How to Play a Pair of 7s in Blackjack?

Blackjack is a game with many strategic decisions. Players must make critical choices, such as when to hit, stand, split, or double down. Knowing which moves to make can be confusing at times and that’s why players will want to use basic strategy for the best chance to win.

Splitting can be especially troublesome for those not well-versed with basic strategy. Hands like 7-7 often present problems for players and this article focuses on how to play this hand. Should you split 7s in blackjack? Keep reading to find out more on this topic.

Blackjack Splitting Rules

For those new to the game, splitting in blackjack allows players to create two separate hands when dealt two of the same cards. For example, a player betting $10 and dealt 4-4 could theoretically add another $10 and split these into two hands.

The player will then receive a second card on the first 4 and can then hit, double down, or stand on that hand. The same process then plays out for the second 4. Here are a few other things to remember:

A player who is dealt aces can split but receives only one card for each ace.
Some casinos may allow players to split if dealt another of the same card as well – known as “resplitting.” For example, a player with 4-4 who splits and then receives another 4 may split again for a total of three hands (and possibly even more depending on the casino’s rules about resplitting).
Some hands may not be worth splitting, and it’s important to consult basic strategy.

When to Split 7s in Blackjack?

When to split 7s in blackjack can be particularly confusing for some players. Will a count of 14 stand up against the dealer’s hand? Or should you split and take a shot at at least getting a 17 or hopefully an even higher hand?

Consulting a basic strategy chart when dealt a pair of 7s offers players some of the best options. Here’s a look at some things to remember.

Do You Split 7s in Blackjack: One Losing or Two Winning Hands

So now that you know the basic strategy scenarios regarding when to split 7s in blackjack, you may be asking what is the thinking behind these decisions.

Generally against the dealer’s upcard of 2 through 7, a player would split because he then has a chance to make two winning hands. The dealer is likely to draw a 10-value card with 2 through 6 and then may stand on a 17 so the worst you do is tie that hand.

Against 8, 9, 10, or ace, a player has a decent chance of losing the hand no matter what. Splitting in this scenario means the player now has a chance to lose with two hands. It’s better to cut your losses and simply take a single loss in this case. As the saying goes: “Live to fight another day.”

Pair of 7s: Hit and Surrender

The surrender rule offers players another option when faced with hitting or splitting a pair of 7s. Surrender means you only lose half your bet and this option should be used when offered. In general, surrender can be found in single-deck games and should definitely be used when against the dealer’s 10 (more on this issue below).

Do You Split 7s Against a 10?

When the dealer has a 10, players will want to simply hit or surrender when this option is available. There is no reason to split 7s to make two potentially losing hands instead of just losing on a single hand. If a casino offers surrender, this is even better as you will only lose half your wager.

Single Deck Strategy

In games featuring doubling after split and standing on soft 17, players should split 7s against the dealer’s upcard of 2 through 8. You should hit against a 9 or ace. If surrender is allowed, then take advantage of this against the dealer’s 10 and stand if surrender isn’t allowed.
In games featuring standing on soft 17 but no doubling after splitting, split against the dealer’s 2 through 7 and hit against the dealer’s 8,9, or ace. If the dealer has a 10, surrender if allowed or simply stand.
In games featuring hitting on soft 17 and allowing doubling after splitting, split 7s against 2 through 7 and hit against 8 and 9. Against a dealer 10 or ace, surrender if allowed. If not, stand against a 10 and hit against an ace.

Double-Deck Strategy

When in a game utilizing two decks that allows doubling after splitting, players should split against a dealer’s 2 through 8 and hit against a 9, 10, or ace.

Multi-Deck Strategy

When dealt 7-7, players should split those 7s against a dealer’s upcard of 2 through 7.
Against all other cards, players should simply take a hit.

When NOT to Split 7s in Blackjack?

Following basic strategy makes this question an easy one to answer. In general, don’t split against the dealer’s 8, 9, 10, or ace in multi-deck games – simply take a hit. This mostly goes for double-deck and single-deck games as well (see above for specifics).

Splitting isn’t the best option against these favorable cards for the dealer and it’s not worth making two potentially sling hands.

Conclusion – Test Your Strategy at Lucky Block Casino

Knowing the strategies for when to split 7s in blackjack can be crucial in helping to find some winning sessions at the casinos – whether in a live setting or when playing online. Practicing and utilizing a basic strategy chart can go a long way in knowing how to play these hands.

Those looking to get in the action and practice some of those skills should consider checking out the blackjack tables at Lucky Block Casino. Sign-up only takes a few minutes and you can quickly take a seat in games that even feature live dealers like you might find in a real casino in Las Vegas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What numbers do you split in blackjack?

In general, players will split against the dealer’s 2 through 7 although this can vary depending on the game’s rules. See above for more clarification on the exact scenarios on when to split 7s.

Should I split 7s in blackjack?

Yes, but that will depend on the dealer’s upcard. Knowing basic strategy will help in this regard and you will always want to split against the dealer’s 2 through 7 and sometimes more depending on the game rules at the casino.

What is the rule of 7 in blackjack?

When considering splitting or not, split against the dealer’s 2 through 7 and simply hit against other cards.

What happens if you get three 7s in blackjack?

This occurs when a player is dealt 7-7 and then splits, only to be dealt another 7 on one of the two hands. Some casinos allow players to “resplit” this hand for a third hand. You will receive a second card on this hand as with the first two 7s. A player wagering $10 on the first hand will then have a total of $30 bet among all three hands. Rules for resplitting may vary by casino.