A Pair of 4s vs Dealer 5: Split, Hit or Double?
Split, under every common rule set.
Why split is right
Two 4s make a hard 8 - a fine hitting hand - so most pairs of 4s never split. Against the dealer's two weakest cards, the 5 and 6, splitting becomes right when double-after-split is allowed: each 4 wants to catch a 5, 6 or 7 and turn into a monster doubling hand while the dealer is primed to bust. No double-after-split at your table? Just hit the 8 and keep it simple.
How the rules change the answer
This one is easy to memorize - the play doesn't change with the table rules.
| Table rules (6 decks) | Correct play |
|---|---|
| S17 · late surrender offered | Split |
| S17 · no surrender | Split |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Split |
| H17 · no surrender | Split |
Common questions
What is the correct play for a pair of 4s against a dealer 5?
Split. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to split. This play holds under every common rule variation.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for a pair of 4s vs a dealer 5?
No. Split is correct whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether or not surrender is offered.
Reading charts doesn't build reflexes. Drill this exact decision until it's automatic - our trainer deals from a real 6-deck shoe and grades every move.
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