Blackjack Strategy When Splitting a Pair of Twos

Split: When the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 showing.
Hit: When the dealer has an 8, 9, 10 or Ace showing.

Why to split a pair of twos

Blackjack strategy says that it is very likely that the dealer is holding a ten. This is good if the dealer then has to draw and hopefully get another 10 to bust. The dealer has to stand on a 17 though. When splitting twos, the strategy is to get the dealer to bust, but if a 17 is drawn, and then there is a better chance of actually outscoring the dealer mathematically.

Why to hit a pair of twos

The name of the game is the law of tens that basic strategy assumes. There is a great chance that the dealer will get an 18, 19, 20 or 21 so it is not wise to split the twos and make another bet with mediocre cards. It is best to try beating the dealer and there is a lot of room to play with a low number like a 14 assuming you hit and get a ten card on top of the pair of twos.