Do You Split 8s in Blackjack?

One of the most common dilemmas that blackjack players face is whether to split 8s or not. This is a crucial decision that can significantly affect your chances of winning. In this tutorial, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of splitting 8s and help you make an informed decision next time you play blackjack.

What Does Splitting 8s Mean

In blackjack, splitting means dividing your hand into two separate hands. When you split 8s, you’re essentially creating two hands with a starting value of 8 each. You’ll then receive a new card for each hand and play them independently against the dealer’s hand.

The Pros of Splitting 8s

• Increasing Your Chances of Winning: One of the main advantages of splitting 8s is that it increases your chances of winning. An initial hand of 16 is considered one of the worst hands in blackjack because it’s very difficult to improve it without busting.

  By splitting, you’re giving yourself two shots at drawing cards that can improve your hands’ value.

• Making Use of Dealer Weaknesses: Another advantage is that splitting allows you to take advantage of dealer weaknesses. Dealers are required to hit on any hand with a value less than 17, which means there’s a good chance they’ll bust when facing an initial hand value of 8.
• Doubling Your Winnings: If both your split hands win against the dealer’s hand, you’ll double your winnings for that round, which can be very lucrative.

The Cons of Splitting 8s

• Increasing Your Risk: One of the main disadvantages of splitting 8s is that it increases your risk. When you split, you’re essentially betting twice the amount of your original bet.

  If both hands lose, you’ll lose double the amount you would have lost if you hadn’t split.

• Dependent on Luck: Splitting 8s is also dependent on luck. There’s no guarantee that splitting will improve your hand’s value, and there’s always a chance that both split hands will end up worse than your initial hand.
• Not Always Recommended: Finally, some blackjack experts argue that splitting 8s should be avoided altogether in certain scenarios, such as when the dealer has an Ace or a face card showing.

When Should You Split 8s

The decision to split 8s ultimately depends on the specific situation you’re facing at the blackjack table. However, here are some general guidelines to follow:

• If the dealer has a weak upcard (2-7), splitting 8s is generally recommended.
• If the dealer has a strong upcard (10 or Ace), it’s usually not recommended to split 8s.
• If the blackjack rules allow for resplitting, it’s generally recommended to split again if you receive another pair of 8s.

In Conclusion

Splitting 8s can be a risky but potentially rewarding move in blackjack. It all depends on the specific situation and your personal risk tolerance. By following these guidelines and practicing good bankroll management, you can make informed decisions at the blackjack table and increase your chances of winning big!