Playing 6-6 vs. 2 in Blackjack

Here's the situation:
Us: 6,6
Them: 2

Here's the situation - you're playing a multiple deck game where DDAS (doubling down after split) is available. You've been dealt a pair of sixes and the dealer has a two showing. That's always a tough card to play against, and not to be taken lightly. What is the right way to go here?

The mathematically correct play here is to split up your sixes. But that may seem a bit much for some when you consider the dealer can exactly be classified as "weak' with an upcard of 2, and playing off a six doesn't appear to be a position of strength.

So let me explain it.

Generally, you're looking at three play options here:

1. To HIT, which involves plugging the hard 12 into the Basic Strategy, which brings with it 60% losers.
2. You can STAND on the hard 12, which is worse, producing almost 65% losing hands. You are not in a winning situation here, so your top priority has to be self-preservation, which means you have to cut down on your exposure to losses.
3. You accomplish this by splitting up the sixes if doubling after splits is allowed. There are more cards which can help you improve your lot, including the three, which puts you at 9 and presents an opportunity for a solid hand; the ace, which puts you at 7 or 17 and offers some flexibility; and the four and five, both of which will put you in a doubling situation.

All in all, splitting will put you in a position where you will lose only 56% of your wagers, a much better option than the other two that are available.

US vs. THEM Blackjack Strategy Series
An Analysis
By Charles Jay

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