Splitting pairs
Should I split 2s?
Split them when the dealer shows 2 to 7. Hit when the dealer shows 8 to Ace.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Two 2s make 4, a hand that needs cards no matter what. Against a dealer showing 2 to 7, splitting starts two hands from 2, and because you can double after a split, some of those hands become doubles against a weak dealer card.
Against an 8 or higher the dealer will usually finish with a strong total, so you keep one bet out and hit the 4.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to 7 | Split |
| 8 to Ace | Hit |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 2s?
- Split them when the dealer shows 2 to 7. Hit when the dealer shows 8 to Ace.
- What does a pair of 2s count as?
- Two 2s count as 4 if you do not split them.
- Should I split 2s against a 10?
- No. Against a 10, hit.
Related answers
- Should I split 3s?
- When to split in blackjack
- What does double after split mean?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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