Back
How To Play the Pair of 4s in Blackjack | LeoVegas

Mastering a Pair of 4s: A Complete Guide to Playing 4-4 in Blackjack

Getting a pair of 4s in blackjack might seem unremarkable at first, but how you play this hand can significantly impact your game. The hand sits in a grey area, as it’s neither particularly strong nor weak, so your decisions are crucial. Your best move depends on the dealer’s upcard, table rules, and overall strategy.

Table of Contents:

When you’re dealt a pair of 4s, you generally have three main options: split, double down, or hit. Each choice comes with its own benefits and risks, depending on the situation. This guide will help you understand the best strategies for playing a pair of 4s in various scenarios, allowing you to improve your chances of winning.

When to Split a Pair of 4s in Blackjack

Splitting a pair of 4s creates two separate hands, offering an opportunity to improve your winning odds. But this move isn’t always straightforward, as it heavily depends on the dealer's upcard and the game's specific rules. Here’s when splitting is your best bet.

Splitting Against a Dealer’s Upcard of 5 or 6

One of the best times to split a pair of 4s is when the dealer's upcard is a 5 or 6. These are known as weak cards for the dealer because they have a higher chance of busting. By splitting, you create two new hands, each starting with a 4, giving you a chance to build two solid hands.

Why is this a good move? When the dealer has a 5 or 6, they are more likely to bust. If you split your 4s and draw a 10 or 11, you could end up with totals of 14 or 15, which might be good hands to double down on if the house rules allow it. Splitting here takes advantage of the dealer's weak position and improves your chances of success.

Doubling Down After Splitting (DAS)

This is another effective strategy if the rules allow for doubling down after splitting. In many blackjack games, especially those with double or multiple decks, you can double your bet on each hand created after a split. This tactic is particularly useful when the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, giving you the chance to increase your winnings when the odds are in your favour.

Why go for DAS? Doubling down after splitting lets you take advantage of favourable cards, like a 10 or 11, and it further improves your chances when the dealer is likely to bust. For instance, if you're in a game where DAS is allowed, splitting 4s against a dealer’s 5 or 6 and doubling down can lead to higher returns than playing a single hand.

When Not to Split a Pair of 4s

While splitting can work well in certain situations, there are times when it’s better to avoid it. Knowing when not to split is just as important for saving your bankroll.

Against Dealer’s Upcard of 2, 3, or 7 and Higher

Avoid splitting a pair of 4s if the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. In these cases, splitting often leads to two weak hands (each starting with a 4) that don’t have much potential. Instead, hitting is generally a safer play to try to build a stronger total, especially when the dealer's upcard suggests they could have a good hand.

Why avoid splitting here? If the dealer shows a 3, it might seem like they have a weak hand, but splitting your 4s could result in two low-value hands that need serious improvement. Hitting and aiming for a total closer to 18 or higher usually gives you a better shot. Splitting is even riskier against a dealer showing a 9, 10, or Ace because the dealer is more likely to have built a strong hand.

Against Dealer’s Upcard of 4

If the dealer's upcard is a 4, it's usually better to hit rather than split, especially in games with multiple decks. If doubling down after splitting isn’t allowed, hitting gives you a better chance to reach a strong total. However, if you're playing a single-deck game where doubling down is allowed, splitting might be the smarter choice. The key is to know the specific rules of the game you're playing.

Understanding Game Variations and Rules

Different versions of blackjack have different sets of rules, which can significantly affect your strategy with a pair of 4s. Here are a few key rules to consider:

  • Number of Decks: Fewer decks generally favour the player, as they reduce the house edge. In a single-deck game, splitting a pair of 4s against a dealer's 4, 5, or 6 may be more favourable.
  • Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17: If the dealer must hit on a soft 17, they have a better chance of improving their hand, which could change your decision to split or hit.
  • Double Down After Split (DAS): This rule can heavily influence your choice to split, especially if the dealer shows a 5 or 6. Knowing whether DAS is allowed is crucial to making the right call, so it is always better to check the casino’s rules before committing.

By understanding these rules, you can adjust your strategy based on the specific game you're playing, giving yourself the best chance to win.

When to Double Down Instead of Hitting or Splitting

Sometimes, doubling down on a pair of 4s is better than hitting or splitting. If you're playing a game where doubling down after splitting is allowed, this move can be particularly beneficial when the dealer shows a weak upcard like a 5 or 6. Doubling down in these situations lets you increase your bet when the odds are in your favour.

Why double down? This strategy takes advantage of situations where the dealer is more likely to bust. Knowing when to double down can help you walk away with better wins, especially when the dealer's upcard suggests they’re in trouble.

Statistics and Probabilities: Making Informed Decisions

Understanding some basic probabilities can help you make the right decision with a pair of 4s:

  • Splitting Against a Dealer’s 5 or 6: Offers a high chance of winning because the dealer is more likely to bust.
  • Hitting Against Dealer’s 2 or 3: Often a safer move to build a stronger total without splitting into two weaker hands.
  • Avoiding Splits Against Strong Dealer Upcards (7 and Higher): Helps reduce the risk of big losses by keeping a single, potentially stronger hand.

Real-Life Scenario Examples

Let’s see these strategies in action:

  1. Dealer Shows a 5: You split your pair of 4s and draw a 10 on one hand and a 6 on the other. You double down on the 10 and hit on the 6. The dealer busts, and you win both hands, maximizing your returns.
  2. Dealer Shows a 7: Instead of splitting, you choose to hit. You draw a 3, bringing your total to 11, and then double down. You draw a 10, bringing your total to 21. The dealer ends with 19. By not splitting, you win the hand by playing smart.

Conclusion: Mastering the Pair of 4s in Blackjack

Mastering the pair of 4s in blackjack requires more than just following basic rules. You need to understand the dealer’s upcard, the impact of specific game rules, and how each decision affects your chances. Knowing when to split, hit, or double down lets you get the most out of your hand.

Always consider the unique rules and conditions of the game you're playing. With this guide, you should be better equipped with the knowledge to make the right choices and potentially boost your odds at the blackjack table.

FAQS

Here are some specific questions you might have regarding blackjack and how you can handle a pair of 4s.

What should I do if the dealer has a face card?

If the dealer shows a face card (a 10-value card of Jack, Queen, King, or Ace), it’s usually best to hit your pair of 4s and aim for a bigger total instead of splitting.

Is it ever wise to surrender with a pair of 4s?

Surrendering can be a smart move when facing a very strong dealer hand. It allows you to reclaim half of your bet, minimizing losses when the odds are against you.

How does a pair of 4s compare to other pairs?

A 4-4 hand is moderately strong, better than 2s or 3s but less favourable than 9s, 10s, or Aces.

How many times Can I split in blackjack?

Most standard rules allow up to 3 splits, but this can vary depending on the game version and house rules.

Learn about other blackjack strategies in our guides: