Blackjack Strategy for Splitting 9s

Some hands really perplex blackjack players at times and leave them wondering what’s the correct play to make. Whether splitting 9s in blackjack is one of those situations that can be confusing in regard to what’s the best move.

Basic strategy is always your friend and offers the best play based on the math behind the game. You may already know that splitting 10s is always a bad idea, but what about 9s? That may bring some added confusion. While 10-10 equals a solid 20, 9-9 totals 18 and isn’t quite as good.

Keep reading to learn all about whether you should split 9s in blackjack.

What Does It Mean to Split 9s in Blackjack?

What to do with a hand like 9-9 should always be based on basic strategy. When a player is dealt two of the same cards, they can add another wager and split these hands into two different hands. But players shouldn’t always make this move.

Having 9-9 means the player has 18 and this is a decent hand, but not always a winner. This hand can present some challenges as players look to beat the dealer.

When to Split 9s in Blackjack

Whether splitting 9s in blackjack is the right play should always depend solely on basic strategy. This determines the rules to follow. Luckily, the rules on splitting 9s are easy to remember and apply to all games, regardless of rules. Like a pair of 10s, there are some definite rules that players should remember:

• 9-9 in all games – Split on 2-6 and 8-9. Stand against all other upcards (7 and ace).

While splitting some hands may depend on the game rules, when to split 9s in blackjack is a firm rule no matter which game you’re playing.

Do You Split 9s Against a 9?

As noted in the rules above, players will want to double against any dealer2 through 6 and 8 or 9. Splitting in this instance means a player has the potential of building two hands that can become winners.

When splitting, each 9 has a nice potential to draw a 10-valuecard or even an ace to build two better hands than the dealer’s potential hands. Splitting 9-9 against a dealer 9 is always a good idea.

What Other Pairs Can You Split?

There are some hands that offer plenty of potential for winning when splitting. Here are a few considerations for some hands that trouble players at times.

• Aces – Always split aces as there is great potential to make solid hands with additional cards, hopefully blackjacks on both hands.
• 10s – Players would never want to split 10s. Breaking up the second-best hand in the game can easily turn a winning hand into a loser.
• 7s – Splitting hands like 7-7 depends on the dealer’s upcard and players should consult a basic strategy chart for some of these types of hands.
• 8s – Splitting 8s depends on the situation. In most single- and double-deck games, a player would split in all situations. In games with four decks or more, it depends on the game’s rules. Some rules call for always splitting while most others call for splitting against 2 through 10 and surrendering against an ace.

It’s important to remember that consulting a basic strategy chart is always helpful in determining whether you should split certain hands or not.

Should You Split 9s in Blackjack? Pros and Cons

Whether to split 9s in blackjack depends on the dealer’s upcard. When considering this play, here are some pros and cons of the strategy options available.

Advantages

• Split against 2 through 6 offers the chance to secure winning hands against weak upcards.
•  The dealer often busts against 2 through 6.
• You have the chance to win on two hands, including against 8 and 9.

Disadvantages

• Splitting against a 7 can turn a likely winner of 18 against a 17 into a potential losing hand.
• You will have to bet more when splitting, so there is some additional risk involved.

Conclusion

Splitting a pair can often allow players the chance at two winning hands rather than one. But players should always consult a basic strategy chart when making these decisions. Splitting 9s is recommended in most cases, no matter the game rules or number of decks in play at the table.

Against the dealer’s 2 through 6, players will want to split as you can make solid hands against inferior dealer upcards. The same goes for 8 and 9 and players have a chance to still make solid hands against the dealer upcards as well.

When it comes to a 7 or ace, a player will simply want to stand as the dealer has a high potential of having a 17 with the 7 or drawing a better hand with an ace. Don’t turn one winner or one potential loser into two potential losing hands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you split in blackjack?

That depends on the hand, but there are numerous pairs a player will want to split at times. Some of those that are often split include 2-2, 3-3, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, and A-A.

Do you split 9s in blackjack?

Yes, players will want to split against 2 through 6 or 8 and 9. This offers players a good chance of making two winning hands instead of one.

What to do against a dealer 9 in blackjack?

Players will still want to split according to basic strategy. This gives the player a chance at two winning hands.

How do you play 9s?

Follow basic strategy and split against 2 through 6 and also against 8 and 9.