Pair · Dealer shows 5
Pair of 4s vs a dealer 5
Basic strategySplit if the table allows doubling after a split. Otherwise hit.
Why
A pair of 4s is a hard 8. Normally you just hit it. Against a 5 or 6, the dealer busts often enough that you want more money on the table, and splitting is the way to get it.
The payoff comes from doubling. Each split 4 that catches a 5, 6 or 7 becomes a 9, 10 or 11 you can double against a bust card. Without double after split, that advantage disappears and splitting loses money, so you hit.
By the numbers
Average result per $100 initial bet, after the dealer checks for blackjack. A negative number is an average loss; the best play is the one that loses least or wins most.
| Play | Dealer hits soft 17 | Dealer stands on soft 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | +$7.00 | +$7.08 |
| Stand | −$16.47 | −$16.72 |
| Double (2× bet) | +$0.26 | +$0.35 |
| Split (2 hands) | +$8.26Best | +$8.03Best |
| Surrender (if offered) | −$50.00 | −$50.00 |
Dealer hits soft 17: split beats hit by $1.26 per $100. Dealer stands on soft 17: split beats hit by $0.95 per $100. Close call
Infinite-deck model, which tracks a 6–8 deck shoe closely. Double after split allowed, no resplits. How we calculate.
How the table rules change it
| Table rules (4–8 decks, double after split unless noted) | Play |
|---|---|
| Dealer hits soft 17, no surrender Most Florida and Las Vegas tables | Split |
| Dealer hits soft 17, surrender allowed Some higher-limit tables | Split |
| Dealer stands on soft 17, no surrender Felt says “stands on all 17s” | Split |
| Dealer stands on soft 17, surrender allowed Best common shoe game | Split |
| Dealer hits soft 17, no double after split Check the rules card | Hit |
| Dealer stands on soft 17, no double after split Check the rules card | Hit |
The rules change this play. Read the felt before you sit down.
Common mistake
Doubling 8. Hard 8 is never a double in a shoe game; split or hit.
Going further
Double after split is common in Florida and Vegas shoe games. It's printed on many felts as "DAS" or listed on the rules card.
Drill it
This hand first, then the spots people mix it up with. The switches match your table’s rules and carry over to the full trainer.
Questions
Split 4s vs 6?
Yes, with double after split. Otherwise hit.
Split 4s vs 4?
No, hit. The split only pays against 5 and 6.