The primary factor
to consider when splitting pairs is whether or not your casino
of choice allows doubling after splitting (DAS). If DAS is allowed,
you must have the proper basic strategy memorized. I see players
make a lot of errors in splitting pairs, primarily with a hand
of 8, 8. Most know that a pair of 8s should be split against
all up cards, but most stand when they hold them against a dealer's
10. The cost of that mistake isn't huge, simply because a hand
of 8,8 is fairly rare. But by standing, a player has an expectation
of -.537% and by splitting (if DAS is allowed), an expectation
of -.483% is realized. So, the extra money which is put to risk
does -- in the long run -- give a better return. Think of it
this way. Would you rather stand with a 16 against a 10 or hit
an 8 against a 10? By splitting, you get to hit an 8. Incidentally,
the numbers also indicate that splitting is best when DAS isn't
allowed, though there isn't as big a difference.
As the true count
goes up, you'll split more and as it goes down, you'll split
less. One play which is justified by a high count is the splitting
of 10s. For example, there may come a time when it's worthwhile
to split a pair of face cards against a 6. I counsel my students
to avoid that play since it draws such a negative reaction from
other players at the table. I don't really care what the others
at a table think of my play, but if the floor personnel are
alerted to what I've done, their initial suspicion may be that
I'm a counter. If they've seen me playing good basic strategy
and suddenly I have a big bet out and I do something like splitting
10s against a 6, they're going to think I'm either very stupid
or very smart. I guess it all relates to the image your projecting
in the casino; if it's one of a 'wild man', then go for it.
But if you're quiet, polite and a non-drinker, I'd advise against
making the play.
All other splitting
situations should be followed to the letter; especially that
of splitting 4s against a 5 or 6 (if DAS is allowed). Most people
don't have the pairs part of basic strategy memorized perfectly,
so they won't know what's right or wrong when you do it and
most think it's wrong to split 4s. Nothing quite like making
the right play and looking like a dummy when you do it!
As you go through
the numbers on splitting pairs, you'll see that some don't agree
with those published by Stanford Wong and other authors. As
I've explained before, some have been modified as a result of
Friedman's study on risk-averse play, and I feel they take no
advantage from you yet do lower your risk somewhat.
Basic
Strategy Variations:
Double after split allowed. |
| 3,3 vs. 2 |
Hit at 0
or lower. |
(Instead
of splitting.) |
| 4,4 vs. 5 |
Hit at 0
or lower. |
|
| 4,4 vs. 6 |
Hit at -2
or lower. |
|
| 6,6 vs. 2 |
Hit at -2
or lower. |
|
| 8,8 vs. 10 |
Stand at 8. |
(If the count
is really high, you do stand instead of hit.) |
| 9,9 vs. 7 |
Split at
|
Next time I'll
show you how test yourself on the basic strategy variations.
As always,
if you have any questions, e-mail me at
aceten1@mindspring.com
and Ill get back to you ASAP.
