Optimum Blackjack Double And Split Strategy

Hit and stand are the staple moves in blackjack, but the optimum strategy on when to deploy them is not easy to master. Double and split moves are used less often, but easier to figure out. This article outlines the optimum strategy for these moves.

In the double move after a player sees his dealt hand and the dealer’s first card he can double his initial wager. But he is then compelled to take one and only one additional card. You double only in the following situations.

• If you have a soft 13 or 14 and the dealer’s face up card is a five or a six.

• If you have a soft 15 or 16 and the dealer’s face up card is a four, five or six.

• If you have a soft 17 and the dealer’s face up card is a three, four, five or six.

• If you have a soft 18 and the dealer’s face up card is a two, three, four, five or six.

• If you have a hard 11.

• If you have a hard 10, except when the dealer’s face up card is a ten or an ace.

• If you have a hard 9 and the dealer’s face up card is a three, four, five or six.

When you are dealt two cards of the same rank then you have the option to go for the split move. You can split the two cards as separate hands. You will place a second identical wager for the second hand and will be dealt one more card in each hand. Thereafter you play both hands independently. A summary of the split strategy is provided below. You will split only in the following situations.

• If you are dealt a pair of twos or threes and the dealer’s face up card is a four, five, six or seven.

• If you are dealt a pair of sixes and the dealer’s face up card is a three, four, five or six.

• If you are dealt a pair of sevens and the dealer’s face up card is a two, three, four, five, six or seven.

• If you are dealt a pair of nines and the dealer’s face up card is between a two and a nine.

• If you are dealt a pair of eights or aces.