Do you split 7s against a 9?

Do you split 7s against 9

Absolutely not! You should not split a pair of 7s in blackjack against the dealer’s 9.

Splitting is a move that allows you to split your hand into two separate hands you can play independently. But, remember you also need to place another bet for the new hand which should be equal to the initial bet. So the big question is: should you split 7s when the dealer’s up card is a 9?

Never split a pair of sevens against a 9 regardless of the pair splitting rule and the number of decks in play. Instead, you should hit on a pair of 7s when the dealer is showing an 8, 9, or an Ace.

Do you split 4s against an 8?

You should never split a pair of 4s in blackjack. That is the golden rule according to basic blackjack strategy

In general, when present with a pair in blackjack, you can potentially make three moves. You can:

  • Hit
  • Stand, or
  • Double down after splitting

When you split a pair of 4s even if doubling down is allowed, you are relying heavily on the dealer to go bust. A hand worth 4 points is a weak one, but a pair of 4s creates a strong hand of 8 points. 

So, your strategy when you are dealt a pair of 4s is as follows:

  • Do not split your 4s against an 8 when playing single deck blackjack. Instead, you are better off with a hit. Additionally, a hand total of four is more favorable if the dealer gets an up-card of either 5 or 6 in the next draw. Since the subsequent deal often results in a lower expected value, further reducing the impact on your bankroll. However, you should only hit if the rules allow you to double after the split.
  • Do not split your 4s against a dealer’s 8 in either multiple-deck or single-deck NDAS games. Alternatively, hitting is the wiser option. You may end up with an ace in your next draw. Consequently, your hand total is 19, which means a 2 or 3 in the next draw presents an opportunity to double down.
  • There are situations where splitting your fours against an eight is wise. For example, you can split your fours in blackjack games that permit re-splitting. By doing so, you can now increase your money bet from its initial value. In addition, re-splitting your 4s is suitable when you are against small up-cards, especially 5 and 6. Online casinos are the ones that mostly feature this type of Blackjack.
  • Finally, if your next draw is a pair after splitting, split it too because you are back to the initial situation that made you do it. For example, you split your 4s because playing two hands of four is better than a single hand of 8. If your following draw results in a pair of fours, you are back to square one.

Do you split 7s against a 2?

Yes. You should always split your pair of 7s against a dealer’s upcard of 2 regardless of the version of blackjack you are playing. Furthermore, this basic strategy will work in your favor regardless of your level of skill and experience. Why? 

You split your 7s when the dealer is showing a 2 because:

Splitting minimizes your losses

When playing a game with S17 and NDAS (no doubling after pair splitting) house rules, a starting hand of 7s means you are at a disadvantage regardless. Therefore, splitting results in a better outcome since you allow for more plays with a starting hand-total of 7 each. Consequently, your chances of winning increase to four compared to only two with a hand-total of 14.

You are more likely to win than lose money with this blackjack basic strategy

Often, splitting your 7s generally results in you winning more money. For example, if both hands win after the split, you win double the bet. Since you also need to place a bet on the new hand that is equal to your initial bet amount.

You are more likely to create a winning hand after splitting 7s

Splitting your 7s in any blackjack game typically results in more favorable hands in the next draw. Again, it is because there are more cards of lower value with the dealer than high-value cards.

Splitting minimizes your losses

Should you split 7s in blackjack?

Yes, you should split a pair of 7s in blackjack when the dealer is showing any card from 2 through 7. However, according to the basic blackjack strategy, you should hit on 7s if the dealer’s up-card is outside the 2-7 range, meaning 8 through Ace.

For example, you should split your pair of 7s if the dealer has a 4, but hit if the dealer’s up card is a 9. As you can see, splitting and hitting are the best moves you can make with a pair of 7s. You cannot stand because a hard 14 (7-7) can easily be beaten by the dealer if they are showing any card higher than a 7.

Note that splitting 7s against 2-7 works on both blackjack games where the dealer stands or hits on soft 17. Other factors you should consider include:

Whether the surrender rule is available. In that case, you should consider surrendering your pair of 7s against the dealer’s 10 in a single-deck blackjack game.

People enjoying a blackjack game

How to Play a Pair of 7s Based on the Number of Decks in the Shoe

How to Play 7s in a Single-Deck Blackjack Game

The viable moves for 7s in single deck blackjack games are to surrender (if available), split, hit, or stand.

We don’t recommend doubling because it is not a wise play with a hard 14 regardless of what the dealer is showing.

If the game allows doubling after pair splitting, that can also affect your next move. The strategy is universal, so you should apply it whether you’re playing blackjack at a land-based, or online casino.

In a single-deck blackjack game where the dealer hits on soft 17, you should do the following with a pair of 7s:

  • Surrender your 7 pair on dealer’s ten if surrendering is available
  • Split your 7-pair on dealer’s 2-8 with doubling after pair splitting rule. If you are not allowed to double down after splitting, then you should hit on your 7s against the dealer’s 8.
  • Hit your 7 pair if the dealer is showing 9 through ace

When it comes to a single-deck blackjack game with hard 17 dealer rule, you should consider the following basic strategy:

  • Hit your 7-pair when the dealer is showing a 9
  • Split your 7s if the dealer is showing any card 2-8. If doubling after pair splitting is unavailable, hit against the dealer’s 8.
  • Surrender your pair on dealer’s 10 through Ace. If the surrender option is unavailable, you should consider standing on your pair of 7s against the dealer’s 10 at the blackjack tables. Hit on dealer’s Ace.
Casino chips on table

How to Play 7s in a Double-Deck Blackjack Game

Here is the basic blackjack strategy for a pair 7s when you are playing a double-deck game:

  • Hit your 7-pair when the dealer’s up card is a 9, ten, or ace
  • Split your pair of 7s when the dealer shows any card from 2 through 8 and you are allowed to double down after splitting pairs. If not, hit on your pair of 7s against the dealer’s 8.

The good news is that the two moves above are sound no matter if the dealer is supposed to stand or hit on soft 17.

The Blackjack Strategy for Playing 7s in Multiple-Deck Games

When you have a pair of 7s in a multiple-deck blackjack game, you should make the following basic strategy moves:

  • Hit your 7s against the dealer’s 8 through Ace
  • Split your pair when the dealer is showing anything from 2 through 7 (inclusive)

Therefore, always remember these rules when playing 7s:

  • Split your 7s against a dealer’s up-cards from 2 to 7 in multiple-deck games.
  • In addition, your odds of winning also increase when you split your 7s in single-deck games with NDAS. You should only do this if the dealer has cards 2 to 7. Conversely, you can split against 2s through 8s in single-deck games with DAS.
  • For double-deck games, split your sevens against a dealer’s 2 to 7 in DAS games. However, in NDAS games, you can split your 7s against a dealer’s 2 to 8.
  • Always take advantage of re-splitting if the game permits. By doing so, you turn the game in your favor with every subsequent split turn.
  • Finally, employing the above rules for playing 7s will almost always guarantee you more wins and fewer losses.

Do you split 8s against a 9?

Yes, you should split 8s against the dealer’s 9. In fact, the rule of thumb is to always split a pair of 8s in blackjack. Similarly, you should always split aces no matter the dealer’s up card.

In this way, you will create two strong split hands, especially if you land ten value cards in the next deal.

Do you split 9s?

Yes, you should split 9s, except when the dealer shows an ace, ten, or 7. If you have been dealt pairs of 9s, you should split if the dealer upcard is 2-6 or 8-9.

Are you supposed to split 4s?

No, you are not supposed to split 4s. According to the basic blackjack strategy, you should never split a pair of 4s, 5s, and tens.

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