Yes, correct (nt)
I think the index for splitting 7/7 v 8 in an 8-deck-game is much higher than +4. Wong gives +5 for four decks as opposed to -1 for single deck. My own program for infinite decks produces +9,already too high to care about. These are ev-maximising indices. The risk-averse index would probably be astronomical.
Francis Salmon
Many casinos offer an extra benefit for three sevens. This is often an immediate 1-1 payment (in addition to the ordinary settlement). It would be a pity to miss that opportunity by splitting.
It's also worth noting that if there are only tens left the player loses
for sure with 7/7 v 8 no matter what he does. But if he splits he loses 200% of his original bet. This explains the +19 reverse-index that Wong indicates.
Francis Salmon
I play 6 deck shoes. I've always split 8's, period. In BJBBII Fred says to split 8's unless the dealer hits a soft 17 then you should surrender. Also-in the movie 21 (ok-I realize it's just a movie)we hear them discussing BS and they say you should never split 8's against a dealers' Ace upcard. What do you think Don? Thank you.
"I play 6 deck shoes. I've always split 8's, period. In BJBBII Fred says to split 8's unless the dealer hits a soft 17 then you should surrender."
You didn't mention the dealer's upcard, but obviously, we're talking about an ace here. Fred is correct. In multi-deck, H17, correct BS is to surrender 8,8 v. Ace. If you can't surrender, then split. Whether DAS or not, all split expectations are worse than -51%, whereas, of course, surrender e.v. is precisely -50%.
"Also-in the movie 21 (ok-I realize it's just a movie)we hear them discussing BS and they say you should never split 8's against a dealers' Ace upcard."
Well, that's not true, as the correct BS is to split in S17 shoe games.
"What do you think Don? Thank you."
Again, it's not what I think! We don't get to vote on this. The proper question is: "What's the correct BS for this play?" So, see above.
Don
Our friend Ralph said always split 8,8; except surrender them vs a 10 at a true count of 2 and surrender at a TC of 3.
Thank you Sir.
