How do you know whether to split a pair of 4s or not? You can look at your basic strategy chart and you’ll find an answer but it may not be the best answer for once. The times to spit or not to split are actually determined by the house rules.
If you’re playing in a blackjack game where you are allowed to double down after splitting that is a time to split.
Okay, your blackjack basic strategy chart does have a role in how you play your pair of 4s. If you look at it, it will tell you to hit most of the time. But if you look at what plays to make when the dealer has an up card of 5 or 6, you will see that it will tell you to split.
And that is when you want to split, but only if you are allowed to double down after splitting. If you are dealt a 5, 6, 7 or Ace to one of your 4s when splitting you are in a very good place to double down. Yes, you are going to have to put more money on the table, but the point of having a strategy is to know when you’re in an advantageous position and how to play them. A pair of 4s in a blackjack game where you can double after splitting is one of those advantageous positions. So scoot those extra chips out there.
But if the house isn’t allowing players to double down after splitting then you will want to play those 4s as an 8 and hit.
