Should You Split 8s Against 10 in Blackjack?
Understanding what to do when you are dealt a pair of 8s in blackjack can feel confusing, especially if the dealer is showing a 10. It looks straightforward, yet it often trips people up.
Blackjack is a card game where each decision, including splitting, hitting, or standing, affects your results over time. If you want a clear, no-nonsense take on what to do with 8s against a 10, read on for a practical explanation that joins the dots as you go.
What Does Splitting 8s in Blackjack Mean?
In blackjack, splitting lets you turn a pair into two separate hands. If your first two cards are both 8s, you can split them by placing a second bet equal to your original stake. Each 8 then starts its own hand, and you receive one additional card to each.
From there, you play out two independent hands. The aim stays the same: finish closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Many games allow or restrict specific actions after a split, such as whether you can split again or double after splitting, so a quick rules check at the table pays off.
If you decide to try your hand at blackjack, always remember to gamble responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Do Blackjack Strategy Charts Recommend Against a Dealer 10?
Strategy charts are based on computer simulations and probability. They outline the play that minimises average losses over many hands, not a guaranteed outcome on the next one.
With a pair of 8s against a dealer 10 (10, Jack, Queen, or King), these charts recommend splitting. One total of 16 is statistically weaker than starting two separate hands on 8, because 16 is difficult to improve and often loses to a dealer’s strong finish.
Different tables can come with slightly different rules, and that can nudge advice at the margins. Still, for this specific matchup, charts consistently point to splitting as the sounder choice.
How Does Splitting 8s Against 10 Affect Your Chances?
Keeping 8s together gives you 16, a total that struggles against a dealer 10. Standing leaves you hoping the dealer fails to reach 17 or more, and hitting risks going over 21 because so many cards count as 10.
Splitting changes the equation. Two starting hands of 8 are more flexible than a single 16. Each can develop into totals like 18, 19, or 20, and even when one hand falters, the other can still return something respectable. Over time, analysis shows that splitting in this spot reduces average losses compared with standing or hitting on 16.
Table rules shape the numbers. Options like doubling after splitting, the number of decks, and whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17 all influence outcomes. Knowing these details could help you understand how much value splitting is likely to deliver at the table you are playing.
What Are the Risks of Not Splitting 8s?
Choosing not to split leaves you with a hard 16. Stand, and you are often behind a dealer who completes a hand of 17 to 20. Hit, and many draws will push you over 21.
From a statistical point of view, 16 against a dealer 10 tends to lose more often than two separate hands starting from 8. That is why strategy charts mark splitting as the play that usually limits the damage best over a long run of hands. While any single round can go either way, avoiding the split typically raises the average cost of this situation.
This idea links to a broader theme in blackjack: how rules and choices affect the built-in edge.
House Edge and Player Decisions Explained
The house edge is the long-term average the casino expects to earn from each pound wagered. In blackjack with player-friendly rules and sound decision-making, it can be around 0.5%. Stray from percentage-backed choices and the edge rises against you.
Small rule changes matter. Games that pay 6 to 5 on blackjack instead of 3 to 2, dealer hitting soft 17, no doubling after splitting, or restrictions on re-splitting all increase the house advantage. The decision with 8s against 10 sits within this bigger picture: when your choices align with the maths behind the game, you typically keep that edge as low as possible.
Checking a table’s rules before you join could give you a clearer sense of how your decisions will play out over time.
When Might It Make Sense Not to Split 8s?
In standard blackjack, splitting 8s against a 10 is almost always the best of the available options. That said, context matters.
Some games cap or remove key options, such as not allowing double after split or limiting re-splits. If the rules reduce the value of splitting, it is reasonable to weigh up whether keeping the pair together suits your approach, though the maths still tends to favour the split.
Practical factors can also influence your choice. Splitting doubles your stake for that round, so if you are keeping to a set spend or do not want to increase your outlay on a tough hand, you might choose not to split on that occasion. There are also unusual formats and variants where payouts or deck counts are different from standard rules, and that can move the numbers slightly.
Play Blackjack Online
If you want to explore how online blackjack works, Mr Luck offers a range of tables and formats for both newcomers and experienced players. Each game includes clear rules, covering points like the number of decks, whether the dealer hits soft 17, and what is allowed after a split, so you can pick a table that fits how you like to play.
All games are independently tested and operate under UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulations. Outcomes are random, and no decision removes the risk of losing. Deposits and withdrawals are available for straightforward account management.
You will also find built-in tools that help you manage your play, including optional limits and reminders. If you would like to try blackjack or compare different variants, visit our games page to learn more before you start. With a good grasp of the rules and a clear plan, even tricky spots like 8s against a 10 feel easier to handle.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.