I think learning how to handle pairs is incredibly helpful, even if you don’t have to make these choices that often. I always double down when I have a pair of fives, if the casino allows it. For the rest of the pairs, I use other rules. Of course I always split if I have pairs of aces or eights. For twos and threes, I split if the dealer a 2-7. If not, then I take a hit. On fours, I only split if the dealer has a five or a six. For sixes, I split if the dealer has a 2-6. I split sevens if the dealer has 2-7 and nines if the dealer has 2-6, 8 or 9. I stand on nines if the dealer has a 7, 10 or ace. And of course, I always stand on tens!

How do you deal with pairs?

Thanks for taking pain to explain the above. It would definitely help newbie and amateur players. I generally split any pair as my thumb rule says “Take your chances”

I do agree with realplayer. Its all about taking your chances. When you strike a pair, I suggest to split them and increase your chances. That’s my thumb rule too!

twoeyedjack - 12 January 2009 03:17 AM

I think learning how to handle pairs is incredibly helpful, even if you don’t have to make these choices that often. I always double down when I have a pair of fives, if the casino allows it. For the rest of the pairs, I use other rules. Of course I always split if I have pairs of aces or eights. For twos and threes, I split if the dealer a 2-7. If not, then I take a hit. On fours, I only split if the dealer has a five or a six. For sixes, I split if the dealer has a 2-6. I split sevens if the dealer has 2-7 and nines if the dealer has 2-6, 8 or 9. I stand on nines if the dealer has a 7, 10 or ace. And of course, I always stand on tens!

How do you deal with pairs?

I don’t agree with the above posts coz there is no need to take unnecessary chances when you are already having a great one at hand. TJ has put up a great mini-tutorial sort of for the situation. I think he’s got it right and we should follow it.

Well like few others I too agree that one should take his chances while playing BJ. Say if you have a pair of 10, you would surely win that hand but if you split you have chances of winning two hands. So its best to split in any pair. According to me splitting is the best way to tackle pairs.

WOW we have a huge discussion on handling pairs. Great to learn so many views. I think one should take chances only if he/she is not sure of winning in present state.

Indeed it is a great discussion. In general cases I split pairs and take my chances but there are exceptions like what is mentioned in the OP.

I’ve always split when I have pairs but after reading this I might try a couple where I just either stand or take a hit. I’m not sure how well it would work but I can give it a try.

Yes, I agree QofHearts, I am a big splitter, I love to double up on the chance of winning. I think that this is probable the suggested method, either way that is how I would play it, if it was dealt to me.

Oh Mr. Big Splitter, I think you are doing it all wrong! See you don’t need to split few cards while you can/must split a few. So don’t mix them. Its mix bag of cherries, black berries, strawberries… Don’t mix them.

Watch your cards and think for yourself. Watch and keep record of the dealer cards (...ofcourse in mind). This would be enough to decide on almost any technique.