In blackjack, it is always advantageous to split pairs (8s and 10s), as this gives you a total of 16 instead of 17. This is because the house edge on blackjack is 1.6%, meaning that for every 100 hands played, the house will win 64 hands and lose 35.
Splitting pairs therefore increases your chances of winning by 0.6%.
However, there are a few caveats to remember when splitting pairs in blackjack. Firstly, if the dealer has a higher face card than you – for example, a 6 – then splitting 8s with another player is not beneficial, as this would give you a total of 10 instead of 16. Secondly, if the dealer has an Ace showing, then splitting 8s with another player is not advantageous as this would give you a total of 12 instead of 16.
Finally, if the dealer has any other card showing besides an Ace or a 2 or 3, splitting 8s with another player is advantageous as this would give you a total of 16 instead of 17. So, while it is always advantageous to split pairs in blackjack, there are some circumstances in which it is not the best move.
