Pair · Dealer shows 10
Pair of 8s vs a dealer 10
Basic strategySplit.
Why
A pair of 8s is a 16, the worst total in the game. Splitting turns one bad hand into two hands that each start at 8, which is a much better starting point.
You'll still lose money on average against a 10. Splitting just loses less: about $5 less per $100 than hitting or standing on 16. This is a damage-control play, not a money-maker, and that's fine.
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 | −$53.98 | −$53.98 |
| Stand | −$54.04 | −$54.04 |
| Double (2× bet) | −$107.97 | −$107.97 |
| Split (2 hands) | −$48.95Best | −$48.95Best |
| Surrender (if offered) | −$50.00 | −$50.00 |
Without surrender, split beats hit by $5.03 per $100 bet under either soft-17 rule.
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 |
The answer is the same under every common rule set.
Common mistake
Thinking "now I'll lose two bets instead of one." The math accounts for the extra bet, and splitting still comes out ahead.
Going further
In surrender games, some players surrender 8,8 vs 10. Splitting is still slightly better in a shoe game.
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
What if one of my split hands gets a 3, making 11?
Double it if your table allows doubling after splits.
Do I split 8s against a 9?
Yes. Split 8s against everything, with the one H17 surrender exception against an ace.