A Pair of 6s vs Dealer 2: Split or Hit?
Split, under every common rule set.
Why split is right
Hard 12 against a 2 is a hit (see that page for why), but a PAIR of 6s against a 2 splits - the distinction confuses everyone at least once. Splitting works because each 6 against a weak dealer card has real upside: catch a 4 or 5 and you're doubling into a dealer who breaks a third of the time. The split is only correct with double-after-split allowed; without it, revert to treating the hand as a hard 12 and hit.
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 6s against a dealer 2?
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 6s vs a dealer 2?
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.
Practice in the Trainer (enable Pairs Only) →