When to Split 8s Against a 10 in Blackjack
Blackjack may look simple, but there are many choices to make with every hand. One moment that often causes confusion is when you are dealt two 8s and the dealer is showing a 10. It can be tricky to know what your options are, whether playing at a table in a land-based casino or online.
This situation matters more than it first appears, because the choice you make shapes how the rest of the hand plays out. UK casinos follow rules set by the regulator, but individual games still vary, so it could help to know how your table is set up.
Understanding what to do here can make Blackjack feel more manageable, especially if you are still getting to grips with the basics. Read on to learn more.
What Does Splitting 8s Mean in Blackjack?
In Blackjack, splitting is available when your first two cards have the same value. If you receive two 8s, you can separate them into two hands, place a second bet equal to your original stake, and continue with each 8 as a new starting hand.
Each new hand receives an extra card from the dealer and is then played in the usual way. You decide whether to hit, stand or, where allowed, double down. Because you now have two hands, you may face two very different decisions in the same round.
Rules around splitting are set by the game you are playing. Some tables limit how many times you can split a pair, whether you can split again if another 8 appears, or if doubling after a split is allowed. These details are listed in the game rules or paytable and could be worth a quick look before you start.
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.
Why Is a Dealer 10 Such a Strong Card?
A dealer showing a 10 puts pressure on most player hands. Cards with a value of 10 include the 10 and face cards like the Jack, Queen and King, and there are 16 of them in a standard 52-card deck. That makes a 10 a solid platform for totals like 20, and if the hidden card is an Ace the dealer has 21.
Dealers usually draw until reaching at least 17. With a 10 already showing, there are many combinations that lead to a strong final total, which is why players treat a dealer 10 with caution.
Should You Always Split 8s Against a 10?
Two 8s make 16, which is one of the toughest totals to manage. Standing leaves you with a weak hand against a strong dealer start. Hitting brings a high bust risk. Splitting aims to improve that situation by turning one difficult hand into two fresh starts that can develop into totals like 18 or 19.
In most standard rule sets, splitting 8s against a 10 is the recommended play because it reduces how much you lose on average over time compared with playing 16 as a single hand. Even if one of the split hands struggles, the other can still reach a competitive total, which helps to balance the round.
That said, splitting requires a second stake of the same size, so the short-term swings are bigger. Table rules also matter. Options such as resplitting 8s or doubling after a split can nudge the numbers a little and are explained in the game’s information panel.
How Does Basic Blackjack Strategy Guide This Decision?
Basic strategy is built from calculations that compare all the possible outcomes for every player hand against every dealer upcard. Its aim is to lower the house edge by choosing the option with the strongest expected return over many rounds.
Against a dealer 10, these charts typically recommend splitting 8s rather than hitting or standing on 16. Splitting takes a weak position and gives you two chances to build totals that compete more often with a dealer who finishes on 17 to 20. The maths behind those charts also considers the composition of the deck and common table rules.
Small rule changes can shift the guidance slightly. For example, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, if doubling after splitting is allowed, or how many decks are in use. The help or paytable section on your table outlines these rules so you can apply the chart’s thinking to the version you are playing.
What Are the Risks of Splitting 8s Against 10?
The most obvious risk is the extra stake. Splitting doubles the amount you have in play for that round, which means losing both hands is costlier than losing a single 16.
There is also the dealer’s position to consider. A 10 upcard often leads to a total near 20. In that case, even well-built player hands can still fall short. After the split, your next cards might be awkward too. Totals like 13 or 14 are hard to play against a dealer 10 and can leave you making tight calls.
House rules influence how you can manage these moments. If resplitting 8s is allowed and you receive another 8, you might be able to create a third hand. If doubling after a split is offered and you draw a 2 or 3 to make 10 or 11, that option can be valuable. Knowing what is permitted at your table could help you get the best from the split when good follow-up cards appear.
What Happens If You Hit or Stand Instead of Splitting?
Keeping the two 8s together leaves you on 16. As mentioned earlier, that total tends to perform poorly against a dealer 10. Hitting improves the hand only with smaller cards, while many other cards push you over 21. Standing avoids the bust risk but leaves you with a total that loses frequently to a dealer who finishes on 17 to 20.
Because both alternatives carry significant drawbacks in this specific match-up, splitting is usually favoured on long-run performance. It does not turn the round into an easy win, but it could potentially help you avoid the weakest of the three options.
Splitting 8s Against 10 in Online Blackjack
Online Blackjack offers the same core decision, with rules clearly shown in each game’s information panel. When you split 8s online, you still place an extra bet equal to your first stake, and you play out two separate hands.
The finer details vary by game. Some versions allow only one split, others permit resplitting pairs, and a number let you double down after splitting. Live dealer games stream real cards from a studio, while digital tables use a Random Number Generator (RNG). Both formats are tested to check that the dealing process is fair.
Before you start, open the rules or paytable via the help or information icon. It shows the number of decks, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and what you can do after a split. With that context, the guidance on 8s against a 10 becomes easier to apply.
Key Points to Remember Before Splitting 8s Against 10
A few practical notes help this decision feel clearer at the table.
- Splitting two 8s turns one weak total into two playable hands and is generally the stronger choice against a dealer 10 in standard rules.
- You will have two equal stakes in play. If both hands lose, the cost is higher, so choose a table limit that suits your budget.
- Check the table rules. Resplitting pairs and doubling after a split can both affect how well the split performs.
- The dealer’s procedure matters. Whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17 and the number of decks in use both influence the maths slightly.
- Read the game’s help section. The paytable or info panel explains everything you can and cannot do after a split, which avoids surprises mid-hand.
If you would like to compare rules before you play, you could use our game pages to review table details side by side. With a quick rules check and a clear plan for 8s against a 10, you will approach this common spot with more confidence and consistency.
**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.