Blackjack can be simple on the surface, but the deeper you go, the more you realize that every decision matters. A recent video titled “Blackjack Strategy Explained: 4,4 vs 6” zooms in on one of those oddly tricky hands: two fours against a dealer’s six. Most players either hit out of habit or freeze up, unsure of what to do. But the right answer is simple if you know your basic strategy: you split.

So, why is this a split and not a hit? Let’s break it down.

Two fours total eight—not a bad number to start with, but not a great one either. Hitting on 8 gives you a shot at a 10 or 3 to build a stronger hand, but it also risks drawing low cards that leave you with weak totals like 12 or 13. Standing is out of the question—it’s mathematically awful. But splitting 4,4 turns one mediocre hand into two chances at better totals.

Now, the real reason this move works so well is the dealer’s upcard. When the dealer shows a 6, they’re in one of the weakest positions possible. Their odds of busting go up dramatically. In that situation, your goal as a player isn’t necessarily to build the best hand—it’s to maximize profit when the dealer goes down. By splitting 4,4, you get two hands that each have a decent shot of getting to 18 or higher. That puts the pressure back on the dealer.

The video does a great job walking through the logic with visuals, simulations, and even real-life hand tracking. It proves what the math has always shown: splitting 4,4 vs 6 gives you a better expected value than any other option. And that’s what serious players are always chasing—long-term value, not gut feelings.

But here’s the part many casual players miss: this is a very specific situation. You don’t split 4,4 against a 10, a 7, or even an 8. Only against 5 or 6. That’s why it’s critical to memorize basic strategy or have a chart handy when you’re learning. The house edge in blackjack can be reduced to less than 1%—but only if you make these decisions correctly every time.

Let’s talk bankroll. Splitting means doubling your bet, so it’s important to manage your chips wisely. If you’re down to your last $20, splitting might feel risky—but in terms of expected return, it’s still the smart move. Just make sure you’ve got the funds to back up correct plays when they come.

Here are the key takeaways for anyone wanting to master blackjack fundamentals:

• 4,4 vs 6? Always split. It’s the highest value move, especially when the dealer is most vulnerable.
• Don’t rely on instinct. Use math. Blackjack is beatable—emotions aren’t.
• Use charts or apps. Until the moves become automatic, lean on tools to stay sharp.
• Don’t second-guess. Just because it “feels” wrong doesn’t mean it is. Trust the data.
• Revisit your losses. If you’re losing often, review your plays. One or two misplays per session can be the difference between winning and walking home broke.

The difference between amateurs and skilled players often comes down to moments like this—seemingly small hands where the smart move isn’t obvious. But if you want to beat the casino, you need to make the right choice every time, not just when it’s easy.

So, next time you’re holding two fours and the dealer shows a 6, don’t hesitate. Smile, split, and let math do the rest.