter what you do with 8,8 against a dealer ten — stand, hit, split, double, or surrender — you'll lose money over the long run. However, splitting the 8s will result in the lowest long-term loss of all the options, which is why it's the basic strategy play.

Should you split 8s or surrender in blackjack?

According to The Wizard of Odds, if you follow the basic strategy, you should Split 8's, with one exception: If the dealer hits on soft 17 and is showing an Ace, then you should Surrender.

Blackjack Strategy: The 3 most misplayed hands in Blackjack

What numbers should you never split in blackjack?

Should you ever hit on 17?

It is best to hit when holding a hand of 10 or 12-16, and stand on anything 17 and over. An ace gives you a good chance of making 21 with a hit. When a dealer has a seven, eight or nine card it is impossible for them to make a blackjack, so your chances increase.

Why should you never split 10s in blackjack?

If you split the 10s one time, you stand to win 63% and lose 37% on each split hand. That's a significant decrease in the number of hands won simply because if you split, you will often end up with less than 20 on both hands.

Should you split 8s against 10 or surrender?

According to this basic strategy table , you should always split 8's. The one exception is if dealer hits soft 17 and the casino offers surrender, in which case you surrender your 8's against an ace. But splitting 8's even then is not a big mistake, so “always split 8's” is not a bad rule.

Do you always split 7s?

In multi-deck games, always split 7s against a dealer's 2 through 7, otherwise hit. In double-deck games, split 7s against dealer's 2-8 if DAS or 2-7 if NDAS; otherwise hit.

Do you hit a 12 against a 3?

That may be true for most stiff hands (meaning, a hard 12 through 16) but it's not the case when you are holding a 12 against a 3. There are only four cards that could bust your 12 — a ten, jack, queen, or king. On the other hand, five cards will get you to 17–21 (a five, six, seven, eight, or nine).

Do you always split 2S?

RESPLITTING 2S

If the playing rules allow you to resplit, then it is advantageous for you to do so. For example, if you are dealt a pair of 2s against a dealer's 5 upcard, you should split them. Suppose on the first 2, you are dealt another 2 on the draw. You should resplit to form a third hand.

Should you split 10s against a 6?

As for the arithmetic, the statistical data on how often you will win when you split a pair of 10s against a dealer showing a 6 is 64% of the time. Your profit expectations for every $100 you bet while splitting those 10s will be, on average, a $56 profit.

Do you split 9s vs 8?

The basic playing strategy for a pair of 9s is to: Split when the dealer's upcard is 2 through 6 or 8, 9. Stand when the dealer's upcard is 7, 10, or Ace.

Should you double down 11 against 10?

When you double down, you risk losing double your original bet, but with 11 vs. 10, you win double your bet more often, giving you a higher average profit.

Should you ever split 5s in blackjack?

One of the absolutes in blackjack is that you should never split 5s. Most players aren't even tempted, because they recognize they have a much stronger building block for a hand when they start with 10 than starting each of two hands with 5s.

What are the worst hands to split in blackjack?

If a player is dealt a pair of eights, the total of 16 is considered a troublesome hand. In fact, the value 16 is said to be the worst hand one can have in blackjack.

Should you ever split 6s in blackjack?

RESPLITTING 6S

If the playing rules allow you to resplit, then it is advantageous for you to do so. For example, if you are dealt a pair of 6s against a dealer's 5 upcard, you should split them. Suppose on the first 6, you are dealt another 6 on the draw. You should resplit to form a third hand.

Do you hit a 12 against a 2?

Respectively, the reasoning is that the dealer would flip over a ten next to their deuce, draw another high card, and bust. The player stands rather than hits their 12 out of fear they would “take the dealer's bust card”. Unfortunately, there is no such thing since the true odds favour hitting 12 versus 2.

Do you hit on 13 against a 2?

14 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 13 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 12 stands against dealer 4 through 6, otherwise hit.

Do you hit on 12 against a 4?

Traditional basic strategy (also known as “total-dependent strategy”) says to stand on hard 12 against a dealer's 4, 5, and 6 up card, and hit against a dealer's 2, 3, and 7 though Ace up card. The biggest mistake that players make when they are dealt a hard 12 occurs when the dealer's up card is a 2 or 3.

Do you hit 15 against a 3?

Regardless of the number of decks of cards or the mix of playing rules, the correct playing strategy for a soft 15 is: Hit against a dealer's 2, 3, and 7 through ace.

Should you double every 11 on blackjack?

For most people, particularly those who are newer to blackjack, it's almost always a good idea to double down when you are showing an 11.

What is 777 rule in blackjack?

You win if at least one of your first two cards is a 7; you win more if both of your first two cards are 7s. The payouts increase further if the Dealer's up card is also a 7.

Do you split only if Das is offered?

If the rules specify DAS, you would split; if instead the rules specify NDAS, you would not split (hit instead).