Blackjack Card Counting Strategy & Tricks

1. A, A (Aces)

Always split when you have a pair of Aces. Splitting Aces is essential because it gives you the opportunity to form two strong starting hands, each with the

potential to reach 21. This greatly increases your chances of winning. When you split Aces, you will typically receive one more card for each Ace, and you can continue to hit or stand on each hand as you normally would. This strategy helps you maximize your chances of getting a blackjack, which pays out at higher odds.

2. 10, 10 (Tens)

With a sum of 20 points when you have a pair of 10s, it’s highly advisable not to split. Keeping your cards together as a total of 20 is already a very strong hand in blackjack. Splitting this pair would mean risking the strength of this hand, and it’s generally better to maintain your strong position and aim for a win with your existing hand.

3. 9, 9 (Nines)

When you have a pair of 9s and the house has an Ace or an 8 showing, it’s recommended not to split. This is because the dealer’s Ace indicates a strong potential for the dealer to reach a total of 21, which is difficult to beat. Similarly, if the dealer shows an 8, it’s also a fairly strong hand, and splitting may not be in your best interest. However, if the dealer shows any other card, it’s often a good idea to split the nines to create the possibility of forming two stronger hands.

4. 8, 8 (Eights)

Splitting eights is generally a wise decision. This is because having a pair of eights gives you a weak hand with a total of 16 points, which is not strong enough to stand against most dealer hands. By splitting, you have the chance to improve your position by receiving additional cards for each 8. It’s important to remember that splitting 8s can lead to the creation of two hands that are more likely to win than a single hand with a total of 16 points.

5. 7, 7 (Sevens)

When you have a pair of sevens, it’s recommended to split if the dealer’s face-up card has a value between 3 and 8. This strategy takes advantage of the likelihood of improving your position. However, if the dealer has a 9, 10, or an Ace showing, it’s better to keep your sevens as a hard 14, as splitting in this scenario is less advantageous.

6. 6, 6 (Sixes)

Split your pair of sixes when the dealer’s face-up card is between 3 and 7. This strategy aims to capitalize on the dealer’s potentially weak starting hand. However, if the dealer’s card is an 8 or higher, it’s better to keep your pair of sixes together.

7. 5, 5 (Fives)

It’s generally advisable to keep your pair of fives together. Splitting them is not advantageous because you already have a total of 10 points, which is a strong starting hand. There’s no need to risk weakening this position by splitting.

8. 4, 4 (Fours)

Split your pair of fours when the dealer’s face-up card is a 6 or 7. This is based on the principle that these dealer cards are relatively weak, and by splitting, you have the opportunity to create two better hands. However, if the dealer shows any other card, it’s better to keep your fours together.

9. 3, 3 (Threes)

Split your pair of threes if the dealer’s face-up card is between 3 and 8. Splitting in this scenario aims to take advantage of the dealer’s potential weakness. However, if the dealer’s card is a 9, 10, or an Ace, it’s better to keep your threes together.

10. 2, 2 (Twos)

Just like with a pair of fives, it’s usually better to keep your twos together. Splitting them doesn’t provide a significant advantage because you already have a total of 4 points, and splitting may weaken your overall position.