Why are you always supposed to SPLIT 8's in blackjack??

Question

http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bjbse.php?numdecks=6+decks&soft17=h17&dbl=all&das=yes&surr=ns&peek=yes

no matter what the dealers upcard is, u are always supposed to split 8's. why?? that doesnt make sense when it comes to dealers showing 10's or Aces.

Answer 1

Splitting 8's is safe.  You can't bust if the dealer flips a 10, J, K, Q or Ace.  You stand a good chance of getting 18 or 19, which is pretty solid.  It's just a good chance to make more $.  It's all about probability.  You're not "supposed" to do anything, play however you want.  (You may annoy others at the table, but f**k 'em, you're probably there to have fun, not gamble away the kid's college fund).

Answer 2

Because 16 is a horrible number to be stuck with.  Always take the chance of splitting because the majority of the time, you will end up with 18 or 19.

Answer 3

One decent answer (from Maggs) out of 3 ain't bad I guess.

You're supposed to split them because the math says so. You're not assuming anything about the dealer's down card like so many people will tell you. The simple fact is, if you run through every possible situation when you have two 8s, you will lose the least amount of money by splitting. If you want to hit or stand instead go ahead, just be aware that in the long run you will lose more money than if you had split.

Answer 4

Splitting eights gives you the best opportunity to draw cards without breaking.  16 is a weak hand and there are 8 cards that can bust you, if you stand and the dealer does not break you will always lose. If you split the eights, you have the best chance of making a hand that can win or tie and in some cases even get a hand that can be doubled.  16 is the worst hand in blackjack.  Even if the dealer has an ace or 10 it makes sense because of the high probability that you could be beat already.  By splitting you may win both or lose one or the worst case lose both, but again at least you increased your chances of winning.

Answer 5

Yea it seems like a bad play and it is but it's the least bad. Look at the expectations vs a 10/face

If a dealer has a 10/face up he breaks only 21% so if you stay on your eights you will lose 79%

If you hit them you will lose 77%

If you split you will lose 72%

All are bad but splitting loses the least over the long run

Btw surrender is recommended on hands that are expected to lose over 75%.

Answer 6

im not a blackjack expert, but from what i would think unless you can surrender, your 16 is almost definitely going to lose unless the dealer busts... and if the dealer busts, you will win on two hands instead of one.... its about giving yourself the best chance in your situation... if the 16 was a 9 and 7 and dealer shows a high card, you would want to hit.... at least by splitting, you'll probably get an 18 on both