Splitting pairs
Should I split 5s?
No. Never split 5s. Double down when the dealer shows 2 to 9. Hit when the dealer shows 10 or Ace. If the table will not let you double, hit instead.
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 5s are a 10, one of the best starting totals you can be dealt. Splitting them throws that away for two hands that start from 5.
Play the pair exactly as a hard 10: double against 2 to 9 and hit against a 10 or an Ace.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to 9 | Double, or hit |
| 10 or Ace | Hit |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 5s?
- No. Never split 5s. Double down when the dealer shows 2 to 9. Hit when the dealer shows 10 or Ace. If the table will not let you double, hit instead.
- What does a pair of 5s count as?
- Two 5s count as 10 if you do not split them.
- Should I split 5s against a 10?
- No. Against a 10, hit.
Related answers
- Should I split 4s?
- Should I split 6s?
- When to split in blackjack
- What does double after split mean?
- Should I double down on 10?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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