Should I split a pair of 4’s in Blackjack?
Posted by: skymasterson in Games, tags: basic strategy, blackjack, cards, casino gamesIf you play Blackjack for any length of time (trust me!), you’ll inevitably hear someone say that, “only fools split fours, fives, or faces”. Well, that’s almost correct but not quite.
In fact, it is correct basic strategy to split a pair of fours under the following conditions:
- It is a multi-deck game (the most common games are 6 or 8 decks dealt from a shoe)
- The dealer’s up card is a five or a six
- Double after split is allowed
The last item is the key. If double after split is not allowed, the proper play is to treat your pair of fours as a total of eight and just hit it.
You won’t win every hand this way but, over the long run, that’s the correct way to play your pair of fours (assuming you’re not counting cards - but that’s a whole separate series of posts!).
So, try it with confidence next time. And don’t worry about anyone who might give you the “fools” line. You are right and will do better than those players over time.
Thanks for the advice on splitting pairs of fours. What is the appropriate response to the table-mate giving incorrect advice? I’m often uncomfortable saying anything. It bothers me when others follow their advice blindly.
Any advice?
BlackJack Student,
I generally ignore comments from other players because I have studied basic strategy and am confident that my play is correct in that situation.
So, if you really want to improve your game, my advice is to study the correct basic strategy for the game that you play until you have it memorized. Then, play that strategy with confidence since there is only one correct play in each situation and you now know it.
What, if anything, you want to say to the “know-it-all” is up to you.
Thanks for the comment and good luck.
-Sky