Splitting Aces and Eights
August 16th, 2014 at 7:50:27 AM
permalink
Everyone is probably comfortable splitting aces under all circumstances. But what about 8's? No matter the count or circumstances, do you split 8's all the time? If, for example, you have a high TC and a max bet on the table and you have 8's vs. a dealer 10, would you still split them?
August 16th, 2014 at 7:59:50 AM
permalink
Quote: WandererEveryone is probably comfortable splitting aces under all circumstances. But what about 8's? No matter the count or circumstances, do you split 8's all the time? If, for example, you have a high TC and a max bet on the table and you have 8's vs. a dealer 10, would you still split them?
Surrender at 0 for Zen and +1 for Hi-Lo. If surrender is not an option stand at +5. This is from memory, the +5 may be off by 1 but I don't think so.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
August 16th, 2014 at 8:16:15 AM
permalink
The split 8s is because its such a weak hand for the player to have and no matter what the remainder of the shoe's composition is getting hit with another 8 just puts you were you were.
August 16th, 2014 at 8:25:58 AM
permalink
The split 8's vs 10 is a tricky one. I use +5 as well for my index. The thing that makes splitting 8's vs 10 different is that it is a negative split. Splitting 8's vs 10 is still negative expectation (a losing hand), it is just a little less negative than standing. Sort of the lesser of 2 evils.
There is an extra consideration and that is that if you stand (assuming surrender is not available), you will use less cards. So if the count is favorable, maybe true count +3 or +4, still below the +5 threshold for standing, I might consider standing to possible get an extra round at a positive count. At a full table this won't make much difference, but playing heads up or even with one other person, saving 2-4 cards will likely mean an extra round (at a favorable count).
There is an extra consideration and that is that if you stand (assuming surrender is not available), you will use less cards. So if the count is favorable, maybe true count +3 or +4, still below the +5 threshold for standing, I might consider standing to possible get an extra round at a positive count. At a full table this won't make much difference, but playing heads up or even with one other person, saving 2-4 cards will likely mean an extra round (at a favorable count).
August 16th, 2014 at 8:28:09 AM
permalink
Quote: 1BBThis is from memory, the +5 may be off by 1 but I don't think so.
My charts (hilo) say not to split 88 vs X at 6. Surrender 16 vs X if possible at 0 and above.
May the cards fall in your favor.
August 19th, 2014 at 1:09:43 PM
permalink
According to my app (Blackjack X) here are the EVs for 88 vs. X with different hi-lo counts:
0: split = -0.48, stand or hit = -0.54, surrender = -0.5 obviously
1: split = -0.49, stand = -0.54
2: split = -0.506, stand = -0.55
3: split = -0.518, stand = -0.56
So, split when the TC is 0/1, surrender if it's higher.
Might depend on the rules, haven't checked. This is assuming "liberal Vegas" rules as I've seen them described on this site.
Feel free to let me know if you want me to run any numbers in particular.
0: split = -0.48, stand or hit = -0.54, surrender = -0.5 obviously
1: split = -0.49, stand = -0.54
2: split = -0.506, stand = -0.55
3: split = -0.518, stand = -0.56
So, split when the TC is 0/1, surrender if it's higher.
Might depend on the rules, haven't checked. This is assuming "liberal Vegas" rules as I've seen them described on this site.
Feel free to let me know if you want me to run any numbers in particular.
