Continuing from SND: Questions about online blackjack

[Rogaine]

I was playing on the golden palace blackjack tables and wasn't sure on how to play this one.  True count of the deck was roughly +2, definately a good one, and the split on the 8s was the only thing I could have done at the time, but I was still feeling sketchy against the dealers 10.  Is there anything else that I could have done?  I think no matter what I was going to get burned.

Code:

*********** # 1337 **************
GOLDENPALACE GAME #3867530988: BLACKJACK - 2004/04/26 - 17:23:29 (ET)
Table '13013923' 
Seat 1: Rogaine (31.50 in chips)
Seat 2: Burninator (28.00 in chips)
Seat 3: chiachick93 (32.00 in chips)
Rogaine: bets 5.00
Burninator: bets 2.50
chiachick93: bets 1.00
*** DEALING ***
Dealt to Rogaine [8h]
Dealt to Burninator [Ac]
Dealt to chiachick93 [5s]
Dealt to Rogaine [8s]
Dealt to Burninator [Qc]
Dealt to chiachick93 [Js]
Dealt to Dealer [10c]
Seat 2: Burninator has Blackjack [Ac Qc] and collected 3.25
Rogaine bets 5.00 and splits
Dealt to Rogaine [9h]
Dealt to Rogaine [Js]
Rogaine stands
Rogaine stands
chiachick93 hits
Dealt to chiachick93 [Qs]
Seat 3: chiachick93 busted [5s Js Qs] and lost 1.00
Dealer shows [Kh]
Dealer stands on 20 [10c Kh]
Seat 1: Rogaine loses 5.00 with 17 [8h 9h]
Seat 1: Rogaine loses 5.00 with 18 [8s Js]

[Madman]

Yup, you got screwed.

The rule is ALWAYS split Aces and Eights. It doesn't matter what the dealer is showing, you always split them. If you don't, then you are a moron. Just like if you EVER hit 17+ you are an idiot.

There is nothing you can do against that hand except hope the dealer has a 7 or less as his down card and then busts.

[Alluvian]

Okay, blackjack newb here.  Why are 8's always split again?  Statistically highest chance of getting to 21 or something?  Just wondering why the 8 is split and not a 7, 9, or 10.

Ace splitting is a no brainer even for the total blackjack newb.  Anyone who knows a facecard is 10 would split aces.

[Rogaine]

8s are split because 16 is poop.  Dealer keeps on hitting until he hits or exceeeds 17.  Two eights (16) has a chance of splitting into two 17s, 18s, or 19s off only one card, or something smaller than 16, which is easier to hit on.

[Alluvian]

Makes sense.

[Madman]

The plays shown in this basic strategy table are commonly recognized as correct for a four-deck game. However, for ease of use while sacrificing very little on accuracy, this strategy is recommended for any number of decks. Generally it will reduce the casino advantage to less than 1% over the long run.

The table has been seperated into four sections according to frequency of use. Section 1 should be learned first, followed by Sections 2, 3, 4.

The correct play is found where your hand initially consisting of 2 cards, intersects with the dealers up card. Section 1 should be played according to the table - standing or hitting as indicated regardless of the number of cards you have. If your hand in sections 2 and 3 is made of 2 cards, you would play according to the table. If your hand is based on 3 or more cards, doubling down and surrender is not allowed. Also, some casinos permit doubling down on 10 and 11 only. Hit when you can't double down with the exception of standing on a A,7 against a dealer 3-6. Section 4 consists of pairs only. Play your hand as indicated. Note the sidebar information.

Doubling down after splitting and surrender are not always permitted. Therefore, always ask the casino personnel if in doubt as to what rules are in force.

In regards to money management:
1. Gamble only with money you can afford to lose (spend on entertainment).
2. Budget your gambling money for the trip, for each day and for each playing session.
3. Increase your bet only when winning.

Code:

 2    3	  4	 5	 6	 7	 8	 9	 0	 A

17+	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
---
11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H
10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
5-8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
---
A,8-10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,7	S	D	D	D	D	S	S	H	H	H
A,6	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,5	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,4	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,3	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,2	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
---
AA,88	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
9,9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S
7,7	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
6,6	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
5,5	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
4,4	H	H	H	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
3,3	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
2,2	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H

Sidebar information:
If doubling down after splitting is NOT allowed, hit 2,2 and 3,3 vs. 2 and 3; 4,4 vs 5 and 6; 6,6 vs. 2.
When surrender is allowed, surrender 9,7 or 10,6 vs. 9, 10, A; 9,6 or 10,5 vs. 10.
Insurance is NOT recommended.

Edit - Grr, it didn't quite code right and I don't feel like trying to correct it.