Should you split 9s against a 7?
Stand. The book stands on two 9s against a 7, 10 or ace and splits against the rest.
Why
Two 9s are 18. With a 7 showing, the dealer ends on 19 or better only 23.1% of the time and ties your 18 13.8%. The rest, 63.1%, is a 17 or a hand that goes over 21, and 18 beats both.
Splitting puts out a second bet to start two hands on 9. The book splits 9s against every dealer card but a 7, 10 or ace. Against a 7, standing on 18 does better.
When the answer changes
This one doesn't change. Every rule set the chart covers stands on two 9s against a 7: one, two, six or eight decks, the dealer hitting or standing on soft 17, with or without double after split and surrender.
The full basic strategy chart for six decks, dealer hits soft 17, with every other rule set a tap away.
Questions
Should you split 9s against an 8?
Yes. Against an 8 the book splits 9s. A dealer showing an 8 goes over 21 24.4% of the time.
Is it different at a single-deck table?
No. At the app's table with a single deck, the book still stands. So does every rule set the chart covers.
More hands
- Should you split 9s against a 10?
- Should you split 10s against a 6?
- Should you split 7s against an 8?
- Should you split 8s against a 10?
- Should you split 2s against a 7?
- Blackjack hands, one at a time
Guides
Know the book before you sit down.
