Splitting pairs
Should I split 4s?
Hit when the dealer shows 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace. Split them when the dealer shows 5 or 6.
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 4s make 8, a fine total to hit. Splitting only pays against a 5 or a 6, where the dealer is most likely to bust and a 4 that catches a 6 or 7 becomes a double.
Against every other dealer card, hit the 8.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace | Hit |
| 5 or 6 | Split |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 4s?
- Hit when the dealer shows 2 to 4 or 7 to Ace. Split them when the dealer shows 5 or 6.
- What does a pair of 4s count as?
- Two 4s count as 8 if you do not split them.
- Should I split 4s against a 10?
- No. Against a 10, hit.
Related answers
- Should I split 3s?
- Should I split 5s?
- When to split in blackjack
- What does double after split mean?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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