Basic Blackjack Strategy: Splitting Pairs

One of the moves a player can make during a game of blackjack is to split a pair of cards. If a player gets a pair of cards of the same value (e.g. a pair of Eights) when dealt by the dealer, that player has the option to split that pair and add a card each to both cards making two hands.

When dealing with strategy, however, we advise every player that not all pairs you get should be split into two hands. Here is where basic strategy comes in - knowing whether or not to split a pair in our hand. Players who practice basic strategy and don't rely on vibes get to win more and reduce the house edge.

Here's a list of pairs you can get in a game of blackjack. Included in the list is the correct decision for each pair.

Pair of Aces: Always split this pair.

Pair of Eights: The rule for this pair is the same with a pair of Aces, you always split on a pair of Eights since they add up to only 16 (a weak hand).

Pair of Twos: With this pair, check if the dealer has the up card from a Two up to a Seven. If so, then split this pair, if not then hit until you get a good hand.

Pair of Threes: The rule goes the same for this pair as with a pair of Twos.

Pair of Fours: Split a pair of Fours only if the dealer has an up card of Four or Five. If not, then you should hit until you get a good hand.

Pair of Fives: The rule in basic strategy for this pair is to double down only if the up card turns out to be from Two through any Nine. Your other option is to hit if the dealer's up card isn't in that range.

Pair of Sixes: Split a pair of Sixes only if the dealer displays a card from Two to Six, if not the only other option is to hit.

Pair of Sevens: If the dealer shows an up card from Two to Seven then a player should split a pair of Sevens, otherwise players should only hit.

Pair of Nines: Check the dealer's up card. If it shows a card in the range from a Two card to a Six card, an Eight card, or a Nine card then split this pair. Stand if the up card is an Ace, a Seven, or a Ten.

Pair of Tens: The rule is to stand if you get a pair of Tens.

This is the basic strategy when dealing with pairs. It may take some time to master these items of strategy but it does pay off in the end.