Blackjack Strategy Trainer 21
The answer: always split A,A
Under basic strategy, split aces against every dealer upcard: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and Ace. There is no normal dealer card that makes playing A,A as one hand better than splitting it.
Why A,A is so strong split apart
Two aces together total either 2 or 12. Neither total is useful. Split apart, each ace becomes the first card of a hand worth 11. A ten-value card gives that hand 21. Even when the casino restricts split aces to one card only, the expected value is still much better than hitting or standing on soft 12.
Rules that affect split aces
- Most casinos give only one card to each split ace.
- A ten after a split ace usually counts as 21, not a natural blackjack.
- Many casinos do not allow resplitting aces.
- If resplitting aces is allowed, that rule is favorable to the player.
Do you split aces against a dealer 10 or Ace?
Yes. These are uncomfortable spots because the dealer has a strong upcard, but A,A as one hand is too weak to protect. Splitting gives you two chances to make 21 or at least a strong total. The play remains a split.
Memory rule
Aces are not a hand to play. Aces are two separate starting hands waiting to happen.