Pair of 9s

Unless the dealer has an up-card of either 7 or more than 9, the player should split the 9s. Although the players original total of 18 should generally beat the dealers stiff up cards, by splitting the 9s the player is afforded the opportunity to cash in on their advantage.

If however, the dealer’s up-card is a 7, the player should assume the dealer will draw a 10 value card. If this is the case, the player’s best option is to do nothing. Likewise if the dealer has an Ace or a 10 value card, then splitting the 9s is unlikely to produce winning hands and so again, the player would be wise to stick with what they have.

INDEX:
H = HIT
S = STAND
P = SPLIT
D = DOUBLE DOWN
G = GIVE UP (surrender if allowed, otherwise hit)