Pairs are among the most confusing starting hands for novice blackjack players to handle. Most rookies memorize the correct hitting, standing, and doubling decisions for hard totals with relative ease, but when it comes to splitting pairs, they are utterly perplexed. The struggle is real with soft totals as well, but nothing quite beats the confusion that arises when novices are dealt pairs at the blackjack table.
The sad thing is splitting was not originally an option in the earliest variations of blackjack, and neither was doubling down. These two moves were introduced later in the game’s development to make blackjack more interesting and attractive, since both doubling and splitting are known to significantly reduce the casino’s edge.
Instead of taking advantage of this fact, most unskilled players misplay their pairs, which ultimately turns them into long-term losers. To prevent blackjack rookies from falling victim to their intuition, we will examine in greater depth the optimal plays for all pairs you can be dealt in blackjack, starting with paired deuces and treys.
Optimal Plays for Paired Deuces in Single-Deck Blackjack
As is usually the case, optimal decisions for paired deuces are influenced by the conditions at the table. There are discrepancies in the correct strategy for this pair that stem from the number of decks the game uses. So let us first take a look at how you should approach a pair of deuces when you are playing against a single deck of cards.
The plays are not influenced by the dealer’s standing rules. The only factors to consider are the dealer’s upcard and whether DAS (doubling after splitting) is allowed. The optimal moves with a pair of 2s in a single-deck game are:
- split the 2s against dealer upcards 2 through 7
- hit the 2s against dealer upcards 8 through Ace
This makes sense because paired deuces give you a poor starting total of 4. By splitting, you improve your chances of winning and start two hands with a 2, which represents a significant improvement of your odds.
Splitting deuces is the most sensible move against a dealer who shows a weak or medium card, such as 2 through 7. These cards are volatile for the dealer because they carry a relatively high risk of busting, something you should exploit by raising your bet against such a weak dealer.
Optimal Plays for Paired Deuces in Single-Deck Blackjack Additional TipsConversely, when you are facing a dealer with a stronger upcard, who is more likely to reach their standing total or outdraw you, you must approach your paired 2s more conservatively and refrain from investing more money in that round.
This strategy applies when you play single-deck H17 or S17 games with DAS and late surrender (LS). In NDAS single-deck games, the strategy changes slightly: you should hit the 2s against a dealer showing a deuce instead of splitting them.
Optimal Plays for Paired Treys in Single-Deck Blackjack
A pair of treys also gives blackjack players a poor start. In fact, when left unsplit, this hand makes for an even worse starting total of 6. This is certainly a regression compared to a total of 4. Similarly to paired 2s, a pair of 3s requires a different strategy when you play single-deck and multiple-deck games.
DAS, or the lack thereof, also influences the correct plays for this pair against certain dealer upcards. Whether the game is H17 or S17 is, again, irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what upcard your dealer exposes. Here basic strategy tells us to:
- Split a pair of 3s against dealer upcards 2 through 8
- Hit the pair of 3s against dealer upcards 9 through Ace
Again, this approach is accurate provided the casino allows you to double after a split. If you play single-deck blackjack under the NDAS rule, adjust your strategy slightly. In that case, split the 3s only against dealer upcards 4 through 7 and hit against a 2 or 3. The plays against dealers with strong upcards, 8 through Ace, remain the same.
Correct Splitting Decisions for 2s and 3s in Multiple-Deck Games
Finding a single-deck blackjack table with half-decent rules is no easy feat these days. You are more likely to end up playing 21 with multiple decks of cards, at least if you are looking for good rules and a lower house edge.
So let’s look at the optimal splitting decisions for paired 2s and 3s, which thankfully coincide in double-deck and multiple-deck games, regardless of table conditions. The only rule variation that affects decision-making is the presence or absence of DAS. There are two logical decisions here: hitting or splitting. So here is what you must do with these two pairs in multiple-deck games that play under the DAS rule:
- Split both 2s and 3s against a dealer with 2 through 7
- Hit your 2s or 3s against a dealer with 8 through Ace
But what if you are not permitted to double after you split? The discrepancies are again small and concern your moves against a dealer whose exposed card is either a deuce or a trey. In NDAS multiple-deck variations of blackjack, the correct strategy is to hit your 2s and 3s when the dealer shows a 2 or a 3. Everything else remains the same. The dealer’s standing rules have no effect on your playing decisions for these two pairs.
Correct Splitting Decisions for 2s and 3s in Multiple-Deck Games Additional TipsYou are probably asking yourself how this helps you. The plays listed above are referred to as “optimal” because it is mathematically established they help you achieve three things with these two pairs: increase your average profits, reduce your average losses, and improve your bad starting totals.
These plays may not appear to work in the short term. Sometimes it may feel like you are losing split 2s or 3s time and again despite following basic strategy to a tee. However, you will inevitably notice these moves have a positive effect on your bankroll after you go through thousands of hands. Until then, the only thing you can do is trust the math and make the optimal playing decisions for your paired deuces and treys.