Playing the Pair

Blackjack is probably the 2nd most popular game besides online poker sites.

Statistically there are 10 different pairs that you can be dealt in the game of Blackjack. Here are some quick tips before we go into detail, the first thing you will want to do is split the aces and the 8’s, do this no matter what the dealer’s cards are. Then you will never split the 5’s or 10’s no matter what the dealer’s upcard is.

Always split the ace because the aces can be used as a one or a 10. This rule is based on the basic strategy that you will be dealt a 10 when you hit. By splitting the aces toy take an ok hand and possible turn these two hands in two winning hands. Aces are hard to come by in the game and with 16 cards equaling 10 you have a great chance of getting a great hand and doubling your winnings.

If you have 2’s should you split them? This answer will apply to 3’s and 7’s. The split the 2’s, 3’s and 7’s versus a dealer who has an 8 or better. Always assume that the dealer has a 10 in the pocket card. If the dealer has a 12 thru a 17 and you get a 14 then you have a good chance of busting on a 12 thru a 16 but there is a good chance of outdrawing the dealer if the dealer has a 17. If the dealer has an 8 or better then you shouldn’t add any more money to the pot.

The fours you should never split, there are exceptions and the exception is that you can split 4’s when the dealer has a show card of 5 or a 6. A pair of 4’s is really a hard 8 and that gives you a good chance of totaling an 18. Now, if the dealer comes up with a 5 or 6 then the dealer has a great chance of busting. Your ideal is to get 14 on the splits because you would win the hands if the dealer does go bust.

Never split fives, under no circumstances should you split a 5 because that would total a hard 10. You have a better chance of keeping the cards together because under the basic strategy rules the chances that you will hit a 10 is a good chance. That is why it isn’t safe to split 5’s.

Split the 6’s when the dealer has a 2 thru 6 if not then take the hit. The7’s are split the same as 2’s and 3’s. You should always split an 8 for the same basic strategy reason; with so many tens in the deck the chances that you will get a 10 are very good.

When it comes to splitting 9’s, this strategy is a bit different than the others. If the dealer has a show cards or 2 thru 6 or a 8 thru 9 then split but stand if the show cards are 7’s, 10’s and Ace’s. You can split a 10 but chances of getting another 10 are pretty good. So you may want to stand.