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Blackjack pair strategy

Blackjack Split Chart: When to Split Pairs

Use the pair row before treating two equal cards as a normal total. The complete split chart below compares every starting pair with the dealer upcard under a common multi-deck S17 game where double after split is allowed.

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Three anchors

A,ASplit
8,8Split
10,10Stand
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Complete S17 pair reference

Blackjack split chart by dealer upcard

Find the pair in the first column and read across to the dealer's visible card. This chart uses a common multi-deck S17 game with double after split allowed and no surrender.

HHitSStandDDoubleSpSplit

Use the pair row first. If the cell says hit, stand, or double, keep the pair together and play it as the corresponding hard total.

Compact blackjack pair splitting chart for mobile screens
Pair2345678910A
2,2SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitHHitHHitHHitHHit
3,3SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitHHitHHitHHitHHit
4,4HHitHHitHHitSpSplitSpSplitHHitHHitHHitHHitHHit
5,5DDoubleDDoubleDDoubleDDoubleDDoubleDDoubleDDoubleDDoubleHHitHHit
6,6SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitHHitHHitHHitHHitHHit
7,7SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitHHitHHitHHitHHit
8,8SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplit
9,9SpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSStandSpSplitSpSplitSStandSStand
10,10SStandSStandSStandSStandSStandSStandSStandSStandSStandSStand
A,ASpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplitSpSplit

Remember these first

Two automatic splits and two pairs to keep together

A,A

Split aces

Create two stronger starting hands instead of keeping soft 12.

8,8

Split 8s

Escape hard 16 even though the result of an individual hand remains uncertain.

5,5

Keep 5s together

Treat the pair as hard 10 and use the doubling row.

10,10

Keep 20 together

Stand on the strong made total instead of creating two new hands.

Read the exceptions

How to use the pair chart without memorizing random cells

1

How to use the blackjack split chart

Find your starting pair in the first column, then move across to the dealer's visible upcard. Split means separate the pair into two hands; hit, stand, or double means keep the cards together and play the total shown.

Read the rule profile before memorizing the cells. This chart uses a common multi-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and double after split is allowed. Different table rules can change close pair decisions.

2

Always split aces and 8s in this ruleset

Aces are too powerful to keep together as soft 12. Splitting creates two stronger starting hands, although a 21 made after splitting aces is normally treated as 21 rather than a natural blackjack.

A pair of 8s totals 16, one of the weakest hard totals in the game. Splitting does not guarantee a win, but it gives you a cleaner path than keeping hard 16 together.

3

Never split 5s or 10-value cards

A pair of 5s is a hard 10, one of the strongest doubling totals. Keep the cards together and follow the hard-10 decision instead of turning them into two weak starting hands.

A pair of 10-value cards makes 20. Standard basic strategy keeps that strong made hand instead of breaking it into two uncertain hands.

4

Dealer-dependent pairs need the full row

Pairs of 2s, 3s, 4s, 6s, 7s, and 9s change action with the dealer upcard. A pair of 9s, for example, splits against several weak and medium dealer cards but stands against 7, 10, and ace.

Do not replace the row with a slogan. Use the chart until you can recall both the broad pattern and the exceptions without looking.

Clear answers

Blackjack pair splitting questions

Which pairs should you always split in blackjack?

In the common multi-deck S17 ruleset used here, always split aces and 8s. Check the stated rules before applying any chart at a different table.

Why should you never split 5s?

Two 5s make hard 10, a strong doubling total against many dealer upcards. Splitting turns one strong hand into two weak starting hands.

Should you split 10s in blackjack?

Standard basic strategy keeps 20 together. Splitting gives up one of the strongest made totals for two uncertain hands.

Does the blackjack split chart change with table rules?

Yes. Deck count, double after split, resplitting, and restrictions on split aces can change close pair decisions and what happens after the split.

Next step

Recall pair decisions without the chart

Use the trainer for randomized pair decisions, then return to the exact row when an exception is missed.

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