When Should You Split a Pair of 8s in Blackjack?
Splitting a pair of 8s in blackjack can seem simple, but the choice carries more weight than most hands you’ll play. Understanding why players often split this pair can help you see how basic strategy works and how decisions are shaped by the rules of the game.
This guide explains what splitting means, when it may be used, and how factors such as the dealer’s card and table rules can influence your decision.
Whether you’re learning how blackjack decisions are made, or want to better understand what shapes them, this walkthrough may give you a clearer view of one of the most discussed hands in the game.
When Should You Split a Pair of 8s in Blackjack?
In blackjack, you receive two cards and aim to reach a total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. If you are dealt two cards of the same value, such as two 8s, most games allow you to split them. Splitting means you place another bet equal to your first wager and turn the pair into two separate hands, each starting with one of the 8s.
A total of 16 (the sum of two 8s) is one of the least favourable hands in the game. The chance of busting when hitting on 16 is high—roughly 62%. Splitting gives you two hands that start at 8 instead, each with the potential to build a stronger total.
Basic blackjack strategy, which is based on statistical analysis of millions of simulated hands, generally recommends splitting 8s because the expected loss from splitting is smaller than the expected loss from playing 16 as one hand. The decision does not guarantee a win, but it may reduce the disadvantage in the long run.
For example, if you hold 8-8 and the dealer shows a 10, keeping 16 leaves you with a hand that loses on most outcomes. Splitting creates two new hands starting at 8, and even if one loses, the other might draw a 10 or 9 for a competitive total.
When Should You Avoid Splitting 8s?
While splitting is common, there are times when you might decide not to. Each split requires placing an extra bet, which means your total stake doubles for that round. If you have a smaller budget, or want to limit how much you are wagering, you may choose to keep the pair together and play it as one hand.
Certain table rules can also make splitting less appealing. For instance:
- If the table does not allow doubling after a split, you lose the option to increase your wager when you receive a strong second card like a 3 or 2.
- If resplitting (splitting again if another 8 appears) isn’t permitted, you may be restricted from turning multiple 8s into separate hands.
- Some games offer surrender, where you can give up half your stake to end the hand early. In a few rule sets, surrendering a 16 against a dealer 10 or Ace might have a better long-term potential than splitting, but only if the rule is available.
Choosing whether to split depends on your comfort level, the rules of the table, and the specific situation you’re facing.
Does the Dealer’s Upcard Affect the Decision?
The dealer’s visible card, called the upcard, strongly influences strategy in blackjack. It helps you estimate how likely the dealer is to reach a strong total.
If the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, they are statistically more likely to bust because they must draw until at least 17. Splitting your 8s in this case gives you two hands that both start from a good base total while the dealer is at a disadvantage.
When the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace, your original 16 is very weak, with a low probability of winning if played as a single hand. Splitting 8s in these cases still tends to lose over time, but it may lose less than keeping 16 together. This is why splitting is usually recommended in strategy charts.
If surrender is available, you might instead choose to surrender 16 against a dealer 10 or Ace, as this limits the loss to half your bet.
What Do Blackjack Rules Say About Splitting 8s?
Rules can differ between casinos and online games. Understanding the rules that apply to your table can help make your choices clearer before you place any bets.
Impact of Single-Deck vs Multi-Deck Games
Blackjack games can be played with one deck or several. Most UK online tables use four, six, or eight decks. The number of decks slightly changes the probability of drawing certain cards, but the difference is usually small for the decision to split 8s.
In single-deck games, each card’s absence matters more, so strategies may vary slightly. However, in both formats, splitting 8s remains a statistically supported move because it replaces a weak total of 16 with two new hands that have a better mathematical expectation.
However, as blackjack involves chance, winning is never guaranteed.
How Different Table Rules Change the Odds
Several house rules can affect the potential value of a split:
- Doubling After Split (DAS): If allowed, you can double your wager on one or both new hands after seeing the next card. This can increase the potential return of splitting 8s, if successful.
- Resplitting: Some tables let you resplit if another 8 appears. Each additional split adds cost, but may reduce long-term loss if managed carefully.
- Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17: When the dealer stands on soft 17 (a hand like Ace-6), the house edge is slightly smaller—about 0.2%. When the dealer hits, your split hands face more competition.
- Surrender: Available in limited versions of UK blackjack. It lets you give up half your stake before the dealer checks for blackjack.
Because these variations affect outcomes, checking the table’s rule panel before playing can help you better understand that specific game’s rules.
Does Splitting 8s Increase Your Chances of Winning?
Splitting 8s does not guarantee a win, but mathematically, it is often the better long-term play compared with standing or hitting on 16.
According to strategy calculations for standard six-deck blackjack with the dealer standing on soft 17 and DAS allowed, splitting 8s against a dealer 10 has an expected loss of around –0.48 per unit wagered, while standing on 16 has a loss closer to –0.54. The difference is small, but measurable over time.
Blackjack is a game of skill combined with chance. Even correct decisions can lose because outcomes depend on random card draws. The aim of using basic strategy is to try and reduce the house advantage, which typically sits around 0.5 in well-ruled games.
If you prefer to take fewer additional wagers, or if table rules make splitting less valuable, keeping the hand together and playing it as one total is also acceptable. The “best” move often depends on your comfort level, understanding of the game, and the conditions of the table.
Play Blackjack Games Online at Rose Casino
Rose Casino is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and our blackjack tables display clear rules and limits so you know exactly what is allowed before you play. You will find a range of blackjack variants alongside other table games and slots from regulated providers.
You can sign up or log in to Rose Casino to play for real money, try different versions of blackjack, and explore tables with different features.
If you choose to play, set a budget you can afford and stick to it. However you prefer to approach a pair of 8s, understanding the reasoning behind a split can help you make more informed decisions at the table. Always play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.