Splitting pairs
Should I split 8s?
Yes. Split them against every dealer card.
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 8s make 16, the worst total in the game. Each 8 on its own is a decent start, so you split them against every dealer card.
Against a 10 or an Ace you will still lose more of those hands than you win, but you lose less than you would by playing the 16.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to Ace | Split |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 8s?
- Yes. Split them against every dealer card.
- What does a pair of 8s count as?
- Two 8s count as 16 if you do not split them.
- Should I split 8s against a 10?
- Yes. Split 8s against a 10.
Related answers
- Should I split 7s?
- Should I split 9s?
- When to split in blackjack
- What does double after split mean?
- Should I split 8s against a 10?
- Should I split 8s against an Ace?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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