Splitting pairs
Should I split 9s?
Split them when the dealer shows 2 to 6, 8 or 9. Stand when the dealer shows 7, 10 or 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 9s make 18. A 9 is a strong start for a hand, so split against 2 to 6, 8 and 9.
Stand against a 7, because the dealer most often finishes on 17 and your 18 beats it. Stand against a 10 or an Ace too, where two hands from 9 would each face a strong dealer total.
The play against every dealer card
| Dealer shows | Your play |
|---|---|
| 2 to 6, 8 or 9 | Split |
| 7, 10 or Ace | Stand |
Questions players ask
- Should I split 9s?
- Split them when the dealer shows 2 to 6, 8 or 9. Stand when the dealer shows 7, 10 or Ace.
- What does a pair of 9s count as?
- Two 9s count as 18 if you do not split them.
- Should I split 9s against a 10?
- No. Against a 10, stand.
Related answers
- Should I split 8s?
- Is it ever right to split 10s?
- When to split in blackjack
- What does double after split mean?
- Should I split 9s against a 7?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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