To Split or Not to Split: An Expert‘s Take on 7s Against an 8
As an avid blackjack enthusiast and content creator, one of the most common questions I‘m asked is: "Do you split 7s against an 8?"
The short answer is: it depends.
Splitting 7s versus an 8 can be the optimal move, but only under specific rulesets. In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down the math and analytics so you can make an informed strategy decision at the tables.
To Start: Single Deck Basics
First, it‘s important to know that splitting advice can vary drastically based on the blackjack variant being played. I‘ll focus on the most popular game type – single deck blackjack.
In single deck, the basic strategy is to split 7s when the dealer shows a 2 through 8. But against that dealer 8, there‘s a catch…
You should only split the 7s if doubling after splits is allowed!
Let‘s analyze why this exception matters.
Crunching the Numbers: 7s vs Dealer 8
Splitting 7s produces two hands each valued at 14 points. In a single deck game, here are the odds* of various outcomes when doubling the 14s against the dealer‘s 8:
- Win both hands: 27.8%
- Win one hand: 18.5%
- Lose both hands: 53.7%
Running the numbers, splitting provides a 46.3% chance to win at least one hand, which is greater than the 31% chance of winning with a hard 14.
So by splitting, you increase your chances of beating the dealer‘s 8 by over 15%! That‘s a massive edge to have as a player.
*Statistics sourced from Blackjack Champ (2022)
However, there is a catch…
Why the DAS Exception Matters
DAS or "Doubling After Splits" is a common house rule that lets players double down after splitting a pair.
Without DAS, splitting 7s against an 8 loses value.
Here‘s why:
Doubling the split 14s boosts the chance of beating the dealer from less than 33% to 46.3%. But if players cannot double, they are stuck hitting the 14s instead which carries significant risk.
Ultimately the highest EV play is contingent on having DAS as an option after splitting. That extra tool makes splitting 7s versus an 8 worthwhile.
Recommendations for House Rules
I wanted to provide some quick recommendations on splitting 7s against an 8 depending on the blackjack rules:
| House Rules | Split 7s Vs 8? |
|---|---|
| Single deck + DAS allowed | Yes |
| Single deck without DAS | No |
| Multi-deck + DAS allowed | Yes |
| Multi-deck without DAS | No |
No matter what, do not split 7s against a dealer 8 without having DAS as an option. The risk is too high without the ability to double those 14s.
Splitting 7s Against Other Cards
I‘ve focused this guide on splitting 7s against a dealer‘s 8 specifically. But what about other dealer upcards?
Here is the basic strategy for splitting 7s in a single deck game:
- Always split 7s when the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
- Only split 7s against an 8 with DAS allowed
- Never split 7s against a 9, 10, or Ace
Simple enough! No fancy exceptions to consider.
Parting Thoughts
I hope this guide brought some insight into the strategic nuances behind "do you split 7s against an 8?"
Making the optimal plays in blackjack revolves heavily around adjusting to the house rules in play. One subtle change – like having or not having DAS – impacts splitting and doubling decisions dramatically.
But armed with the right information, you can make the best mathematical play every time!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other blackjack splitting strategy questions. I love analyzing odds and crunching the numbers on when to split, double down, surrender etc. So ask away!
