Blackjack Strategy | In the realm of blackjack strategy, one perplexing decision often leaves players scratching their heads: when to split a pair and when to hold off. Surprised? Imagine yourself immersed in a six-deck blackjack game where the dealer adheres to soft 17 (S17) rules and permits doubling down after splitting pairs (DAS).

When should you opt to split the following initial two-card blackjack hands based on the dealer’s face-up card?

1. 9-9 vs 9 – Split
2. 4-4 vs 5 – Split if DAS  (If NDAS, Hit)
3. 6-6 vs 2 – Split if DAS (If NDAS, Hit)
4. 10-10 vs 6 – Stand
5. 8-8 vs A with surrender offered – Surrender (If H17, otherwise, Split)
6. 2-2 vs 2 – Split if DAS (If NDAS, Hit)
7. 9-9 vs 7 – Stand

Important Definitions:

• DAS: Allows doubling down after pair splitting.
• NDAS: Prohibits doubling down after pair splitting.
• H17: The dealer hits on soft 17.
• S17: The dealer stands on soft 17.

<Blackjack Strategy – Some professional gaming techniques>

To play these hands correctly from a mathematical perspective

If you found yourself making a few incorrect decisions with the above hands, don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.

The pivotal factor that significantly influences pair-splitting strategy revolves around whether the casino rules permit players to double down after splitting a pair (DAS) or not (NDAS). Hence, the tables and charts below have been meticulously crafted to guide you on when to split pairs based on the specific DAS or NDAS rules.

Note: The strategies outlined below pertain exclusively to multi-deck games, encompassing those played with 4, 6, or 8 decks. These strategies can also be reasonably applied to single- and double-deck games with minimal expected loss.

(To utilize the color-coded charts provided below, identify your two-card hand in the first column and proceed along the top row of the table to locate the corresponding entry for the dealer’s face-up card. The letter ‘P’ indicates a recommended split. Special attention is advised when splitting eights against a dealer’s Ace face-up card, following H17 rules.)

Blackjack Strategy – Splitting Strategy With DAS

PAIR	SPLIT AGAINST DEALER UP-CARD
2-2, 3-3, 7-7	2 through 7
4-4	5, 6
5-5, 10-10	Never
6-6	2 through 6
8-8	Always (except with H17, split vs. ace only if surrender is not permitted)
9-9	2 through 6 and 8, 9
Ace-Ace	Always

Blackjack Strategy – Splitting Strategy With NDAS

PAIR	SPLIT AGAINST DEALER UP-CARD
2-2, 3-3	4 through 7
4-4, 5-5, 10-10	Never
6-6	3 through 6
7-7	2 through 7
8-8	Always (except with H17, split vs. ace only if surrender is not permitted)
9-9	2 through 6 and 8, 9
Ace-Ace	Always

When it comes to playing blackjack, mastering the art of pair splitting can significantly affect your chances of winning. However, it’s crucial to adapt your strategy to the specific rules of the game you’re playing. In this guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of pair splitting, focusing on the differences between No Double After Splitting (NDAS) and Double After Splitting (DAS) rules, as well as the impact of rules like H17 (vs S17) and DD (Doubling Down).

Blackjack Strategy – Pair Splitting with NDAS Rules

One key distinction in blackjack strategy is the treatment of pair splitting under NDAS rules. When you encounter NDAS regulations, you’ll find yourself opting to split pairs less frequently than when the game specifies DAS. Here’s a detailed breakdown of pair splitting strategies under NDAS conditions:

1. Pair of 4s vs. Dealer’s 5
   • Scenario: You receive a pair of 4s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 5.
   • Strategy: In the presence of NDAS rules, it’s advisable not to split the pair but to hit instead.
2. Pair of 7s vs. Dealer’s 7
   • Scenario: You’re dealt a pair of 7s, and the dealer’s upcard is also a 7.
   • Strategy: Under NDAS regulations, you should split your pair of 7s.
3. Pair of 3s vs. Dealer’s 3
   • Scenario: You receive a pair of 3s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 3.
   • Strategy: If NDAS rules are in effect, it’s better to hit rather than split your pair of 3s.

Blackjack Strategy – Pair Splitting with DAS Rules

In contrast to NDAS rules, Double After Splitting (DAS) rules allow for a more flexible approach to pair splitting. Here’s how pair splitting works when DAS rules are in play:

1. Pair of 4s vs. Dealer’s 5
   • Scenario: You’re dealt a pair of 4s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 5.
   • Strategy: Under DAS regulations, it’s recommended to split your pair of 4s.
2. Pair of 7s vs. Dealer’s 7
   • Scenario: You receive a pair of 7s, and the dealer’s upcard is also a 7.
   • Strategy: In a DAS game, you should still split your pair of 7s.
3. Pair of 3s vs. Dealer’s 3
   • Scenario: You’re dealt a pair of 3s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 3.
   • Strategy: When DAS rules apply, it’s generally a good idea to split your pair of 3s.

<Blackjack Strategy – How to manage betting funds on hand?>

Blackjack Strategy – H17 vs. S17 and Pair Splitting

Another important consideration in blackjack strategy is whether the game follows Hit Soft 17 (H17) or Stand on Soft 17 (S17) rules. This distinction can influence pair splitting decisions. Here’s a key scenario:

• Scenario: If the rules specify H17 (Hit Soft 17), you would surrender a pair of 8s when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace (instead of splitting).

Blackjack Strategy – Doubling Down (DD) and Pair Splitting

When playing a Double Down (DD) game, pair splitting strategies remain largely consistent with DAS rules. However, there are a few exceptions:

1. Pair of 6s vs. Dealer’s 7
   • Scenario: You have a pair of 6s, and the dealer’s upcard is a 7.
   • Strategy: In a DD game, it’s advisable to split your pair of 6s instead of hitting.
2. Pair of 7s vs. Dealer’s 8
   • Scenario: You’re dealt a pair of 7s, and the dealer’s upcard is an 8.
   • Strategy: In a DD game, you should split your pair of 7s instead of hitting.
3. Pair of 8s vs. Dealer’s Ace
   • Scenario: If you’re playing a DD game with DAS, even if the rules include H17, it’s not recommended to surrender a pair of 8s when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Instead, you should split.

Conclusion

In the world of blackjack, mastering the art of pair splitting is crucial for success. Understanding the differences between NDAS and DAS rules, as well as considering H17, S17, and DD variations, allows you to make informed decisions at the blackjack table. By adapting your strategy to the specific rules in play, you can maximize your chances of beating the dealer and coming out on top.

<Blackjack Strategy – Why do I often lose when playing blackjack？>