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How To Play Pairs in Blackjack

From , former About.com Guide

Pairs are two of the same cards in you starting hand. By playing correct basic strategy  you reduce the house edge.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: one hour or less

Here's How:

  1. Look at the dealers up card.
  2. Look at the pair in you hand.
  3. If you have a pair of Aces or Eights: Always split.
  4. If you have a pair of twos or threes: Split if the dealer has 2 - 7, otherwise hit.
  5. If you have a pair of fours: Split if the dealer has 4 or 5, otherwise hit.
  6. If you have a pair of fives: Double if the dealer has 2 - 9, otherwise hit.
  7. If you have a pair of sixes: Split if the dealer has 2 - 6, otherwise hit.
  8. If you have a pair of sevens: Split 2 - 7, otherwise hit.
  9. If you have a pair of nines: Split 2 - 6, and  8 or 9. Stand if the dealer has 7, 10 or Ace.
  10. If you have a pair of tens: Always Stand.

Tips:

  1. These rules are for 4- 8 deck games when doubling after splitting is allowed.
  2. Always check the rules of the game before playing.
  3. Learn the different strategies for single or double deck games.

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