Blackjack Strategy Trainer 21
The quick answer
| Pair | Basic strategy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A,A | Always split | Each ace becomes a hand starting at 11 |
| 8,8 | Always split | Escapes hard 16, the worst total |
| 10,10 | Never split | 20 wins too often to break apart |
| 5,5 | Never split | Play it as hard 10 and double when correct |
| 9,9 | Split vs 2-6, 8-9; stand vs 7, 10, A | 18 is already good against dealer 7 |
| 7,7 | Split vs 2-7 | Turns hard 14 into two playable starts |
| 6,6 | Split vs 3-6, plus 2 if DAS | DAS makes the dealer 2 split worthwhile |
| 4,4 | Split only vs 5-6 with DAS | Otherwise hard 8 is better played as a hit |
| 3,3 and 2,2 | Split vs 4-7, plus 2-3 if DAS | Weak dealer cards and DAS create the value |
Always split cards
Aces and 8s are the two automatic splits. A,A is too weak together and too powerful apart. 8,8 is the opposite: the original total is awful, and splitting reduces the damage even against strong dealer cards.
Never split cards
Do not split 10s. A hard 20 is one of the strongest hands in blackjack and should be protected. Do not split 5s either. A pair of 5s is hard 10, which is a premium doubling hand against dealer 2 through 9 in standard rules.
The conditional cards
The middle pairs are where most mistakes happen. 9,9 is the most counterintuitive: split against dealer 9 but stand against dealer 7. 4,4 is also rule-dependent; it becomes a split only when Double After Split is allowed against dealer 5 or 6.
If the table does not offer DAS, tighten the low-pair splits. Without the chance to double after catching a good card, 2,2 vs 2, 3,3 vs 3, and 4,4 vs 5-6 lose much of their value.
Practice the pair chart in the app
Blackjack Strategy Trainer 21 deals pairs along with every other hand and grades every decision against the chart. The hands you get wrong appear more often until you master them.
Get it free on Google Play or on the App Store