Online Blackjack Strategies

Splitting 4's

The chart shows that the only time you split 4's is against the dealer's weak 5 or 6. That makes sense.

Why would you want to split 4's against the dealer's 3? Too many cards will put you in a breaking position. Besides, drawing to eight is not a bad assignment. Six cards (9 through Ace) will put you in a standing position with the dealer in a breaking position. Plus, two other cards (2 or 3) will give you a total of ten or eleven for a better hand to draw to. That means 8 out of 13 cards will leave you in good shape.

You may wonder about splitting two 4's against the dealer's 4. It's a move that can provoke hours of discussion, pro and con. Card counters particularly like it when the deck is rich. Whichever way you decide to play, you are neither wrong nor right.

Basic Blackjack Strategy when you have two 4's

DEALER'S UP CARD	YOU SHOULD
5,6	SPLIT
2 3, 7 Ace	HIT
4	HIT or SPLIT

Pair Of 5's

Forget about a pair of 5's as being anything but two cards adding up to ten. It's a coincidence that each one has the same value. You must treat them as though they were 8 and 2, 7 and 3, or 6 and 4. You don't split those hands, so don't split 5's. Sure, the casinos will let you, but I won't!!

If you treat a pair of 5's like any other ten hand, you won't split them. Instead, to increase your bet against the dealer, you double down. But only when the dealer shows 2 through 7. (See chapter 10 for a detailed explanation of doubling with ten.)

If any Blackjack players reading this book would consider splitting 5's, go back to square one. Change your thinking to acquire winning habits.

If you split 5's, you'll have tough cards to work with. Double down and you'll have an excellent chance to improve your hand.

Basic Blackjack Strategy when you have two 5's

DEALER'S UP CARD	YOU SHOULD
2 7	DOUBLE DOWN
8 Ace	HIT