Basic Blackjack Strategy: Test #1

2008 May 28, Charlie Black

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Test Question #1:

You have a pair of 8's. The Dealer has a picture card showing. What should you do?

A. Stand

B. Hit

C. Split

Answer:

Getting dealt 8-8 against a Dealer 10 confuses a lot of Blackjack players. It's tough to hit on 16 when only a handful of cards will keep you from busting. Even an Ace, 2, 3, or 4 will probably not be enough to beat the dealer who probably has another 10 underneath. Right?

Wrong. The correct play is to Split the Pair. You will likely still lose money by Splitting, but you will lose more in the long run by not Splitting. However, many players allow the scary prospect of the dealer showing a 10 to keep them from making the most profitable play. It is essential to remember that the dealer will only have another 10 underneath around one third of the time. We already know the dealer cannot have an Ace underneath because the dealer checks the hidden card for Blackjack before any player can make an additional bet or move.

Therefore, with 8-8, the choice remains to play the hand as 16 (obviously not a good hand), or Split and make two better hands with each 8. Even though you're risking more money to Split, in the long run you'll lose only half as much by making the Split.

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