Single Deck - Splitting Pairs 8-Ace (11)

Single Deck Splitting Pairs No Doubling After Splitting Pairs Player's Hand Dealer's Upcard Decision 8-8 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A Split 9-9 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 Split 7, 10, A Stand 10-10 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A Stand A-A 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A Split

Splitting 8-8

8s are always split. Together they form a 16, a horrible total, one that is in most danger of being busted. But separately, we have individual bases of 8, which isn't bad. A 10 to the 8 gives us 18 and a fighting chance to push or win. Again, this move is made to diminish overall losses rather than as an aggressive winning move. The more we cut down on losses, the more it'll add up in wins in the long run.

Splitting 9-9 The two 9s are best split against all cards from the 2 through the 9, with the exception of the 7. Why don't we split against the 7? Simple. Two 9s give us 18. The dealer's 7 gives him a potential 17. We have a winner and we don't tamper with it.

Splitting the 9s gives us a good shot at a double win especially against the dealer's stiff cards of 3-6, and it is just slightly favorable against the dealer's 2. Against the dealer's 8, we're trying for a double win instead of a push, if we hit 10s on each 9. Against the 9, we're trying to avoid one loss (our 18 to the dealer's 19) by hoping for a 10 on each 9 we split.

Very few players split the 9s correctly. They're afraid to split against the dealer's 8 or 9, but those are great moves.

Splitting 10s

Two 10s, that is, any 10-value cards, give us a 20 hard total, very strong. If you were always guaranteed a 20, without being dealt any cards, and let the dealer deal to himself and play out hands, you'd be a millionaire in no time. Don't split them. Be satisfied with the 20.

There may be times, as you understand card counting and advanced strategy, that you'll be tempted to split the 10s in certain rare situations. But even if they're favorable, it's such an unusual move that you'll draw heat, that is, casino scrutiny and countermeasures.

Splitting Aces

Aces should always be split. Each ace gives you a foundation of 11, the best possible base from which to get a hit. A 10 gives you a no-lose hand. So, no matter what the dealer is holding as his upcard, split the aces. It's an even better play at a casino where you can re-split aces, a rare treat for players.