splitting 8's

Hi, I know in basic strategy you always split 8's. But a friend told me there is advanced strategy where this isn't the case. Is this true? Where would you not split 8's? Thanks.

If the count is negative, and the game offers surrender, then you would surrender instead of splitting against the 10.

Also if the count were extremely positive (+6 or more), you would stand instead of splitting against the 10.

If you are playing European no-hole card rules, where the dealer doesn't take the hole card until after you play your hand, and you lose all your bets if he has a blackjack, then you wouldn't split 8s against the Ace.

Other than that, always split 8s.

Most all count systems have a point at which you can "stop" splitting eights, usually against a dealer 10. For example... using Hi-Lo you can stop splitting 8's vs. 10 at +8, (I think).

According to "Blackbelt in Blackjack" late surrender 88 if the count is >= 0, split if count < 0. This is the opposite of your statement, "If the count is negative, and the game offers surrender, then you would surrender instead of splitting against the 10."

For dealer stands on S17:
DAS allowed
vs 10: Stand above +6.5 True Count, Surr above +.75 TC if available
vs 9: Surr above +11.5 TC

DAS not allowed
vs 10: Stand above +4.25 TC, Surr above +.25 TC if available
vs 9: Stand above +23.0 TC, Surr above +7.5 TC if available

Using the Silver Fox count system.

You should surrender 8,8 when the count is positive, split if negative.

The higher the count, the more likely you should surrender a hand.

Thanks for the correction.

What is DAS?

I appreciate the help. My friend had said the non-splitting had nothing to do with card counting, it was just "advanced strategy". But from your answers, I'm guessing he's wrong.

For example, you split 8's and draw a 3 - you now have 11 and are allowed to double down on that hand.

Dtm

SOTSOG, Wrong again! See how easy it is to make a mistake? Hehehe.

Over and over again for years at a time.

I gave Walter anything to use as ammo against you - that was not my intent at all.

If you see any other errors I make, please correct me. Unlike, SOME people, I am always trying to learn more and more every day. Sort of continious quality improvement. (of which team feedback is always needed and welcome.)

I do not have a closed mind, desperately clinging to wrong ideas. Unlike SOME people who only have little peas shot out of bean shooters for ammo, I prefer to use a whole arsenal of proven deadly weapons when I conduct a "Blackjack Attack".

If you are counting then the most important play variation would be as mentioned, standing vs. 10 when the count is highly positive (+7 or so). After that you could hit vs. Ace when the count is highly negative (-7 or so). If anyone disagrees let me know. Of course the numbers depend on how many decks, the rules, and which counting system you are using.

And really works! I've been playing a few sessions and is up $2600 thanks for your system. You said that your system exploits the streakiness of the shoe using 4 consecutive progressions but I had experimented with a 7 consecutive progression with a winning result. Do you think 4 steps is the best or maybe it is possible to use 7 since it is a popular number in magic squares it could influence the odds in a unique way.

Thanks again for sharing your winning system with us.

Just wait til Frank tries to bait you with the FLAW!